Guides

Equations (LaTeX)

Advanced Equation Editor

For full control over complex formatting, use the Advanced Equation Editor's virtual keyboard and numbering tools in Google Docs™.

While the Quick Equation tool is perfect for most tasks, the Text To Table Converter Add-on also includes an Advanced Equation Editor for situations that require more control. Use it when you need to create numbered equations, use a virtual keyboard for complex symbols, or precisely manage formatting.

Accessing the Advanced Editor

You can open the editor in two ways, both of which will open a large dialog window ideal for focused work:

  1. From the Sidebar: Open the Equations (LaTeX) accordion and click the Equation Editor button.
  2. From the Menu: Go to Extensions > Text To Table Converter > Equations (LaTeX) > Equation Editor.

If you have an equation selected in your document, the editor will automatically load it.

Using the Editor Window

The editor is designed for complex work, providing a rich set of tools in a dedicated window.

  • Interactive Editor & Virtual Keyboard: The main input area provides a rich, real-time rendering of your LaTeX as you type. Use the built-in Virtual Keyboard to insert complex symbols, structures, and functions without needing to memorize the LaTeX commands.
  • Raw LaTeX Code View: For power users, an expandable text area shows the underlying LaTeX code, which is always synchronized with the interactive editor.
  • Customizing Image Size: Use the "Target Height" input to set a specific pixel height for the final rendered image, ensuring consistency across your document.
  • Reset Button (↩️): Reverts all changes made during the current editing session.
  • Enhanced LaTeX Recognition: Select any image containing mathematical equations (not just those created by the add-on) and extract it into editable LaTeX—either from the sidebar or directly from the equation editor once the image is selected.

Customize Your Defaults: You can change the default equation height and LaTeX delimiters in the main Language & Settings menu. Learn more about equation settings.

Advanced Formatting in Google Docs™

When working with Block equations in Google Docs™, a special set of formatting options becomes available to create professionally structured, numbered equations.

  • Layout in Table: The master switch. When enabled, your equation is placed in a clean, borderless 1x3 table. This structure is essential for stable alignment and numbering.
  • Add Number: Enables equation numbering. You can customize the number or label (e.g., "1", "1a", "A.1") in the text field.
  • Numbering Style: Control the alignment (Left/Right) and enclosure style (e.g., (1), [1], 1.) of the number.
  • Add Bookmark: Automatically creates a Google Docs bookmark for your numbered equation, making it easy to create cross-references within your document.

You can always undo!: Any action performed by the Equation Editor can be reversed. After clicking Apply Changes, simply use your application's undo feature (Ctrl+Z / Cmd+Z).

Choosing the Right Tool

Not sure which editor to use? Here’s a quick guide:

  • Use the Advanced Equation Editor when you need to:
  • Create numbered equations with labels.
  • Use a virtual keyboard to find and insert complex symbols.
  • Set a specific pixel height for your equation image.
  • For everything else, use the Quick Equation tool in the sidebar. It's faster for creating and editing everyday equations.
  • Convert Selection - A one-click tool to toggle selected LaTeX code between plain text and a rendered image.