What is GalacTex: Large Language Models for Overleaf?
GalacTex deeply integrates large language model (LLM) capabilities into the Overleaf online LaTeX editing platform. Its core architecture consists of a Chrome extension working in tandem with a user‑hosted Galactica model server. The extension itself does not run the model; it merely handles request forwarding and interaction control, ensuring that sensitive academic content remains within the local environment. The project builds upon GPT4Overleaf and LeafLLM, with specialized adaptations tailored to Overleaf’s DOM structure and editing workflow.
Key features
Shortcut-based auto-completion: In the Overleaf editor, pressing `Alt+C` triggers LLM-driven automatic completion of LaTeX code or text.
Enhanced completion for selected content: First select a block of LaTeX code or descriptive text, then press `Alt+Shift+C`; the selected content will be submitted as an exact prompt to the local Galactica server to generate context-aware results.
Use cases and audience
Researchers, university faculty and students, and technical writers who use Overleaf to create LaTeX documents require localized, highly privacy-protected LLM-assisted editing capabilities.
- Real-time invocation of a large language model (LLM) within the Overleaf editor to automatically complete LaTeX code
- Generate context-aware continuation or rewriting suggestions based on the LaTeX text snippet selected by the user.
- Run the Galactica model via a locally self-hosted server to ensure privacy and offline processing of sensitive academic content.
LaTeX source code text entered or selected by the user within Overleaf
LaTeX code completions or continuations generated by the Galactica model
Frequently asked questions
What should you do if the plugin is unresponsive?
You need to check whether the Chrome extension’s keyboard shortcuts conflict with other plugins; you can view and adjust them on the chrome://extensions/shortcuts page.
Does this tool collect or upload any user data?
No user data is collected; all configuration information is stored locally only. The developer states that the data is not used for purposes beyond core functionality, is not sold to third parties, and is not used for credit assessments.
How to use
- 01
Install the GalacTex Chrome extension.
- 02
Go to the GalacTex-Server repository (GitHub) to deploy and run your self-hosted server.
- 03
Click the plugin icon in your browser toolbar and configure the server endpoint address.
- 04
In Overleaf, press `Alt+C` to trigger auto-completion, or select some text and press `Alt+Shift+C` for selective completion.
Official website & sources
Sources
Updated on 2026-10-29
