LaTeX & Math

NavSlides Editor provides first-class support for mathematical notation and diagrams through two complementary systems: KaTeX for inline and display math, and TikZJax for vector diagrams.

Inserting a LaTeX block

1. Right-click on the slide canvas and choose Insert → LaTeX, or use the Insert toolbar button.
2. A LaTeX element is placed on the slide, and the LaTeX editor panel opens on the right.
3. Type your LaTeX source in the left pane; the right pane shows a live preview that updates as you type.
4. Click elsewhere on the slide to close the editor and see the final rendered output embedded in your slide.

TIP

You can resize and reposition the LaTeX block just like any other element — drag to move, drag corners to scale.

Display math with KaTeX

KaTeX is used to render standard LaTeX math notation. Use \[...\] or the equation environment for display math:

\[
  \hat{H}\psi = E\psi
\]

\begin{equation}
  \nabla \cdot \mathbf{E} = \frac{\rho}{\varepsilon_0}
\end{equation}

Aligned equations

\begin{align}
  f(x) &= x^2 + 3x + 2 \\
       &= (x+1)(x+2)
\end{align}

Fractions, sums, and integrals

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

\[
  \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^n}{n!} = e^x
\]

TikZ diagrams

For vector graphics and complex diagrams, NavSlides Editor supports TikZJax — a WebAssembly port of PGF/TikZ that runs entirely in the browser.

Simple example

\begin{tikzpicture}
  \draw[thick, ->] (0,0) -- (3,0) node[right] {$x$};
  \draw[thick, ->] (0,0) -- (0,3) node[above] {$y$};
  \draw[blue, thick] (0,0) parabola (2,2);
  \node at (1.5,0.8) [right] {$y = x^2$};
\end{tikzpicture}

Block diagram

\begin{tikzpicture}[node distance=2cm, auto]
  \node[draw, rectangle] (A) {Input};
  \node[draw, rectangle, right of=A] (B) {Process};
  \node[draw, rectangle, right of=B] (C) {Output};
  \draw[->] (A) -- (B);
  \draw[->] (B) -- (C);
\end{tikzpicture}

WARNING

TikZ rendering uses WebAssembly and may take a moment on first load. Complex diagrams with many nodes may be slower to render in the live preview.

Inline math in text elements

Inside any text element, you can include inline math using dollar signs:

• Type $f(x) = x^2$ to render $f(x) = x^2$ inline with surrounding text.
• Use $$...$$ for a display-style equation centered within the text block.

Inline math is rendered via KaTeX automatically when you exit the text editor.

Common KaTeX packages and commands

KaTeX supports a large subset of LaTeX. Frequently used commands:

Command	Output
\frac{a}{b}	Fraction
\sqrt{x}	Square root
\vec{v}, \mathbf{v}	Vector notation
\hat{x}, \tilde{x}	Accents
\text{word}	Text inside math
\begin{pmatrix}...\end{pmatrix}	Matrix
\left( ... \right)	Auto-sized delimiters

See the full KaTeX support table for a complete reference.

Troubleshooting rendering issues

Preview shows an error message Check the LaTeX source for syntax errors — missing \end{}, mismatched braces, or unsupported commands.

TikZ output is blank Make sure you have a \begin{tikzpicture}...\end{tikzpicture} block. Some PGF libraries (e.g., tikz-cd) may not be available in TikZJax.

Inline math not rendering Exit the text editor (press Escape) — inline math renders after you finish editing.