A subscriber service for on-line document editing includes an Internet client in which a browser window is opened to begin XHTML editing, e.g., in Microsoft INTERNET EXPLORER. The text is transmitted to a host in a message over the Internet. In the host, a next process verifies this user has an account, or is otherwise authorized to use this site or access a particular document. A process receives the mal-formed XHTML typical of Microsoft INTERNET EXPLORER editing. A process cleans up this input, and converts it to fully formed XML, e.g., with TIDY freeware. A next process uses XSLT style sheets to transform the XML to LaTex source. Alternatively, the input is converted to Tex-type source lines. Another process includes a LaTex engine to typeset the input text according to the style sheets. Such produces a DVI-type output file. A next process converts the DVI to PDF. Commercial programs are available for this purpose. A process transmits the completed PDF file back to the client in a message. A next process at the client receives the PDF-formatted document. A further process allows such document to be printed at convenience. A final process notes the subscriber account at the host to track subscription charges and uses.