How to Use the Equation Editor in Helperbird
Learn how to open and use Helperbird's Equation Editor - type or dictate equations, hear them read aloud, and copy or download them as LaTeX, MathML, or an image.
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- apps
- reading
- maths
The Equation Editor is a full-page space for writing maths. Type LaTeX, tap symbols on the on-screen math keyboard, or dictate your equation out loud, then read it aloud, copy it, or download it as an image. The Equation Editor is a Helperbird Pro feature.
Listen opens Helperbird's text to speech, so the voice, speed and other reading settings are whatever you have chosen there. See how to use text to speech.
Opening the Equation Editor
Step 1: Open Helperbird
Click the Helperbird icon in the top right corner of your browser.
Step 2: Open Equations
Find Equations in your features list (or Quick Actions) and click it. The editor opens in its own browser tab, giving the math field plenty of room.
Writing an Equation
There are three ways to enter maths, mix and match as you like:
- Type LaTeX commands - start a command with a backslash, e.g.
\frac,\sqrt,\int. The field formats it as you type. - Use the on-screen math keyboard - click the keyboard button in the toolbar for symbols you can't type.
- Dictate it - see the next section.
A live preview shows your equation as it will appear.
Dictating with Voice Typing
Click the microphone button and speak your equation. Helperbird converts your speech into notation and inserts it at the cursor.
Voice typing has modes, Math, Chemistry, and Physics, chosen from the voice typing options menu in the popup. The Equation Editor follows whichever mode you've set, so you can dictate a chemical formula or a physics equation, not just maths. While you speak, a live caption shows what's being heard. The mic stops on its own after a short silence.
See How to Use Speech to Math (Math Mode) and How to Use Chemistry and Physics Voice Typing for what you can say.
Reading an Equation Aloud
Click the Read aloud button (the speaker) to hear your equation spoken in proper math language, "x squared" rather than "x caret two", using Microsoft Immersive Reader. Great for proof-reading and accessibility.
Copying Your Equation
Click Copy and choose the format that fits where you're pasting:
- LaTeX - paste into Google Docs, Overleaf, Notion, and other LaTeX-aware editors.
- MathML - paste into accessible web pages and screen-reader-aware editors.
- Image - paste a picture of the equation into Slack, email, Word, or Slides (you won't be able to re-edit it).
Downloading as an Image
Click the Download button to save your equation as a PNG image file. Use it when you want a file to attach, drag into another app, or keep on disk. The image is rendered with proper math fonts, so it looks crisp wherever you use it.
The Equation Menu
Click the menu button (top right) for the equation field's built-in actions, insert a matrix, cut/copy/paste, change a variable's style, and more.
A Guide for Each Part
Each of these has its own page with screenshots:
- Open the Equation Editor
- Write an equation
- Hear it read aloud
- Copy it
- Download it as an image
- Dictate it with your voice
Related Guides
- How to Use Speech to Math (Math Mode) in Helperbird
- How to Use Chemistry and Physics Voice Typing in Helperbird
- How to Use the Maths Reader in Helperbird
Need Additional Help?
If you have any questions or run into any issues, please contact the Helperbird support team. You can reach us at Helperbird support. We are happy to help you get the most out of Helperbird.
