Formula editor

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A formula editor is a name for a computer program that is used to typeset mathematical works or formulae. Often nowadays, formula editors are not always dedicated to typesetting, but provide calculation and symbolic mathematics functionality. Mathematica is one such system.

However, such dedicated formula editors do exist. TeX is a free mathematical and general typesetting system that has become ubiquitous amongst many mathematicians (and non-mathematicians). Many TeX systems are generally agreed to produce print-quality and device independent output. TeX's greatest drawback is seen to be its relative lack of WYSIWYG input, although WYSIWYG add-ons to TeX are available.

WYSIWYG formula editors often have a palette of mathematical symbols, in the form of buttons on which the user clicks, creating a symbol on the screen. The software will automatically format and align these symbols to correctly compose expressions.

Microsoft Office 2007's built-in equation editor includes both WYSIWYG and linear TeX-like support based on Unicode.

[edit] Examples

Microsoft Equation Editor 3.0
MathType from Design Science, a professional version of the above. MathType Equation Editor
LyX
OpenOffice.org Math
KFormula
MathMagic
MathCast
LaTeXiT, a free maths equation editor using LaTeX as a backend for Mac OS X
DragMath, an open-source Java applet for MathML, LaTeX, Maple, Maxima and many more.
Rapid-Pi,
EditLive! WebEQ Equation Editor
TexPoint, a plugin for inserting LaTeX equations into PowerPoint
MyTexPoint, a small free program for inserting LaTeX equations into PowerPoint with an additional handy screen-shot tool
IguanaTex, a free add-in for inserting LaTeX equations into PowerPoint
TeX4PPT, a free plugin for inserting LaTeX equations into PowerPoint using native truetype fonts under windows, providing the highest fidelity
Expressionism — A WYSIWYG browser-based editor (MathML + JavaScript) of mathematical expressions which is also capable of rendering images (e.g. in PNG format).
Texify — An online LaTeX equation writer. Generates links for email messages, web pages and forums.
Formulator MathML Weaver, a WYSIWYG editor of mathematical expressions (Presentation and Content MathML).
abaCal — a free Online Formula Editor for creating and calculating formulas
Jex Jex is an equation editor designed to insert and edit equations in Openoffice. Jex is a wysywig editor that supports TeX, MathML and Mathtype.