texZ

texZ is a document preparation system within the TeX family. It aims to combine the reliability of classical TeX typesetting with modern tooling for digital publishing. The project is cross-platform and open source, and it supports UTF-8 input, advanced font handling, and a modular package ecosystem. It emphasizes reproducible layouts and high typographic quality while remaining compatible with established TeX workflows.

texZ began as an extension concept for TeX, intended to address limitations of traditional engines by introducing a modular architecture and an extended input syntax. It seeks to preserve TeX's macro-based modeling while offering a clearer package interface, improved error reporting, and a lightweight runtime environment for scripting and automation.

Key features include a modular package system, built-in support for microtypography and kerning, multilingual typesetting, robust font handling with system fonts and embedded data, and extendable output backends for PDF, HTML, and EPUB. It provides facilities for cross-references, bibliographies, indexing, graphics inclusion, and automation of tables and diagrams.

In typical workflows, authors write texZ source files with the .tz extension, compile them with the texZ engine, and produce outputs such as PDF or HTML. The ecosystem includes editors, build tools, a library of packages, and documentation focused on reproducibility and portability.

texZ remains a niche project, used by researchers and publishers seeking an alternative to mainstream TeX engines. It is often discussed alongside LuaTeX, XeTeX, and ConTeXt, offering a modular, tool-friendly approach within the TeX ecosystem.