Convert Selection

The Convert Selection feature provides a fast, one-click way to transform text-based LaTeX code directly within your Google Workspace™ document into rendered equation images.

It’s designed for maximum efficiency, allowing you to convert multiple equations at once without needing to open the full Equation Editor. This action happens instantly, right in your document.

How It Works

Convert Selection is a simple, three-step “headless” conversion process:

1. Write LaTeX in Your Document First, type your LaTeX code directly into your Google Doc™, Slide™, or Sheet™. For the add-on to recognize your code, it must be enclosed in supported delimiters:

   • For block equations (displayed on their own line): use $$...$$ or \[...\]
   • For inline equations (flowing within a sentence): use \(...\)

   Example:

   A block equation looks like this: $$E=mc^2$$
   And an inline equation, like \(x^2\), can appear mid-sentence.

2. Select the Text Highlight the area in your document that contains the LaTeX code you want to convert. You can select a single equation or a larger block of text that includes multiple equations.

3. Run the Conversion Open the add-on sidebar via Extensions > Text To Table Converter > Launch Sidebar. In the Equations (LaTeX) section, click ↩️ Convert Selection.

   The add-on will automatically find and replace each piece of recognized LaTeX code within your selection with a high-quality equation image. The original text code is removed and replaced by the image.

Key Features and Behavior

• Batch Conversion: Convert Selection is powerful for productivity. You can write out an entire document with text-based LaTeX and then convert all equations in a single operation by selecting all the text.

• Automatic Style Detection: The add-on intelligently determines the equation style based on the delimiters you used.

  • $$...$$ or \[...\] will be rendered as larger, centered block equations.
  • \(...\) will be rendered as smaller inline equations that align with your text.

• Image-based Output: This feature always converts your LaTeX code into high-quality PNG images. The image’s original LaTeX source code is stored in the image’s “Alternative Text,” allowing you to edit it later with the Equation Editor.

You can always undo!

The conversion is a standard document change. If you don’t like the result, simply use your application’s undo feature (Edit > Undo or Ctrl+Z / Cmd+Z) to revert the text back to its original LaTeX code.

Behavior in Different Applications

• Google Docs™ & Google Slides™: The LaTeX text is replaced directly with an inline image. Block equations are typically placed on their own centered line. The original text is removed.
• Google Sheets™: Each recognized equation is converted into an “over-grid” image anchored to the cell where the LaTeX was found. The original LaTeX text in the cell is replaced by placeholder text (e.g., [LaTeX - E=mc^2...]), and the full LaTeX source is stored in that cell’s note for future editing.

When to Use Convert Selection

This feature is ideal when:

• You have already written or pasted multiple equations into your document and want to render them all at once.
• You prefer writing LaTeX directly in the document and converting it later, rather than opening a separate window for each equation.
• You need to perform a quick, simple conversion and don’t require the live preview or advanced styling options of the full Equation Editor.

Choosing the Right Tool

• Use Quick Insert for creating new equations from the sidebar.
• Use Convert Selection to turn existing LaTeX text in your document into images.
• Use the Equation Editor when you need to edit an existing equation or require advanced options.