CTAN (Comprehensive TeX Archive Network)

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

CTAN provides a central repository and distribution network for TeX-related materials, enabling search, download, and contribution of TeX packages.

Target Customer

TeX/LaTeX users, authors, publishers, researchers and educators who work with TeX typesetting.

Key Differentiator

A large, community-driven central hub with thousands of packages (6823) and active monthly uploads, plus integrated search, browsing, and contribution workflows, including DVD distribution and dedicated user groups.

Implementation Timeline

Immediate access to downloads and ready-to-run TeX systems; ongoing updates with monthly uploads

Pain Points

1Finding and managing TeX packages across multiple sources.
2Manual distribution and installation of TeX tools across platforms.
3Keeping up with new or updated TeX packages.

Key Features

1Full-text search across package descriptions, documentation, and contributors
2Browse CTAN by archive, packages, topics, and contributors
3Upload contributions via a web form
4Access to ready-to-run TeX systems for multiple platforms (TeX Live, MacTeX)
5CTAN announcements and activity monitoring (e.g., 100+ uploads per month)

Target Customer Industries

Client Results

1Immediate access to TeX packages through download
2Rapid setup with ready-to-run TeX systems
3Active community contributions and updates

Competitive Advantages

1Centralized repository for TeX materials, reducing fragmentation
2Active community with frequent updates (100+ uploads/month)
3Supports both web distribution and DVD mirrors
4Ecosystem of user groups (e.g., TUG, DANTE) that foster engagement

Key Benefits

1Extensive library of TeX/packages

2Fast access via full-text search

3Cross-platform ready-to-run TeX systems

4Opportunity to contribute and share packages

5Active community and regular updates

Additional Product Information

Product Description

CTAN is the central repository for TeX materials, offering search, browse, and upload capabilities, hosting thousands of packages from thousands of contributors, with ready-to-run TeX systems and monthly updates.

Target Market

TeX/LaTeX users, authors, publishers, and researchers working with TeX typesetting

Unique Value Proposition

A centralized, community-driven hub for TeX resources with extensive package coverage, robust search and browsing, ready-to-run systems, and multiple distribution channels (web and DVD).

Technical Requirements

Some features require JavaScript; skins are cookie-based and browser-specific; CTAN supports multiple browsers and requires enabling JavaScript for full functionality.

Pricing Model

Most packages are free to download and use.

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