Quick Equation: Insert & Edit

With the Text To Table Converter Add-on, you can create and manage complex LaTeX notation for math, chemistry, and physics directly within Google Docs™, Google Slides™, and Google Sheets™. The Quick Equation tool in the sidebar lets you write, insert, and edit equations without leaving your document.

Introduction#

Accessing the Equation Tools#

All equation features are located in the main add-on sidebar.

1. Open the sidebar by going to Extensions > Text To Table Converter > ⚡ Launch Sidebar.
2. Click Insert & Create, then find Quick Equation in the list.

The same screen has an Equations (LaTeX) group with the Equation Editor and Convert selected LaTeX buttons. Quick Equation sits below it.

The Quick Equation Component#

This component is your go-to for everyday equation needs, from writing a new formula to making a quick correction. It intelligently adapts based on what you're doing.

• Live Editor & Preview: Type your LaTeX code in the input area. A live preview below renders your equation instantly, so you can catch any syntax errors as you type.
• Equation history: Click the history icon (Show recent equations) to see your 5 most recent equations. Select one to reuse it.
• Read selection: The sidebar does not detect a selected equation by itself. Select the equation image or LaTeX text in your document, then click Read selection. If nothing is selected, it loads the equations in the whole document.
• Equation Style: Toggle between Inline (flows within a sentence) and Block (larger, centered, on its own line).
• Action Button: It says Insert when creating a new equation and Apply Changes when editing loaded equations. Pressing Enter in the input box also inserts.

Examples for Different Fields#

LaTeX is a versatile system that extends far beyond standard mathematics. Here are a few examples of what you can type into the Quick Equation editor, along with their rendered output.

• Mathematics (Quadratic Formula):

x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}

• Chemistry (Chemical Reaction):

\ce{CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O}

• Statistics (Normal Distribution):

f(x) = \frac{1}{\sigma\sqrt{2\pi}} e^{-\frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{x-\mu}{\sigma}\right)^2}

• Economics (Cobb-Douglas Production Function):

Y = A L^{\alpha} K^{\beta}

• Physics (Maxwell's Equations):

\nabla \cdot \mathbf{B} = 0

Workflows#

Creating a New Equation#

1. Place your cursor where you want the equation in your document.
2. In the sidebar, type or paste your LaTeX code into the input area.
3. Choose the desired Equation Style (Inline or Block).
4. Click Insert. The equation will be added to your document as a high-quality image.

Editing an Existing Equation#

You can edit any equation you've previously created, whether it's an image or plain LaTeX code. Loading an equation puts the component into "Edit Mode."

1. In your document, select the equation image or LaTeX text you want to edit.
2. In the sidebar, click Read selection. The component enters "Edit Mode." Its border turns blue, the equation's code loads into the input area, and the button changes to Apply Changes.
3. If you loaded several equations, use the **** arrows to move between them.
4. Make your changes. The live preview updates as you type.
5. Click Apply Changes. The original equations in your document are replaced with your updated versions. Click × to leave Edit Mode without changing anything.

Other Equation Tools#

The sidebar is your hub for all equation actions. From here, you can also access more specialized tools for complex tasks.

• Advanced Equation Editor - For complex formatting, a virtual math keyboard, and numbered equations in Google Docs.

• Convert Selection - A one-click tool to turn selected LaTeX code into rendered images, or images back into code.