Lucidchart offers two ways to create mathematical equations: LaTeX and the MathQuill WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) editor. Read this article to learn how to add and use the equations shape library.

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Add the equations shape library

Select More shapes from the Shape menu or press “M” on your keyboard.
Check the box next to “Equations”.
Select Use selected shapes.

The equations library is now ready to use from the Shape menu.

Add and edit equations

Add an equation to the canvas

Locate the “Equation” section of the Shape menu.
Click and drag an equation shape onto the canvas.

Edit an equation using LaTeX

In the Equation Editor text box, click where in the equation you want to make changes.
Type mathematical symbols using hot key combinations on your keyboard.
- You can see a preview of the equation below the text box.
Click Save.

how-to-make-edits-to-the-equations-shape-using-the-latex-equation-editor-in-lucidchart.gif

Edit an equation using LaTeX + WYSIWYG

To create an equation using symbols from the MathQuill WYSIWYG editor in addition to using hot key combinations, follow these steps:

From the Equations Editor, select the option for “LaTeX + WYSIWYG”.
Choose an equation symbol menu.
Click a symbol to add it to the equation.
- You can see a preview of the equation below the text box.
Select Save.

FAQ

Does the equation shape library calculate the equations I add to my document?
No, the equation shape library does not calculate or solve equations. Its purpose is to properly format and display equations within your document.

What is LaTeX?
LaTeX is a markup language commonly used for mathematics. It turns plain text like a^b into formatted expressions. Lucidchart uses MathJax, which supports most LaTeX math.

What is MathQuill WYSIWYG?
What-you-see-is-what-you-get is an alternative to using hotkey combinations when creating an equation. If you select this option, you can build an equation by selecting from a preset menu.

Can I edit an equation that’s already on the canvas?
Yes. Double-click the equation to re-open the Equation Editor.

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