Convert formula images to LaTeX & MathType

Upload a photo of a math, physics or chemistry formula → edit it in place → copy into Word, MathType or Google Docs.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Images are not stored on our servers

When do you need to convert formula images to LaTeX?

Retyping a nested fraction, a matrix or a chemical equation in Word takes minutes and invites mistakes. Whenever a formula only exists as a photo, on paper or in a scanned PDF, this tool gives you an editable version in seconds.

Teachers building exams from books and past papers

Photograph a textbook page, last year's exam or a reference book and paste the formulas straight into Word for tests, worksheets and exam blueprints — no retyping of roots and fractions.

Digitising paper exams and handwritten solutions

Old typed exams, handwritten answer keys, solutions on the board: convert them to LaTeX for your question bank, reuse them in online or multiple-choice tests, or share them with colleagues.

Students taking lecture notes and writing reports

Snap slides, the whiteboard or the coursebook and drop the formulas into notes, essays or a thesis in Word or Overleaf; easy to fix when a lecturer asks for different notation.

Formulas from scanned PDFs and screenshots

Scanned PDFs and screenshots do not let you copy text. Crop the formula, recognise it and get real editable text to paste into your document.

Editing and typesetting documents with formulas

Publishers, tutoring centres and course authors need formulas as MathML/MathType for consistent layout and crisp printing instead of blurry pasted images.

Chemical equations and physics formulas

Reactions with conditions, equilibrium arrows, subscripts and units are converted to standard mhchem/LaTeX syntax that pastes into Word without breaking.

Compared with retyping by hand

  • Faster: one image with several formulas is split into separate cards, ready to copy.
  • Fewer mistakes: AI reads the structure of fractions, roots and subscripts; you only review and edit in place.
  • Live output: LaTeX and MathML stay editable in Word, MathType and Overleaf — not images.
  • Free, no account, works on your phone with the camera.

How it works

Four steps, no software to install, no account needed.

  1. Photograph or crop the formula

    Photos of books, exam papers, whiteboards or PDF screenshots all work. Crop close to the formula and shoot in good light for the best accuracy.

  2. Upload the image

    Drop it into the box, paste with Ctrl+V or click "Choose image". Add an optional note such as "only question 3" or "this is a chemical reaction".

  3. Click "Recognize formulas"

    AI reads line by line and returns standard LaTeX: amsmath for math, \ce{} (mhchem) for chemistry. Each formula becomes its own card with a preview.

  4. Edit and copy into Word or MathType

    Fix any misread symbol directly in the LaTeX box — the preview updates instantly. Click "Copy LaTeX" or "Copy MathML" and paste into your editor.

Paste the result into Word, MathType or Google Docs

Microsoft Word (2016, 365)

Insert → Equation (Alt + =), switch the Equation tab to LaTeX mode, paste the LaTeX and press Enter. Or click "Copy MathML" and paste it straight into the document — Word converts it into an equation.

MathType

Open MathType and use Edit → Paste (MathType accepts both LaTeX and MathML). If pasted LaTeX does not render, enable Preferences → Cut and Copy Preferences → MathML or TeX.

Google Docs, PowerPoint, LibreOffice

Google Docs: use the Auto-LaTeX Equations add-on and paste the LaTeX inside $$…$$. PowerPoint 365 also has a LaTeX mode under Insert → Equation. LibreOffice Math: Tools → Import MathML from Clipboard.

What the tool can do

  • Reads fractions, roots, integrals, matrices, systems of equations and chemical reactions
  • Output is editable LaTeX with a live preview in your browser
  • Copy LaTeX or MathML to paste into Word 365, MathType or Google Docs

Retyping formulas from books or exam papers into Word is slow, especially nested fractions, matrices or chemical equations. This tool uses a vision AI model to read the image and convert it into LaTeX — the standard format understood by Word, MathType, Overleaf and Google Docs — so you only check and paste.

Made for teachers preparing exams, students taking lecture notes and editors digitizing documents. Pair it with the NineQuiz STEM diagram maker for a complete digital math, physics and chemistry exam.

Frequently asked questions

Which kinds of formulas can it read?

Fractions, radicals, powers, subscripts, integrals, sums, limits, matrices, systems of equations, vectors, angles, physical units and chemical equations (including arrows with conditions). Images with several formulas are split into separate cards in order.

Does it work with handwriting?

Yes for clear handwriting, though accuracy is lower than for printed text. Check and correct the LaTeX in the edit box before copying.

Can I edit the result after pasting into Word?

Yes. Both LaTeX (Equation LaTeX mode) and MathML are converted by Word into native equations that you edit like any typed equation — not images.

Are my images stored?

No. The image is downscaled in your browser, sent to the AI for recognition and then discarded; the server only logs usage counts to prevent abuse.

Is there a usage limit?

Everyone gets a number of free AI runs per day (shown next to the recognize button). The quota resets every day.

Need diagrams for math, physics or chemistry exams?

Use the STEM diagram maker: describe in words or upload an image, AI draws an accurate figure, edit each element and export SVG or PNG.

Open the diagram maker