PairTeX skill
A local review layer for LaTeX projects: comments and edits in an HTML view are recorded as feedback files that an agent reads
- 173 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Minimal access
Why this level
- A local server on `localhost` writes feedback files into the `.pairtex/` folder of your project
- Preparing the HTML runs the LaTeX build command that you set
Install
- Works in
In your terminal, with SkillFoxx CLI
npx skillfoxx add skills/pairtexDetects the agents on your machine, shows the access level and pins the version.
Other ways to install
Access and checks
How we reviewMinimal accessThe tool runs nothing and makes no network calls.
- A local server on `localhost` writes feedback files into the `.pairtex/` folder of your project
- Preparing the HTML runs the LaTeX build command that you set
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
PairTeX turns an existing LaTeX repository into an HTML projection where a human reads, comments on and edits text in place. Every action is recorded in separate feedback files in `.pairtex/feedback/`, while Git, the compiler and the agent stay where they are: the source TeX is canonical and PairTeX does not change it. The agent reads the feedback files and decides how to change the sources. The server starts with `python3 pairtex.py --project /path/to/paper --html /tmp/pairtex-rendered/main.html --port 8765`. The `pairtex_render.py` script prepares HTML from the project through a build command such as `latexmk`. The interface has Edit and Review modes, comment threads, formula editing and section navigation. The `skills/pairtex-agent/SKILL.md` skill explains to the agent how to work with feedback files.
Who it is for. Authors and supervisors of research papers written in LaTeX with a coding agent who want to comment on the manuscript in a browser, without copying quotes from a PDF into a chat.
Good fit when
- A manuscript is read from a PDF and remarks have to be carried into a chat by hand
- The agent should get comments tied to a place in the text instead of a retelling
- A formula is fixed right in the view and the edit is recorded as feedback
- Several people work on a paper and each has their own view instance
Not a fit when
- You need a full online LaTeX editor with cloud collaboration: PairTeX is local and small
- The manuscript is not in Git and has no build: the project expects an existing repository and a working build command
- Automatic editing without an agent is required: PairTeX only records feedback
Example request
Read the PairTeX feedback files in .pairtex/feedback and apply edits to main.tex based on my comments.Limitations
Python 3 and a working LaTeX build for the project, for example `latexmk`, are required to prepare the HTML. PairTeX does not synchronize the projections of different users: each has their own temporary HTML. The project, the compiler, Git and the agent stay in place, and the HTML and feedback files are treated as disposable. The agent decides how to apply remarks to the TeX, so check edits in Git. The repository includes demos with ICLR, NeurIPS and ICML templates. The latest commit in the repository is from September 2026.
How to disable. Stop the `pairtex.py` process and delete the `.pairtex/` folder in the project along with the temporary HTML. PairTeX does not change the TeX sources, so no extra steps are needed.
FAQ
How do I start PairTeX?
With `python3 pairtex.py --project /path/to/paper --html /tmp/pairtex-rendered/main.html --port 8765`. If the port is busy the server takes the next free one on localhost.
Where are the comments stored?
In independent files in `.pairtex/feedback/` inside the project. The manuscript stays untouched and the agent reads the files directly.
How do I get HTML from a project?
With the `pairtex_render.py` script with `--project`, `--input` and `--output` parameters and a build command in `--build-command`, for example `latexmk -pdf -interaction=nonstopmode -halt-on-error {input}`.
How is it different from Overleaf?
Overleaf and Prism host the project in their cloud, while PairTeX plugs into a local repository, Git history and your agent. It does not replace the editor.
Is there a demo?
Yes, `demo/fixture` shows comments, Edit and Review modes, formulas, threads and navigation, and `demo/iclr` holds a synthetic paper in the ICLR template.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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README in short
The README explains how PDF comments get lost between manuscript and chat and shows the solution: an HTML projection and feedback files. A comparison with Prism and Overleaf, a quick start and public demos follow.