Its features include an interactive spelling checker, code folding, and syntax highlighting.

It does not provide LaTeX itself—the user must choose a TeX distribution and install it first.

Originally called TexMakerX, TeXstudio was started as a fork of Texmaker that tried to extend it with additional features while keeping its look and feel.

[4] The project was initially named TeXmakerX, starting off as a small set of extensions to TeXmaker with a possibility that the additions could be merged back into the original project.

[5] Collaborating on the SourceForge community web site reflected a preference different from the original TeXMaker development community, who maintain an independent hosting site.