How to Use AI Equation Editor in Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets

What the Google Workspace add-on does

AI Equation Editor puts an equation workspace inside Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets. You can create a formula with visual controls, write or edit LaTeX, recognize a screenshot or handwritten equation, preview the result, and insert it into the file you are already working on.

The add-on is most useful when the document is the center of your workflow. You do not need to switch to another tab every time you need a fraction, matrix, integral, scientific symbol, or a formula from an existing image.

1. Install and open the add-on

1. Open the AI Equation Editor listing in the Google Workspace Marketplace.
2. Select Install and review the permissions shown by Google before continuing.
3. Open a Google Doc, Slide, or Sheet. From the Extensions or Add-ons menu, choose AI Equation Editor and open the sidebar.
4. Keep the document open while you create and insert equations. The add-on is designed to work in the file where it is launched.

If the sidebar does not appear, confirm that you installed the add-on with the same Google account that owns or edits the document. Reloading the document after installation can also make the Extensions menu refresh.

2. Create an equation with visual editing

Visual editing is the easiest starting point when you know what the formula should look like but do not remember every LaTeX command. Use the symbol categories for fractions, roots, Greek letters, integrals, limits, brackets, matrices, and other common structures.

1. Open a blank equation in the add-on sidebar.
2. Choose a structure, such as a fraction or superscript.
3. Fill each placeholder and use the preview to check the layout.
4. Adjust the equation before inserting it into the document.

This mode is useful for lesson plans, homework explanations, and slide decks where you want to build a formula without starting from raw code.

3. Generate a starting formula with AI

When you know the relationship you want but not the exact notation, describe it in the AI panel and select Generate. Use the result as a starting point, then check every symbol in the visual editor before inserting it into your document.

1. Describe the formula in plain language.
2. Generate a candidate and compare it with the intended meaning.
3. Edit the candidate visually or in LaTeX before inserting it.

4. Switch to LaTeX when you need precision

Use LaTeX mode when you already have source code, need exact control, or want to make a small correction faster than clicking through a structure. For example, the kinetic-energy formula can be written as \frac{1}{2}mv^2.

E = mc^2

\int_0^1 x^2\,dx = \frac{1}{3}

\begin{bmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{bmatrix}

Always check the rendered preview after editing. A formula can be syntactically valid while still having the wrong exponent, denominator, sign, or symbol.

5. Insert equations into Docs, Slides, and Sheets

Create or edit the equation in the sidebar, confirm the preview, and use the insert action to place the result in the current Workspace file. For a larger standalone canvas, open the web version from theAI Equation Editor page.

6. Convert screenshots and handwriting into editable equations

When the formula already exists as a screenshot, textbook crop, or handwritten note, use the image or handwriting workflow instead of retyping it. A clear crop with one main equation is usually easier to review than a full page containing unrelated text.

1. Open the image or handwriting input in the add-on.
2. Upload, paste, or draw the equation.
3. Review every symbol in the generated LaTeX and rendered preview.
4. Edit any ambiguous character before inserting the equation.

For a browser-only conversion workflow, see the detailed Image to LaTeX converter.

7. Use Smart Extract to re-edit an equation image

Smart Extract is useful when a Google Doc already contains an equation image but the original source code is gone. Select the existing image, open the extraction workflow, and review the editable result before replacing the image in the document.

8. Format equations for academic documents

A mathematically correct equation can still look out of place if its size does not match the document. Use the academic font-size controls to align equations with body text, footnotes, slides, or other document styles. Check the result at the final zoom level rather than judging it only inside the sidebar.

Common problems and practical fixes

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Frequently asked questions