Write scientific preprints in Markdown. Generate publication-ready PDFs efficiently.
π‘ Best Experience: Use the VS Code Extension for syntax highlighting and citations.
Rxiv-Maker converts enhanced Markdown into professional PDFs with automated figure generation, citation management, and LaTeX typesetting. While LaTeX installation is required, users don't need to write LaTeX code directly.
- Write in Markdown: Focus on content, not LaTeX formatting
- Automated Figures: Python/R scripts become publication figures
- Smart Citations: BibTeX integration with cross-references and DOI resolution
- Dual Output: Generate both PDF and DOCX from the same source
- Git-Friendly: Version control for manuscripts and figures
- Reproducible: All figures generated from code
- arXiv Ready: Generate submission packages automatically
- Track Changes: Visual diff between manuscript versions
π macOS (Recommended - includes LaTeX automatically)
brew tap henriqueslab/formulas
brew install rxiv-maker
rxiv check-installationUpgrade:
brew upgrade rxiv-makerπ Homebrew Formula - Includes Python, LaTeX (MacTeX), and all dependencies
π§ Linux / Windows (WSL)
Using pipx (recommended):
pipx install rxiv-maker
rxiv check-installationUsing uv (faster alternative):
uv tool install rxiv-maker
rxiv check-installationRequirements:
- Python 3.11+: For rxiv-maker CLI and figure generation
- LaTeX Distribution: Install via system package manager
- Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo apt install texlive-latex-recommended - Fedora/RHEL:
sudo dnf install texlive-latex
- Ubuntu/Debian:
Upgrade:
pipx upgrade rxiv-maker # or: uv tool upgrade rxiv-makerπ Need help? See the complete installation guide for detailed platform-specific instructions.
Get your first PDF quickly:
# Create manuscript
rxiv init my-paper
cd my-paper
# Generate PDF
rxiv pdfOr explore the complete example manuscript:
# Clone the official example with one command
rxiv get-rxiv-preprint
cd manuscript-rxiv-maker/MANUSCRIPT
# Generate PDF
rxiv pdf- Scientific cross-references (
@fig:plot,@eq:formula) - Auto-numbered figures, tables, and equations
- Mathematical notation with LaTeX math
- Code blocks with syntax highlighting
- Markdown comments (
<!-- note -->) for TODOs and notes
- Execute Python/R scripts during PDF generation
- π NEW: Jupyter-like executable Python code blocks
- Real-time data analysis with
{{py:exec}}and{{py:get variable}} - Matplotlib, ggplot2, and custom visualizations
- Version-controlled figure code and analysis modules
- BibTeX integration with
[@citation]syntax - Automatic bibliography generation
- Multiple citation styles: Choose between numbered
[1, 2]or author-date(Smith, 2024)citations - Configurable author name formatting: Format bibliography as
Smith, J.A.orSmith, John A.orJohn A. Smith - Inline DOI resolution: Paste DOIs directly in text
10.1038/...and auto-convert to citations - CrossRef/DataCite DOI validation and metadata fetching
π Learn more: Quick Reference Cheat-Sheet
- Modern CLI with rich output and progress bars
- Consistent environments with package management
- Git-friendly workflow with meaningful diffs
- Comprehensive validation and error reporting
π‘ Get this complete example instantly:
rxiv get-rxiv-preprintThis clones manuscript-rxiv-maker with all features demonstrated.
Input Markdown:
## Introduction
Recent advances in microscopy have enabled new insights into
cellular dynamics [@smith2023; @jones2024].

{#fig:results}
Our analysis (Figure @fig:results) shows significant improvement
over previous methods. Statistical analysis revealed p < 0.001.Output: Professional PDF with auto-numbered figures, formatted citations, and LaTeX typesetting.
π‘ See the complete working example:
rxiv get-rxiv-preprint- clones manuscript-rxiv-maker with advanced features including Python execution, DOI auto-resolution, and dynamic data integration.
