Choose the right macro

Start by deciding whether you are creating a formula, linking to one, or listing several equations.

Everyday equations: use MathJax

Choose LaTeX Math — inline or LaTeX Math — display for ordinary mathematical notation such as fractions, matrices, calculus, statistics, and physics formulas.

MathJax provides the faster authoring experience:

• synchronized source and visual editors;
• Formula Library;
• Math Actions and matrix tools;
• a virtual keyboard;
• Undo and Redo;
• display alignment and reference metadata.

Use inline inside a paragraph. Use display when the formula needs its own line, alignment, or more horizontal space.

Packages, plots, and diagrams: use TeX Live

Choose Advanced LaTeX — inline or Advanced LaTeX — display when your content needs a full LaTeX document and packages such as:

• pgfplots for plots;
• tikz for diagrams;
• chemfig for chemistry structures.

Advanced macros use a source editor and rendered preview. They do not include Formula Library, the MathJax visual editor, Math Actions, or the virtual keyboard.

Link to one equation

Choose LaTeX reference after the target formula has a Reference key and the page containing it has been published. The reference displays the equation number and takes the reader to that formula.

List several equations

Choose LaTeX equation list to build a navigable index from:

• the current page;
• another selected page;
• the selected page and its published child pages.

Only formulas with a Reference key appear in references or equation lists.

Quick decision table

Need	Choose
Short formula in a sentence	LaTeX Math — inline
Formula on its own line	LaTeX Math — display
Package-based inline output	Advanced LaTeX — inline
Plot, chemistry structure, or diagram	Advanced LaTeX — display
Link to a numbered equation	LaTeX reference
Index equations across content	LaTeX equation list