If you are creating a presentation for work or school where you need to show properly formatted equations, you might want to use LaTeX formatting inside of Google Slides.
Unfortunately, you don’t have the option to insert an equation on a Google Slide like you do in a Google Doc. However, this article will show you several Google Slides add-ons that you can use that properly display your LaTeX equations. Each of these extensions provides you with an image of the resulting equation after you enter it in the LaTeX format.
As a bonus, we’ll show you how you can use the Plus AI Google Slides extension to add content about the equation to your slide. This is handy for inserting the details you need without the extra work.
Let’s get to it!
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Auto-LaTeX Equations
This first Google add-on is Auto-LaTeX Equations. It’s free, it works with both Google Slides and Docs, and ithelps you render the LaTeX equations that already exist in your presentation.
- Once you install the tool, select Extensions > Auto-LaTeX Equations > Start in the menu.
- After the sidebar opens, you have a couple of settings you can adjust:
- Select Size: Choose from Automatic to match your current font size or Inline to compress the height of the equation.
- Select Delimiter Style (Advanced Settings): Choose from double dollar signs ($$ ... $$) or backslashes with brackets (\[ … \]).
- Write your equation(s) in a text box on the slides using the delimiter you choose.
- When you’re ready, click Render Equations.
- The tool then renders the equation, and you can drag the resulting image to resize it or move it on the slide.
With this add-on, you also have an option to De-render Equation and turn it back into a text box by selecting it on the slide and hitting that button in the sidebar.
MathFlow – LaTeX Math Equations Editor
Another good option is the MathFlow – LaTeX Math Equations Editor add-on. Similar to Auto-LaTeX above, this one is free and works with Google Slides and Docs, but also Google Forms and Sheets. Additionally, it provides a few bonus features you might like.
- Once you install the tool, select Extensions > MathFlow – LaTeX Math Equations Editor in the menu.
- Pick either Sidebar Editor or Popup Editor. Both provide the same options, so the one you use is simply preference.
- Enter your equation in the Latex box. Do not include a delimiter; using one does not provide the expected result.
- Optionally, adjust the Scale and Background color using the buttons beneath the Latex box.
- Select Render and you’ll see an image of your equation.
- To use the equation image, choose Copy at the bottom. Then, place your cursor on the slide and select Edit > Paste.
Extra MathFlow features
With MathFlow, there are some extra features you can check out.
First, you can download the equation image by selecting the Export image button to the right of it in the sidebar.
Second, you can use a mathematical keyboard. Above the Latex box, select Toggle Math Keyboard and you’ll see it display at the bottom of the sidebar or pop-up editor.
Next, you can copy your LaTeX equation as you entered it, which is convenient if you want to use it elsewhere. Select Copy above the Latex box to place it on your clipboard.
Finally, you can view a history of your rendered equations. Select the Manage Render History button on the top right of the sidebar. Then, use the buttons beneath an equation to open, copy, or delete it.
Add equation content with Plus AI
Maybe you’d like to add content to go with the equations you’re using in your slideshow. With Plus AI for Google Slides, you can easily edit existing slideshows to insert the content you need.
As an example, using one of the LaTeX equations from above, we give Plus AI a simple prompt to explain the operation on a new slide.
Tip: If you copy or download the image from the LaTeX add-on, you can pop that onto the new slide as well.
Along with adding new slides, you can edit current ones by rewriting content or remixing the layout.
Additionally, you can use Plus AI to create entire presentations from scratch! You can upload a file or enter a prompt, pick an eye-catching template, and receive your fully assembled slideshow in no time.
Conclusion
You don’t have to struggle to figure out how to add LaTeX to Google Slides. With these extensions, the process is an easy one. And with Plus AI, you can quickly add relevant content to accompany those equations.
FAQs
What is the math tool for Google Slides?
Even though Google Slides doesn’t currently have an equation editor, you can still insert mathematical symbols. Go to Insert > Special characters. In the pop-up window, choose Math or Math Alphanumeric per your preference and pick the symbol you want.
What is the best add-on for Google Slides?
The best or most useful add-on for Google Slides depends on your task and you’ll find tools for many different projects. As examples, you can use Plus AI for creating and editing slideshows, Unsplash for images, and Slido for interactive elements. Look at our list of the best Google Slides add-ons for details on these and others.
How do you pronounce the word LaTeX?
LaTeX can be pronounced two ways: “Lay-tech” or “Lah-tech”. For more information, interesting facts, and news, check out the LaTeX Project website.
