Image to LaTeX

TexPixel's core feature is converting formula images — from photos, scans, or screenshots — directly into LaTeX code you can paste anywhere.

Image to LaTeX for Printed and Handwritten Math

Use image to LaTeX conversion to turn textbook scans, screenshots, and handwritten notes into code for your LaTeX editor. TexPixel recognizes both printed and handwritten formulas, including multi-line equations and matrices. For handwriting, use dark ink on white paper and keep characters well-spaced, as explained in the FAQ.

How to Convert an Image to LaTeX

  1. Upload your image — Drag and drop a JPG or PNG into the upload zone, or click to browse. You can also paste from your clipboard.
  2. AI processes it — Our model detects the formula region, runs OCR, and generates structured LaTeX in under a second.
  3. Copy the result — Click the copy button next to the LaTeX output. Paste into Overleaf, VS Code, or another LaTeX editor. For editable equations in Microsoft Word, use DOCX export.

Input Requirements

Requirement Details
File formats JPG, PNG
Max file size 10 MB
Recommended DPI 150 DPI or higher
Background White or light backgrounds work best

What Gets Recognized

TexPixel handles a wide range of mathematical content:

  • Algebra — equations, inequalities, polynomials
  • Calculus — derivatives, integrals, limits
  • Matrices — 2×2 up to large arrays
  • Greek letters — α, β, γ, Σ, Π, and more
  • Subscripts and superscripts — x_i^2, a_{n+1}
  • Fractions — \frac{a}{b}, nested fractions
  • Square roots and radicals — \sqrt{x}, \sqrt[n]{x}

Example

Uploading an image of the quadratic formula gives you:

x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

An image of an integral:

\int_0^\infty e^{-x^2}\, dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}

Tips for Best Results

  • Use clear images — avoid blur, shadows, or low contrast
  • Crop tightly — the less background, the better the focus
  • Dark ink on white paper — ideal for handwritten formulas
  • Avoid rotated images — keep the formula horizontal
  • One formula per image — for complex multi-part work, crop each formula separately

If recognition contains errors, improve the contrast, straighten the image, or take a sharper photo before trying again. The OCR accuracy guide explains how image quality, formula complexity, and handwriting affect results. For handwritten notes, see the handwriting recognition tips.

Limitations

  • Extremely faint or pencil-written formulas may have lower accuracy
  • Hand-drawn arrows or annotation marks outside the formula may be ignored
  • Very large matrices (10×10+) may have reduced accuracy

Use Image to LaTeX Output in Your Documents

Copy the recognized LaTeX into an Overleaf project to continue writing your document. If you need a Word document, export DOCX to get a native, editable equation. The Word export guide covers downloading the file and copying an equation into an existing document.

Copy Options

After recognition, you can copy output in multiple formats:

  • LaTeX — raw LaTeX string
  • MathML — for web embedding
  • Markdown — $...$ inline or $...$ block
  • Plain text — Unicode approximation

Further reading: From Whiteboard to LaTeX in 3 Seconds: A Student's Workflow →

Ready to try it? Upload a formula image now →

More documentation