Co-writing across formats

Two collaborators can work in the same project at once, one in Word, one in Markdown or LaTeX, without either needing the other's tool.

A shared project can hold multiple file formats at once, so two collaborators can each write in the format they prefer without stepping on each other.

Set it up

1

Share once

Share the project once, giving both collaborators the Editor role. See Share a project and manage access.

2

Each opens their own file

Each collaborator opens or creates their own file: a .docx for the Word writer, a .md or .tex for the source writer.

3

Work at the same time

Both can work in the same project at the same time. If you both open the same file, you'll see each other's cursors; otherwise your edits stay independent until you look at the same content.

Discuss across files

The Comments panel shows every thread in the project, not just the file you have open, so either person can reply without switching files. See Comments.

Bring it together at the end

Each format compiles or exports on its own. Papers AI won't merge a .docx and a .tex into one output automatically. If you need everything in one deliverable, decide which format wins and copy the other content into it before your final compile or export.

Ask the AI to reformat or merge a section from one format into another, for example turning Markdown notes into a polished paragraph you paste into the Word draft. See Using AI.

Variations

• Three or more writers, three or more formats. The same pattern extends. Everyone opens their own file.

• One person reviews only. Give them the Viewer role. They can read everything and comment, but not edit.

• Shared bibliography. A .docx and a .tex file in the same project can cite from the same .bib file.

Troubleshooting

You can't see what your collaborator is working on

You'll only see their cursor if you're both viewing the same file at the same time. Otherwise, just check the file tree for their changes.

Your collaborator can't edit

Check their role. Viewer is read-only.

Next steps

• Real-time collaboration

• Working with Word documents