Basic

The most important thing to understand when using Mathcha is the difference between Text Mode, Math Mode, and Suggestion Box. In summary:

• Text Mode: An area for entering normal text, like other rich text editors.
• Math Mode: An area for entering mathematical symbols. You can only enter Math Mode from Text Mode by inserting \math-container or \inline-math.
• Suggestion Box: Appears when you press the \ key. The content of the Suggestion Box differs depending on which Mode (Text Mode or Math Mode) you are in. It helps you quickly insert math symbols (or other components) into a document.

Text Mode

Example of various styles in Text Mode

When you first open an empty document, you are in Text Mode. Like other text editors, you will see a Toolbar at the top of the document for adjusting text alignment, color, bold, and more.

See Text Mode for more info.

Suggestion Box

When you press \ on the keyboard, a box appears called the Suggestion Box. You will primarily use this to search for symbols/components and insert them into your document.

Example of Suggestion Box in Text Mode

The content of the Suggestion Box differs depending on whether you are in Text Mode or Math Mode. Below is an example in Math Mode:

Example of Suggestion Box in Math Mode

The Suggestion Box in Math Mode has more items and options specifically for mathematical input. Each item is described in detail in other sections.

Math Mode

By default, you are in Text Mode. Select \math-container in the Suggestion Box to insert a Math Mode area.

Select math-container

With \math-container, all symbols/characters in this area will be centered (you cannot change text alignment in Math Mode), and spacing between characters is adjusted automatically by Mathcha.

Whenever you see a light green background and green cursor, that indicates you are in Math Mode.

Math Mode area (green background, cursor)

Open the Suggestion Box in this Math Mode area, and you will see more symbols/components/operators. These items are explained in other sections.

Suggestion Box with Categories tab selected

Draw to Find Symbol

If you don’t know the name of a symbol, you can draw it. In the Suggestion Box, switch to the Drawing tab and draw the symbol you’re looking for. Mathcha will recognize your drawing and suggest matching symbols.

Draw a symbol to find it