How to insert LaTeX in Google Docs

You may be creating an assignment for class or a mathematical paper where you need to insert and render LaTeX equations in Google Docs. You have a few ways to enter these equations and convert them to display properly.

Although Google Docs does have a built-in equation editor, it can be a bit time-consuming for this task. For that reason, using a Google Docs extension speeds up the process.

We’ll show you two add-ons that make quick work of LaTeX equations. And if you prefer to tackle the equation editor in Google Docs, we’ll explain how to use it as well.

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Auto-LaTeX Equations

One Google Docs extension you can use is Auto-LaTeX Equations. You can use it for free in both Google Slides and Docs, and it helps you render LaTeX equations you enter in your document.

1. Once you install the add-on, select Extensions > Auto-LaTeX Equations > Start in the menu.

2. When the sidebar opens, you have a couple of settings you can adjust per your preference:some text
   • Select Size: Pick from Automatic to match the current font size, Inline to compress the height of the equation, or a specific Font Size.
   • Select Delimiter Style (Advanced Settings): Pick from double dollar signs ($$ ... $$) or backslashes with brackets (\[ … \]).

3. Be sure to use the delimiter you choose when you enter the equation in your document.

4. When you’re ready to convert an equation, select Render Equations.

You’ll see the equation rendered as an image that you can move or resize.

If you happen to have one or more rendered equations that you want to return to the LaTeX format, select De-render Equation or De-render All Equations in the sidebar.

MathFlow – LaTeX Math Equations Editor

Another good add-on is MathFlow – LaTeX Math Equations Editor. This extension is also available for free and works with both Google Docs and Slides. But you can use it in Google Forms and Sheets, and MathFlow provides a few extra features you’ll find useful.

1. Once you install the add-on, select Extensions > MathFlow – LaTeX Math Equations Editor in the menu.
2. Choose either the Sidebar Editor or Popup Editor depending on your display preference.

3. Enter your equation in the Latex box and do not include a delimiter as it won’t provide the expected result.

4. Optionally, adjust the Scale of the image and Background color using the buttons below the Latex box.
5. Pick Render to receive an image of your equation.

6. Select Copy below the image, place your cursor on the slide where you want it, and choose Edit > Paste in the menu. You’ll then see your equation image in the document where you can format it if you like.

Other MathFlow features

With the MathFlow extension, you can also use the following extra features:

• Download the equation image using the Export image button (1) in the sidebar.
• Type with the Math Keyboard using the Toggle Math Keyboard button (2).
• Copy the LaTeX equation as you entered it using the Copy button (3) above the Latex box.
• View your rendered equation history using the Manage Render History button (4) at the top of the sidebar.

Google Docs equation editor

While not the simplest way to go with LaTeX equations, you can use the Google Docs built-in Equation Editor if you like. With it, you can choose the operations and symbols and type the other items you need. Google Docs then properly displays the equation.

1. Place your cursor where you want the equation, then go to Insert > Equation in the menu.

2. You’ll see the Equation Editor bar at the top of your document and your cursor inside the equation box.
3. Do one or more of the following:some text
   • Enter the numbers or symbols for the operation.
   • Use the drop-down menus in the Equation Editor to choose the items you want.

As an example, we’ll render the LaTeX equation from above: $$3^{4^5} + \frac{1}{2}$$.

1. Type 3 ^ 4 ^ 5.
2. Press Enter or Return twice to move the cursor back down from the exponents.
3. Type +.
4. Select Math Operations and pick the Fraction.
5. Type 1, press Tab, and enter 2.

You’ll then see this LaTeX equation display as expected and can close the Equation Editor using the X on the right side.

Add or edit document content with Plus AI

Sometimes we simply can’t find the right words to explain what we need or successfully convey our message. But another helpful Google Docs add-on can help!

Plus AI uses artificial intelligence to assist you with writing the correct verbiage, researching a topic, and assembling a Google Doc that’s easy to understand.

You can generate text or edit quickly and easily using the Plus AI sidebar. In the example below, we ask Plus AI to explain the LaTeX equation we used throughout this article.

You can also get help writing blog posts, social media ads, newsletters, and lesson plans, and adjust the tone, summarize your points, restructure the format, and even translate text.

Best of all, Plus AI works with both Google Docs and Google Slides (as well as PowerPoint!). So, from documents to presentations you can get the help you need to get your point across.

Visit the Plus AI website to see the feature set, template gallery, and example uses. Then, start your free trial!

Conclusion

For your assignment, essay, or paper, you need to concentrate on creating or solving those equations, not formatting them, right? Using a free add-on or the built-in editor, you can insert LaTeX in Google Docs in a snap.

And remember, you can use the handy Plus AI extension for help wording the content of your document in just minutes.

FAQs

Does Google Docs have mathematical symbols?

You can use the math symbols in the Google Docs Equation Editor if you want to display an operation. Select Insert > Equation to open the editor and then use the drop-down menus to choose your symbols.

If you’d like to include the symbols within your text, you can access them in the Special Characters menu. Select Insert > Special characters and choose Math or Math Alphanumeric in the Arrows menu.

How do I insert a LaTeX equation in Word?

In Microsoft Word, you can add your LaTeX equation and have it rendered automatically. Go to the Insert menu and choose Equation. Enter the equation in the box and press Enter or Return to render it.

Check the Microsoft Support page for using UnicodeMath and LaTeX in Word for help inserting your equation correctly.

How to use LaTeX in Google Slides?

You can use the Auto-LaTeX Equations and MathFlow – LaTeX Math Equations Editor add-ons in Google Slides the same way as in Google Docs. Each helps you enter and render your LaTeX equations for presentations.