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Word and PowerPoint

How to Convert a Word Equation to LaTeX

By imagetolatex team · Published

Word for Microsoft 365 can show any equation as LaTeX: select the equation, choose LaTeX in the Conversions group of the Equation tab, then Convert > Linear. The equation turns into its LaTeX source, which you can copy. For a whole document, a Word to LaTeX converter handles every equation at once.

Method 1: one equation, inside Word

  1. Step 1: Select the equationClick inside it so the Equation tab appears.
  2. Step 2: Choose LaTeXIn the Conversions group, set the format to LaTeX (instead of UnicodeMath).
  3. Step 3: Convert to linearChoose Convert > Linear (or press Ctrl+Shift+=). The equation now shows LaTeX code.
  4. Step 4: Copy and restoreSelect and copy the code, then choose Convert > Professional (Ctrl+=) to rebuild the equation.
What a built-up fraction becomes
\frac{a}{b+c}

Check the copied code: Word writes its own LaTeX dialect (matrices come out as \matrix{}), so a formula may need small edits before a LaTeX compiler accepts it. Paste it into the LaTeX editor to see whether it renders.

Method 2: a whole document

Converting dozens of equations by hand is slow. The Word to LaTeX converter reads the .docx and returns LaTeX with text, headings, tables and equations, ready to upload to Overleaf. It takes .docx only (save an old .doc as .docx first) and needs a free account and credits per page; failed conversions return their credits.

The Word to LaTeX converter with an upload area for DOCX files
The Word to LaTeX converter: upload a .docx, download LaTeX for Overleaf.

Pandoc (a free command-line tool) is another route for whole documents if you are comfortable with a terminal: pandoc -s input.docx -o output.tex.

Equations that are pictures

If the "equation" in the document is an image or an old Equation 3.0 object, Word has no LaTeX to show. Take a screenshot and paste it into the image to LaTeX converter instead.

FAQ

Can Word export equations as LaTeX?
Yes, one at a time in Word for Microsoft 365: choose LaTeX under Conversions, then Convert > Linear.
Why is there no LaTeX option in my Word?
It exists only in Word for Microsoft 365. In older versions, use a Word to LaTeX converter or Pandoc.
Will the LaTeX compile in Overleaf?
Usually after small fixes: Word's dialect differs in places such as matrices. Check each formula in a preview before pasting it into your document.
What happens to equation numbers?
Numbers typed with #(1) come out as text. In LaTeX, use the equation environment and let LaTeX number them.

Sources

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