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I want to install LyX on my Mac OS X.

It is said here that "Before you install LyX you need to install a TeX system such as MacTeX." What if I download LyX for Mac without installing a TeX system?

I am new to Mac and TeX in particular. Any explanation would by appreciated.

Andrew Swann
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E Be
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    if you install lyx without a tex distribution, you will have a colourful program, but you will not be able to generate any output, such as pdf files. – samcarter_is_at_topanswers.xyz Aug 18 '16 at 10:59
  • So the whole role of the TeX system is to export the .lyx file into other formats? – E Be Aug 18 '16 at 13:39
  • The tex distribution does the hard work. It does the actual typesetting (http://tex.stackexchange.com/questions/94889/how-can-i-explain-the-meaning-of-latex-to-my-grandma/94910). Lyx is just a user-(un)friendly interface that helps in the handling of tex. To summarise: lyx is not necessary, it is just a "addon" to make things easier. – samcarter_is_at_topanswers.xyz Aug 18 '16 at 13:47
  • related http://tex.stackexchange.com/questions/197765/what-is-the-difference-between-lyx-and-latex – samcarter_is_at_topanswers.xyz Aug 18 '16 at 13:49

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Just install the MacTex distribution (http://www.tug.org/mactex/index.html) like any other program on the Mac. It takes the "Unix pain" out of installing dozens of different programs and utilities.

Once you've run the MacTex installer you have a whole LaTex installation on the unix side of the Mac (which you won't see) and a few front-end applications such as TexShop and LaTexIt. Then, and only then, will you be able to use Lyx, which is another front-end and which relies on the whole LaTex installation in the background.

Do this and then the funny error message about which you asked in the other question will disappear (and people stop getting stroppy with you).

Sven
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