LaTeX Equation Editor

The Text To Table Converter Add-On provides an Equation Editor that uses LaTeX for creating and managing complex notation — not just for math, but also for chemistry, physics, and statistics — in Google Docs™, Google Slides™, and Google Sheets™.

Accessing the Equation Editor

In your Google Workspace™ file, go to Extensions > Text To Table Converter > ✨ Equation Editor. The “Equation Editor” window will open.

Creating or Editing Equations

The Equation Editor adapts to what you have selected in your document:

• To Create a New Equation: Simply open the editor without anything selected in your document. An example equation (like x = \left( \frac{a+b}{c-d} \right)) will appear, allowing you to start typing your LaTeX.

• To Edit Existing Equation(s): Select the LaTeX text (e.g., $$E=mc^2$$) or a previously created equation image in your document. Then, open the editor. It will load your selected equation(s) for editing.

  Editing Image-Based Equations

  When an equation is inserted as an image, its original LaTeX source code is automatically stored within the image’s “Alternative Text.” This enables the Equation Editor to reload the exact LaTeX for future edits if you select the image and reopen the editor.

  If you’ve selected multiple equations, use the Previous and Next buttons to navigate between them.

  Note

  When multiple equations are selected, the editor will also display a counter (e.g., “Equation 2 / 5”) to show your current position among the selected equations.

Using the Equation Editor Window

The Equation Editor window provides a focused environment for crafting and customizing your equations:

• Write and Preview Your LaTeX:

  • Enter or modify your LaTeX commands in the “LaTeX Code:” text area.
  • A Live Preview panel updates instantly to show your rendered equation. If there are any mistakes in your LaTeX, it will display “Invalid Syntax” here, helping you correct them.

• Define Equation Style:

  • Choose between Block or Inline using the Equation Style options. Block equations are typically displayed on their own line and centered, ideal for complex or standalone formulas. Inline equations are designed to flow seamlessly with your surrounding text.

• Select Output Format:

  • Use the Output Format options to decide if the equation should be inserted into your document as a high-quality Render as Image or as editable Show as Code (plain LaTeX text).

• Manage Changes and Finalize:

  • If you’re editing an equation that was originally plain LaTeX text in your document, a Reset Button () will be available. Clicking this reverts the equation’s code and style in the editor back to how they were when you first selected it for editing in the current session.
  • Use the Apply Changes button to insert or update the equation(s) in your document. Note: This button is disabled if any of your equations have syntax errors (check the Live Preview).

    You can always undo!

    Any action performed by the Equation Editor can be reversed. After clicking Apply Changes, if you don’t like the result, simply use your application’s undo feature (e.g., Edit > Undo or Ctrl+Z / Cmd+Z).

  • Use the Close button to exit the editor without applying any of the current changes to your document.

Output Options

You have two ways to insert your equation:

1. Render as Image: This option generates high-quality PNG images of your equations. The image size is automatically determined to ensure it aligns well visually with your surrounding text. Smaller equations are specially processed to maintain sharpness. This is generally recommended for the best visual presentation.
2. Show as Code: This option inserts plain LaTeX text directly into your document, enclosed in appropriate delimiters (e.g., $$...$$ for block equations or \(...\) for inline equations).

Behavior in different Applications

• Google Docs™ & Google Slides™:
  • Images: Inserted as inline images. Block style equations are typically centered on their own line, while Inline style equations flow with the text.
  • Code: Inserted as plain text. If you had selected an existing text-based equation, it will be replaced. Otherwise, the code is added at your cursor. In Slides, when converting selected text to an image, the new image is inserted, but the original text box is not removed. You may need to manually delete the original text or text box.
• Google Sheets™:
  • Images: Inserted as “over-grid” images, meaning they float above the cells but are anchored to a specific cell. The LaTeX source code for the image is stored in that cell’s note. The cell itself will display placeholder text (e.g., [LaTeX - E=mc^2...]) to indicate an equation image is anchored there.
  • Code: Inserted directly into the selected cell’s value.

  Google Sheets™ Image Display

  In Google Sheets™, newly inserted equation images might not appear immediately. If this happens, you may need to refresh the view by navigating to another sheet and then back to the sheet containing the equation.

Customizing Equation Settings

You can customize default delimiters, sizing, and code formatting for LaTeX equations in the add-on’s settings menu. This allows you to tailor the output to your specific project requirements or personal preferences.

Language & Settings: LaTeX Equation Options

Key settings you can configure include:

• Block & Inline Delimiters: Change the default markers (e.g., from $$...$$ to \[...\]) used when you output equations as code.
• Equation Size: Adjust the default size for equations rendered as images.
• Multi-line Code: Choose whether to insert LaTeX source code as a single line or formatted across multiple lines for better readability.

Choosing the Right Tool

• Use the Quick Insert form for creating new equations quickly 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 like choosing the output format.