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just curious.

I use \LaTeX here and at wikipedia for equations. I would like to use it in a word processor (instead of that crappy Equation Editor).

is there an app or an online app that i can write and format prose and insert equations using LaTeX? and then "print" to pdf?

Steven B. Segletes
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robert bristow-johnson
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  • I don't think this is possible ... – Tolaso Jan 10 '17 at 00:01
  • Do you mean services like this or this? – totera Jan 10 '17 at 00:13
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    Of course, pdflatex is the "app" that "can write and format prose and insert equations using LaTeX". Its output is already pdf. On a PC platform, MikTeX is a typical version of that app: https://miktex.org/ – Steven B. Segletes Jan 10 '17 at 00:28
  • Would LyX be something you'd consider. Don't know too much about LyX, it may not meet your specification, but it could be another way of getting what you want? – Au101 Jan 10 '17 at 00:36
  • the services @totera refers to will render me an equation that i can somehow copy the rendered image and paste into a word processor (like pasting in a picture). i was hoping for something like Word or Appleworks but does not use that lame Equation Editor but would use TeX instead. – robert bristow-johnson Jan 10 '17 at 01:51
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    I remember in 2012 when I was conducting my thesis. My supervisor introduced me to Latex. From that time, I never touched it word processor again for any work. Latex does every thing a writer needs. At the start, it is intimidating but later on it is worthwhile. For your question, just insert your equation as an image (i.e. take a look at standalone package) in that stupid app. No wonder it is for free if you have Outlook account. – CroCo Jan 10 '17 at 02:00

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If you're using a mac, then LaTeXiT might be what you're looking for. It lets you write things out in TeX/LaTeX, and turn whatever you write into a picture or PDF, which you can then insert into your document. It's a life-saver.

I haven't used it, but apparently KLatexFormula is the Windows equivalent.

hmmitche
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  • thanks. not that i am using a current mac, but in either case (mac, win, linux) how are the equations stored in case you want to edit your paper. do i have to store each equation source (in LaTeX) as a separate little file? is there any way to have the LaTeX source live with the prose of the text in a single editable file? – robert bristow-johnson Jan 10 '17 at 01:48
  • I don't know of a way to make it live in the editor itself (unless it's emacs' org-mode). LaTeXiT essentially is for one-off use. In other words, you write the code, you compile it, and it spits out a tiny PDF or png or (insert image file type here). Then, you close LaTeXiT and it's gone. You could store the code in various small files and open them with the application, but it's for just quickly generating small snippets. – hmmitche Jan 10 '17 at 01:53
  • "It lets you write things out in TeX/LaTeX , and turn whatever you write into a picture or PDF" TeX/LateX do that too. no need for third party. – CroCo Jan 10 '17 at 01:58
  • Sorry, should've been more specific. It doesn't format the full page, just what you give it. – hmmitche Jan 10 '17 at 02:11
  • okay, so i got and installed KLatexFormula and ran it. i type in a couple letters into the Enter LaTeX expression box and when i push Run LaTeX button i get an error window that says: Can't query version of ghostscript located at `'. – robert bristow-johnson Jan 10 '17 at 02:11
  • Presumably that means that somewhere in you KLatexFormula preferences, you need to set your path to GhostScript. – hmmitche Jan 10 '17 at 16:35