What does this tool do
The Formula Typer lets you type LaTeX math formulas and see them rendered live in your browser. Enter standard LaTeX notation (e.g. E = mc^2, \frac{a}{b}, \sqrt{x}) and the preview updates as you type. Download the rendered formula as a PNG image for use in documents or presentations. No installation or sign-up required.
How to use it
- Enter LaTeX — Type or paste your formula into the left textarea. Use the toolbar above to insert common LaTeX symbols (fractions, square roots, integrals, Greek letters, etc.) at the cursor, then modify the placeholders as needed.
- View preview — The right panel shows the rendered formula in real time. Invalid syntax is highlighted in red by KaTeX.
- Load sample — Click Load sample to fill in a simple example (
E = mc^2). - Download PNG — When the preview looks correct, click Download PNG to save the formula as an image file.
- Clear — Click Clear to reset the input and start over.
How it works
The tool uses KaTeX to render LaTeX math in the browser. KaTeX parses the input and produces HTML with styled math symbols. With throwOnError: false, invalid LaTeX is shown as red error text instead of breaking the page. The PNG export uses dom-to-image to capture the rendered DOM node as a raster image with a white background.
All processing runs entirely in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
Use cases & examples
- Documents — Create equation images for Word, Google Docs, or slide decks.
- Websites — Generate PNG equations when LaTeX rendering is not available.
- Homework — Type formulas and export for submission or sharing.
- STEM content — Produce publication-quality math notation.
Example
E = mc^2→ Renders as Einstein's mass–energy equivalence.\frac{a}{b}→ Renders as a fraction a/b.\sqrt{x^2 + y^2}→ Renders as the square root of x² + y².\int_0^1 x \, dx→ Renders as the definite integral of x from 0 to 1.
Limitations & known constraints
- Input limit — Maximum 2,000 characters per formula to prevent excessive processing.
- LaTeX subset — KaTeX supports most common math notation but not full LaTeX (e.g. no
\usepackage). - Display mode only — Formulas render in block/display mode (centered); inline mode is not offered.
- Client-side only — Very long or complex formulas may cause brief UI lag in the browser.