Visit our official documentation website for comprehensive guides:
- Installation Guide - Setup for all platforms
- First Manuscript Tutorial - 5-minute walkthrough
- User Guide - Complete features and workflows
- CLI Reference - All commands and options
- Troubleshooting - Solutions to common issues
- CONTRIBUTING.md - Contribution guidelines
- CI-LOCAL-TESTING.md - Local CI workflow testing
- Developer Docs - Technical documentation and API details
π Research Preprints, Reproducible Figures, and Collaborative Workflows
- arXiv preprints with automated submission packages
- bioRxiv and other preprint servers with professional formatting
- Conference papers with consistent styling
- Reproducible figures generated from Python/R scripts
- Live data integration that updates with analysis changes
- Professional formatting optimized for preprint servers
- arXiv submissions with cross-references and mathematical notation
- Collaborative preprint writing with version control
- Supplementary materials with automated generation
Three ways to use rxiv-maker:
- π₯οΈ Local Installation: Install directly on your system (recommended)
- π³ Docker: Pre-configured container with all dependencies
- βοΈ Cloud: GitHub Actions or Google Colab for browser-based editing
π Ecosystem - Related repositories and tools
graph LR
A[rxiv-maker<br/>Core CLI] --> B[PyPI]
A --> C[Homebrew]
D[docker-rxiv-maker<br/>Container] --> E[Docker Hub]
D -.includes.-> A
F[vscode-rxiv-maker<br/>VS Code] -.enhances.-> A
G[manuscript-rxiv-maker<br/>Example] -.demonstrates.-> A
style A fill:#2563eb,stroke:#1e40af,stroke-width:3px,color:#fff
style D fill:#ea580c,stroke:#c2410c,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff
style F fill:#7c3aed,stroke:#6d28d9,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff
style G fill:#059669,stroke:#047857,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff
style B fill:#64748b,stroke:#475569,color:#fff
style C fill:#64748b,stroke:#475569,color:#fff
style E fill:#64748b,stroke:#475569,color:#fff
| Repository | Purpose | Access |
|---|---|---|
| rxiv-maker | Main CLI tool and Python package | brew install rxiv-maker |
| docker-rxiv-maker | Pre-configured container with LaTeX + dependencies | docker pull henriqueslab/rxiv-maker-base |
| manuscript-rxiv-maker | Complete example (published as arXiv:2508.00836) | rxiv get-rxiv-preprint |
| vscode-rxiv-maker | VS Code extension with syntax highlighting | VS Code Marketplace |
| Documentation | User guides, API reference, tutorials | Visit website |
Essential commands to get started:
rxiv init my-paper # Create new manuscript
rxiv pdf # Generate PDF
rxiv validate # Check manuscript quality
rxiv upgrade # Upgrade to latest versionπ Complete Command Reference - Repository management, export options, and advanced workflows
rxiv init my-paper # Create new manuscript
rxiv get-rxiv-preprint # Clone complete example manuscript
rxiv pdf # Generate PDF
rxiv docx # Export to DOCX for collaborative review
rxiv validate # Check manuscript quality
rxiv arxiv # Prepare arXiv submission
rxiv track-changes v1 v2 # Visual version comparison# Initial setup
rxiv repo-init # Interactive setup
rxiv config # Interactive configuration menu
# Create and manage repositories
rxiv create-repo my-paper # Create new manuscript repository (with GitHub integration)
rxiv repos # List all manuscript repositories
rxiv repos-search # Search and clone from GitHub
# Configuration
rxiv config set-repo-parent-dir ~/manuscripts
rxiv config set-repo-org YourGitHubOrg
rxiv config --non-interactive # Show current settings# Upgrade commands (auto-detects Homebrew, pip, uv, pipx)
rxiv upgrade # Interactive upgrade with confirmation
rxiv upgrade --yes # Upgrade without confirmation
rxiv upgrade --check-only # Check for updates only
# Changelog and version information
rxiv changelog # View changelog and release notes
rxiv changelog --recent 5 # View last 5 versionsπ‘ CI/Automation Note: All interactive commands support non-interactive mode or configuration files for use in CI/CD pipelines and automated workflows. Use
--non-interactiveflag or configure via~/.rxiv-maker/configfor non-TTY environments.
π Complete CLI Reference - Full command documentation with examples and options.
| Publication | Authors | Venue | DOI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rxiv-Maker: an automated template engine for streamlined scientific publications | BM Saraiva et al. | arXiv (2025) | 10.48550/arXiv.2508.00836 |
| Customizable FDM-based zebrafish embryo mold for live imaging | MX Rivera Pineda et al. | bioRxiv (2025) | 10.1101/2025.11.24.689779 |
| mAIcrobe: an open-source framework for high-throughput bacterial image analysis | AD Brito et al. | bioRxiv (2025) | 10.1101/2025.10.21.683709 |
| Filopodome proteomics identifies CCT8 as a MYO10 interactor critical for filopodia functions | A PopoviΔ et al. | bioRxiv (2025) | 10.64898/2025.12.03.691809 |
πΈ View Publication Previews - See manuscript thumbnails and access preprints
Using Rxiv-Maker for your research? Submit your publication via GitHub Issue
- π¬ GitHub Discussions - Ask questions, share tips
- π Issues - Report bugs, request features
- π Example Manuscript - Clone instantly:
rxiv get-rxiv-preprint - π§ͺ Google Colab - Try without installing
We welcome contributions! Whether it's:
- π Bug reports and fixes
- β¨ New features and improvements
- π Documentation enhancements
- π§ͺ Testing and validation
Quick contributor setup:
git clone https://github.com/henriqueslab/rxiv-maker.git
cd rxiv-maker
pip install -e ".[dev]"
pre-commit installIf Rxiv-Maker helps your research, please cite:
@misc{saraiva_2025_rxivmaker,
title={Rxiv-Maker: an automated template engine for streamlined scientific publications},
author={Bruno M. Saraiva and AntΓ³nio D. Brito and Guillaume Jaquemet and Ricardo Henriques},
year={2025},
eprint={2508.00836},
archivePrefix={arXiv},
url={https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.00836}
}MIT License - see LICENSE for details.