Operation Manual

Formulas are inserted as OLE objects into documents. You can, as with any OLE object, change
how the object is placed within the document. For more information on OLE objects, see the user
guides for Math, Writer, Calc, Draw, and Impress.
If you frequently insert formulas into documents, it is recommended to add the Formula button to
the Standard toolbar or create a keyboard shortcut. See Chapter 14, Customizing LibreOffice, for
more information.
Creating formulas
You can insert elements into a formula using one of the following methods:
• Select a category from the drop-down list, then a symbol using the Elements window.
• Right-click in the Formula Editor and select a category, then a symbol from the context
menu.
• Enter markup language directly in the Formula Editor.
Note
Using the Elements window or the context menus to insert a formula provides a
convenient way to learn the markup language used by LibreOffice Math.
Elements window
The Elements window can easily be used when entering formula data. In addition to the list of
categories at the top of the window, it also provides an Example category which gives you example
formulas to use as a starting point for your formula or equation.
1) Go to View on the menu bar and select Elements to open the Elements window.
2) Select the category you want to use in the formula from the drop-down list at the top of the
Elements window.
3) Select the symbol you want to use in the formula from the Elements window. The symbols
that are available change according to the selected category.
Note
The Elements window is positioned by default to the left of the Preview and Formula
Editor windows, as shown in Figure 266 and Figure 267. It can be floated in the same
way as other docked windows.
Tip
When using the Elements window, it is recommended to have Tips selected in the
LibreOffice Options. This will help you identify the categories and symbols you want to
use in the formula. Go to Tools > Options > LibreOffice > General and select Tips in
the Help section.
Context menu
The Formula Editor also provides a context menu to access categories and symbols when creating
a formula. Right-click in the Formula Editor to open the context menu. Select a category and then
select the markup example that you want to use from the sub-context menu. An example is shown
in Figure 268.
Chapter 9 Getting Started with Math | 267