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Equations (LaTeX)Google Workspace add-on

Advanced Equation Editor

For full control over complex equations, use the Advanced Equation Editor with its virtual keyboard, equation tools, and numbering in Google Docs™.

While the Quick Equation tool covers 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: Go to Insert & Create, find the Equations (LaTeX) group, and click Equation Editor.
  2. From the Menu: Go to Extensions > Text To Table Converter > Equations (LaTeX) > LaTeX Equation Editor. The same submenu has Open equations tool in sidebar.

If you have an equation selected in your document, the editor loads it.

Using the Editor Window#

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

  • Render as Image / Show as Code: Switch between the rendered equation and its code view.
  • Keyboard: A virtual keyboard inserts symbols, structures, and functions without memorizing LaTeX commands.
  • LaTeX Source Code: An expandable text area shows the underlying LaTeX code, always in sync with the editor.
  • Equation Tools: Simplify, Expand, and Solve rewrite the equation with a computer algebra engine. Undo CAS reverts the last change these tools made.
  • Previous / Next: When you load several equations, move between them. The counter reads "Equation {current} / {total}".
  • Height: Sets the height of the rendered image in points, from 6 to 96. The defaults are 16 for block equations and 11 for inline equations.
  • Apply Changes: Writes the edited equations back to your document.
  • Reset: "Reset to original" reverts all changes made in the current editing session.
  • Enhanced LaTeX Recognition: Select any image containing a mathematical equation (not only ones the add-on created) and extract it into editable LaTeX, from the sidebar or from the editor once the image is selected. This step uses AI. It needs AI Permission and counts as one AI request.

Customize Your Defaults: You can change the default equation heights and LaTeX delimiters in Settings under Equations (LaTeX) Options. Learn more about equation settings.

Advanced Formatting in Google Docs™#

When working with Block equations in Google Docs™, the Block Equation Options become available. They apply to Docs and to Block equations only.

  • Center Equation: The master switch. When enabled, your equation is placed in a borderless 1x3 table, which keeps alignment and numbering stable. The other options stay disabled until this is on.
  • Equation Number: Turns on numbering. You can edit the number or label (for example "1", "1a", "A.1") in the text field.
  • Numbering Alignment: Left or Right.
  • Numbering Format: (1), [1], {1}, or 1.
  • Bookmark: Creates a Google Docs bookmark for the numbered equation, so you can cross-reference it.

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 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.