Step-by-Step Workflow

The complete KERNIT workflow is: choose input method → paste or upload → select journal preset → customize if needed → export. Most users complete a full formatting job in under 2 minutes.

Complete Workflow

  1. Choose your input method

    Select Markdown, Plain Text, or DOCX Upload depending on how your manuscript is currently written. Markdown gives the most control; DOCX Upload is fastest if you already have a Word file.

  2. Paste or upload your content

    Paste your text into the input panel, or click Upload DOCX and select your file. KERNIT parses the content immediately and populates the live preview on the right.

  3. Select a journal preset

    Choose your target journal from the preset selector above the preview: IEEE, APA, Nature, Elsevier, ACS, Springer, PLOS ONE, Lancet, or JAMA. The preview updates instantly to show the correct typography, margins, column layout, and heading numbering for that journal.

  4. Review the live preview

    Scroll through the preview panel to check that headings, equations, tables, and figures look correct. The preview is a high-fidelity representation of what the exported document will look like. Use the zoom controls in the top-right of the preview to inspect details.

  5. Optionally adjust customizations

    Click the Customize button to open the customization panel. You can override font size, line spacing, margin widths, and other settings beyond the preset defaults. Changes update the preview in real time.

  6. Export your manuscript

    Click Export DOCX, Export LaTeX, or Export HTML. DOCX is best for final submission to journals using manuscript management systems. LaTeX is best if the journal accepts source files. HTML is useful for sharing a formatted preview online.

Understanding the Live Preview

The preview panel on the right side of the KERNIT formatter shows a high-fidelity rendering of your manuscript as it will appear in the exported document. The preview updates in real time as you type, paste, or change the journal preset.

Use the zoom controls in the top-right corner of the preview to zoom in and inspect equation rendering, table formatting, and heading styles. The preview renders equations using KaTeX, the same library used by many academic publishing platforms.

Note that the preview shows a single-column view for readability even for two-column presets (IEEE, Nature). The exported DOCX and LaTeX files will use the correct column layout for the selected journal.

Journal Presets

A journal preset applies a complete set of formatting rules to your manuscript: font family and size, line spacing, page margins, column layout (single or double), heading numbering style, citation format, table style, and caption placement.

KERNIT includes 9 presets: IEEE, APA, Nature, Elsevier, ACS, Springer, PLOS ONE, Lancet, and JAMA. See the journal presets reference for a full breakdown of what each preset applies.

Export Formats

KERNIT exports to three formats, each suited for different submission requirements:

  • DOCX: A Microsoft Word document formatted to the journal's specifications. Best for journals that use manuscript management systems (ScholarOne, Editorial Manager) that accept Word files. Open in Word to make final edits before submission.
  • LaTeX: A complete .tex source file with the appropriate document class and packages. Best for journals that accept LaTeX source (most physics, mathematics, and computer science journals). Compile with pdflatex or xelatex.
  • HTML: A self-contained HTML file with embedded CSS. Best for sharing a formatted preview online, posting as a preprint supplement, or archiving. Not intended for journal submission.

See the export formats reference for detailed guidance on each format.

Try it in KERNIT →

Free to try · No signup required · Export DOCX, LaTeX, or HTML

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to format a paper with KERNIT?
Most users complete a full formatting job in under 2 minutes. Pasting Markdown or plain text and selecting a journal preset takes seconds. DOCX upload parsing takes 1–3 seconds for typical manuscript sizes. Export generation takes under 5 seconds for DOCX and LaTeX.
Do I need an account to use KERNIT?
No account is required for your first export. You can paste text, select a preset, and export once without signing up. Creating a free account gives you access to the monthly credit allowance and lets you track your export history.
What is the credit system?
KERNIT uses a credit system for exports beyond the free tier. Free accounts receive a limited monthly credit allowance. Paid plans (Starter, Pro, Max) include larger monthly credit grants. Each export consumes one credit. See the pricing page for current credit allocations per plan.
Can I save my work and come back to it?
KERNIT does not currently save projects server-side. Your input text persists in the browser session (page tab) but is cleared if you close the tab or browser. To save your work, export to DOCX or LaTeX and keep that file as your working copy. You can re-upload a DOCX to continue editing.
Which browsers does KERNIT support?
KERNIT works in any modern browser: Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, and Edge 90+. All processing (Markdown parsing, DOCX reading, equation rendering, export generation) happens in-browser using JavaScript. No plugins or extensions are required.
Last updated: March 2026