Equation Guides
Step-by-step guides for getting equations where you need them: copy math from ChatGPT or a PDF into Word, insert equations in Google Docs and PowerPoint, and move formulas between LaTeX and Word. Each guide covers the built-in way first and says when a converter saves time.
Word and PowerPoint
Insert, number, shortcut and convert equations in Microsoft Office.
- Microsoft Word Equation EditorWhere the equation editor is in current Word, how to type and edit math, and what happened to Equation 3.0.
- How to Number Equations in WordRight-aligned (1), (2) numbers with #(1), and automatic, cross-referenced numbers with captions.
- How to Type LaTeX in WordWord's LaTeX input mode, the commands it does not support, and what to do with a whole .tex file.
- Word Equation ShortcutsThe shortcut that opens an equation and the typing codes that build fractions, scripts and symbols.
- How to Insert an Equation in PowerPointThe Equation button, ink equations, and an image route for PowerPoint for the web.
- How to Convert a Word Equation to LaTeXRead the LaTeX behind one Word equation, or convert every equation in a .docx.
Google Docs and Slides
The built-in equation editor, LaTeX add-ons and images for slides.
- How to Insert an Equation in Google DocsThe Insert > Symbols > Equation menu, backslash shortcuts, and what to do when you have LaTeX.
- LaTeX in Google DocsBackslash shortcuts, the Auto-LaTeX Equations add-on, and formula images, compared.
- How to Insert an Equation in Google SlidesGoogle Slides has no equation tool: images from LaTeX, add-ons, and the Google Docs workaround.
Equations from AI chats
Move math from ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity and AI Overviews into Word or Docs.
- How to Copy ChatGPT Equations to WordWhy ChatGPT math breaks in Word, and three ways to paste it as editable Word equations.
- How to Copy Gemini Equations to WordGemini math into Word as equations, and into Google Docs without $$ code.
- How to Copy Claude Equations to WordClaude's math into Word as editable equations instead of $$ code.
- How to Copy Perplexity Equations to WordPerplexity answers with math into Word as editable equations.
- How to Copy Google AI Overview Equations to WordFormulas from AI Overviews in Google Search into Word, via a screenshot.
- How to Paste ChatGPT Equations into Google DocsChatGPT math in Google Docs: an add-on, the built-in editor, or formula images.
- How to Get LaTeX from ChatGPTPrompts that return raw LaTeX, and a quick way to catch errors before compiling.
Photos, PDFs and screenshots
Whiteboards, textbooks, lecture slides, videos and PDFs into LaTeX, Word or Excel.
- Whiteboard Equation to LaTeXPhotographing a whiteboard so the math reads cleanly, then converting it as handwriting.
- How to Copy Equations from YouTube Videos to WordPause, screenshot and convert the formulas written on screen in a lecture video.
- How to Copy Equations from Lecture Slides to WordNative PowerPoint equations, PDF slides and slide images into Word notes.
- How to Convert a Textbook Equation to LaTeXPhotographing curved textbook pages and converting printed equations to LaTeX.
- Snipping Tool for MacMac's built-in snipping shortcuts, the Windows equivalents, and turning a snip of math into LaTeX.
- How to Copy a Table from PDF to ExcelExcel's Get Data from PDF, the Word route, and OCR for scanned PDFs.
- How to Copy Equations from PDF to WordWhy PDF math breaks on copy, and two ways to get editable Word equations.
Notes apps
LaTeX in Notion and handwriting to text in OneNote and Google Lens.
- LaTeX in NotionBlock and inline equations in Notion, KaTeX limits, and getting LaTeX from a screenshot.
- OneNote Handwriting to TextLasso Select and Ink to Text in OneNote, where it is missing, and paper notes.
- Google Lens Handwriting to TextGoogle Lens Text mode for handwritten notes, and what to use when the notes contain math.
Alternatives and switching
Mathpix, SimpleTex and MathType alternatives, and image to LaTeX for Overleaf.
- Mathpix AlternativeHow imagetolatex compares with Mathpix Snip, what is free, and when Mathpix is the better fit.
- SimpleTex AlternativeHow imagetolatex compares with SimpleTex for formula OCR, and what SimpleTex does that we do not.
- How to Insert Equations in Word Without MathTypeWord's built-in tools that replace MathType, and the one case where you still need it.
- Image to LaTeX for OverleafEquation screenshots into Overleaf as code, whole PDFs as projects, and figures with \includegraphics.
Have the equation as a picture?
Paste a screenshot and get LaTeX you can copy into Word, Overleaf or Notion.