mathptmx vs txfonts vs newtx — Choosing Times-like Fonts for Math
When a journal requires Times New Roman, you need a package that handles both text and math fonts. LaTeX has three main options: mathptmx (oldest), txfonts (more complete but buggy), and newtx (the modern recommended choice). Each has trade-offs in glyph coverage, spacing, and compatibility. This guide helps you pick the right one. Bibby AI's template library pre-configures the correct Times package for each journal, saving you from this decision entirely — unlike Overleaf where you must configure fonts manually.
Compare the Three Packages
Here's a practical comparison showing how each package is loaded and what to expect:
% === Option 1: mathptmx (LEGACY — avoid for new documents) ===
% \usepackage{mathptmx}
% Pros: Simple, one package
% Cons: Missing glyphs (\iint, \oiint), poor bold math,
% no smallcaps, deprecated since 2020
% === Option 2: txfonts (AVOID — has known spacing bugs) ===
% \usepackage{txfonts}
% Pros: More complete glyph set than mathptmx
% Cons: Notorious spacing issues in math, overrides too many defaults
% === Option 3: newtx (RECOMMENDED) ===
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{newtxtext} % Times text font with full features
\usepackage{newtxmath} % Times-compatible math with complete glyph set
\begin{document}
\section{Why newtx Is Best}
Text in Times New Roman. \textsc{Small Caps Work.} \textbf{Bold too.}
Full math support: $\iint_S \mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{S} = \oint_C \mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{r}$
\end{document}Configure newtx Options for Your Needs
The newtx packages offer many options for fine-tuning the appearance of your math and text:
\documentclass{article}
% newtxtext options
\usepackage[
osf, % Old-style figures in text (1234 → proportional)
largesc, % Slightly larger small caps
]{newtxtext}
% newtxmath options
\usepackage[
vvarbb, % Use variant double-struck letters (𝕒 style)
upint, % Upright integral signs (ISO style)
smallerops, % Slightly smaller sum/product symbols
]{newtxmath}
\begin{document}
Old-style figures: 0123456789.
\textsc{Larger Small Caps} look professional.
Math: $\mathbb{R}^n$, $\int_0^1 f(x)\,dx$, $\sum_{k=1}^{n} k^2$
\end{document}💡 Tips
- •Always use newtx for new documents — mathptmx is deprecated and txfonts has unfixable spacing bugs.
- •Load newtxtext before newtxmath to avoid option clashes.
- •If a journal template still uses mathptmx, you can safely replace it with newtxtext + newtxmath for better output.
- •Use the 'upint' option if your field's convention uses upright (non-slanted) integral signs.
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