How do I access and use Overleaf?
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What is Overleaf?
Overleaf is an online collaborative writing and publishing tool which uses a LaTeX / RichText editor to create professional-looking documents. It is designed to make the process of writing, editing, and producing papers and documents quicker and easier for authors.
Overleaf allows you to focus on the contents of the document and the editing tool will take care of the formatting, using the correct templates for research papers and documents.
Access to Overleaf Professional
Overleaf Professional accounts are available to all current University of Manchester staff, postgraduate researchers and active members of the research community.
Sign up for your Overleaf Professional account at The University of Manchester resource portal using your University of Manchester email address. If you already have a free Overleaf account using your University of Manchester email address, your account will automatically be upgraded to Overleaf Professional. If your existing account uses a personal email address, you can simply add your Manchester email to your account settings.
Those not eligible for Overleaf Professional (undergraduates, taught students & ex-staff members) can still access the free version of Overleaf.
Overleaf Professional features
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Online collaboration in LaTeX or RichText within one editing platform - easily switch between modes.
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Real-time collaboration in your browser for sharing and editing projects with authorised users.
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Unlimited number of invited collaborators (and link sharing) including external collaborators, with advanced access control for protected projects.
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Preview documents as a PDF while writing.
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Full history view of your projects – see all changes made for the entire life of the project, with the ability to revert to any past change.
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Access to hundreds of journal templates.
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Integrated submission systems to dozens of publishing partners.
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Two-way sync with Dropbox and GitHub.
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Reference management tool sync and advanced reference search.
What data can I keep in Overleaf?
Overleaf should not be used for the sharing or storing of highly restricted data and should only contain information which is suitable for the public domain. If you are unsure, or require guidance, please refer to the University’s Information security classification, ownership and secure information handling policies.
What will happen to my account if I leave the University?
If you leave the University, you will no longer have access to Overleaf Professional. You will still be able to access the free version of Overleaf. We recommend that you add a personal email address to your Overleaf Professional account, to maintain access to your existing projects. You can do this through 'Account Settings' in Overleaf.
Training and help
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Free webinars with varying levels and topics (live options and pre-recorded sessions)
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If you have problems accessing Overleaf Professional and you believe you should have access to the full licence, please register your query by raising a ticket via the UoM IT Support Portal.
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Please use the contact form within Overleaf and the team will make sure your question gets to the right person. As Overleaf Professional clients we receive priority support from Overleaf.