Convert LaTeX Selection

With the Text To Table Converter Add-On, the Convert Selection button is a powerful shortcut for Google Docs™, Google Slides™, and Google Sheets™ that allows you to instantly toggle between text-based LaTeX code and its high-quality rendered image.

Accessing the Convert Selection Button

1. Open the sidebar via Extensions > Text To Table Converter > Show Sidebar.
2. Expand the Equations (LaTeX) accordion.
3. The Convert Selection (🔄) button is located between the main component and the advanced editor button.

How It Works

This tool has two primary functions depending on what you have selected in your document.

Converting LaTeX Code to an Image

Use this when you have typed or pasted LaTeX code and want to see it as a properly formatted equation.

1. Select the complete block of LaTeX text in your document (e.g., $$E=mc^2$$).
2. Click the Convert Selection (🔄) button in the sidebar.
3. The text will be replaced by a rendered image of the equation.

Converting an Equation Image back to Code

If you need to get the source code from an equation image, this is the quickest way.

1. Select the equation image in your document.
2. Click the Convert Selection (🔄) button in the sidebar.
3. The image will be replaced by its underlying LaTeX source code.

How does it work?

When an equation image is created, its LaTeX source code is safely stored in the image’s “Alternative Text.” The “Convert Selection” tool reads this data to restore the code perfectly.

Choosing the Right Tool

“Convert Selection” is for quick toggling. For other tasks, use the more specialized tools.

Quick Insert & Edit For creating new equations or making edits to existing code with a live preview.

Advanced Equation Editor For complex formatting, a virtual keyboard, and numbered equations.