CrafTex is a proprietary VS Code extension + backend system for cloud LaTeX compilation and team collaboration.
What The System Does
- Compiles
.texfiles remotely and opens PDF output inside VS Code. - Sends project assets needed for compilation (
.bib,.cls,.sty, images, and related files). - Supports real-time collaboration on project documents.
- Provides project chat, comments, activity history, and version snapshots.
- Keeps user authentication and project membership on the backend.
- Persists project and collaboration data in database storage (SQLite by default, MySQL supported).
Core Components
-
VS Code extension
- Editor commands and status bar integration.
- File sync and compile requests.
- In-editor collaboration experience.
-
Backend service
- LaTeX compilation pipeline.
- Collaboration APIs and socket events.
- Auth, project, comments, chat, and history services.
Security Model
- Remote compile calls is protected with bearer-token authentication.
- Backend compilation runs with restricted shell behavior.
- Collaboration and project actions are scoped to authenticated users and project access.
Product Status
Current implementation includes compile, collaboration, project file operations, comments, chat, activity logs, and snapshot restore workflows.
Roadmap items include advanced review workflows, richer project tree UX, stricter role controls, and deeper source/PDF navigation.
License
This software is proprietary and not open source. Redistribution, modification, or reuse requires explicit written permission.