Why Overleaf AI Isn't Enough (Technical Breakdown)
Date Published
The Problem with Bolt-On AI
Overleaf added AI features. But there's a fundamental problem: AI was retrofitted onto a system not designed for it. Here's a technical breakdown of why that matters.
Architecture Matters
Overleaf's Architecture:
• Document stored as flat text files
• Compilation happens on shared VMs
• AI has limited context window
• No awareness of multi-file projects
What this means: When Overleaf's AI tries to help, it only sees fragments. It can't understand that your \input{chapters/intro} references another file. It can't see your bibliography. It's working blind.
The Context Problem
Modern AI models are powerful, but they need context. Overleaf's AI typically sees:
• The current visible text
• Maybe 1000 lines around your cursor
• Error messages from the log
It does NOT see:
• Your custom .sty files
• Related chapters
• Previous versions
• Your full bibliography
Why This Breaks in Practice
Scenario: You have a custom command \mytheorem defined in preamble.tex
Overleaf AI: "Unknown command \mytheorem. Did you mean \theorem?"
Octree AI: Sees your preamble.tex, understands \mytheorem, offers relevant suggestions based on YOUR definitions.
The Solution: AI-First Architecture
Octree was built from the ground up with AI in mind:
1. Full project context: AI sees all your files 2. Intent understanding: We parse what you're trying to do, not just what you typed 3. Safe editing: AI proposes changes you preview before applying 4. Learning: AI understands your document's patterns
Performance Implications
Because Overleaf's AI is an add-on, it creates latency. Every AI request requires:
• Serializing document state
• Sending to separate AI service
• Waiting for response
• Deserializing back
Octree's integrated approach means AI responses feel instant because there's no translation layer.
The Bottom Line
Adding AI to a legacy system is like adding electric motors to a horse carriage. It might move, but it wasn't designed for it. Octree is the Tesla — built electric from the start.
Ready for AI that actually understands your LaTeX? Try Octree at https://useoctree.com.