Insert and edit equations with Equation Editor

Body

The Graphical Equation Editor is a JavaScript-based application within the HTML Editor tool that enables users to add graphical, chemistry, MathML, and LaTeX equations to their content. The editor provides the necessary elements to construct equations quickly and easily. Each button in the editor toolbar opens a palette of related mathematical symbols. When equations are inserted into the HTML Editor, you can see the equations inline while editing your work. You can insert equations by typing them into the HTML Editor.


This is the paper note and pencil icon used for notes.

Note: LaTeX is available in the new quizzing experience. Equations respect the settings you define in the Attributes page, including Text Orientation.

Before using the HTML Editor:

  • Ensure that you have installed the latest version of your internet browser and that JavaScript is enabled.
  • Disable any software or browser settings that block pop-up windows.

Video: Using the Equation Editor

Insert equations in the Brightspace Editor

The Graphical Equation Editor enables users to insert mathematical equations within the Brightspace Editor. It supports the input of MathML, LaTeX, graphical, and chemistry equations.


This is the paper note and pencil icon used for notes.

Note: LaTeX is available in the new quizzing experience.

Concept

Description

MathML equation

MathML is a standard adopted by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It uses XML to describe mathematical notation by capturing both its structure and content. This enables MathML to support visual display and assistive technology access.

As a standard, Brightspace stores and displays all equations in the MathML format, regardless of the format you use to enter equations. Brightspace uses the MathJax JavaScript engine to display MathML equations.

LaTeX equation

LaTeX is a typesetting system based on TeX. It provides a text syntax for complex mathematical formulae. Brightspace stores equations entered in LaTeX format as MathML to ensure consistency and accessibility.
Chemistry equation The Chemistry equation option offers specialized chemistry symbols for inorganic chemistry formulas.
Graphical equation The Graphical equation option offers 10 tabs of symbols, arrows, Greek letters and numbers, matrices, scripts and layouts, decorations, big operators, calculus, and context for creating math equations.

Tabs in the Graphical Equation Editor

Icon

Name

Description

symbol for chemistry tab		 Chemistry tab

Add specialized chemistry symbols for inorganic chemistry equations

Note: This tab only appears when you select the Chemistry equation option


htmleditor_equation_editor_layout_palette

General tab
  • Add a template for building equations.
  • Add and edit text in the equation using the Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo, Color, and other text editing function


htmleditor_equation_editor_accents_palette

Symbols tab

Add mathematical symbols to equations


htmleditor_equation_editor_arrows_palette

Arrows tab

Update or add arrows to equations


htmleditor_equation_editor_uppercase_greek_palette

Greek and letters tab

Update or add uppercase and lowercase Greek characters to equations


htmleditor_equation_editor_matrices_palette

Matrices tab

Update or add matrices to equations


htmleditor_equation_editor_fences_palette

Scripts and layout tab

Add scripts or layouts to build equations


htmleditor_decorations

Decorations tab

Add fences such as brackets and vertical bars around text fields


htmleditor_equation_editor_operators_palette

Big operators tab

Update or add big operators to equations


htmleditor_equation_editor_calculus_palette

Calculus tab

Add a template for building Calculus equations

Create an equation using classic input mode

You can create and add equations from Brightspace Editor.

To create and add an equation

  1. Access the Brightspace Editor in the tool where you want to create an equation.
  2. From the Graphical equation drop-down list, do one of the following:
    • To insert a graphical equation, click Graphical equation.
    • To insert a chemistry equation, click Chemistry equation.
    • To insert a MathML equation, click MathML equation.
    • To insert a LaTeX equation, click LaTeX equation.
  3. In the Insert Equation window, enter your equation using keyboard characters and your cursor to select symbols from the tabs.
  4. Click Insert.
    An equation in the graphical equation editor
    Figure: The Insert Equation dialog box.

The new equation is added.

Edit an equation

You can also edit existing equations from Brightspace Editor.

To edit an equation

  1. Navigate to the course item that contains the equation you want to edit.
  2. From the context menu of the course item, click Edit HTML.
  3. In Brightspace Editor, click on the box with the The insert equation icon capital sigma sign.
  4. From the Graphical equation drop-down list, do one of the following:
    • To edit the equation using the graphical equation format, click Graphical equation.
    • To edit the equation using the chemistry equation format, click Chemistry equation.
    • To edit the equation using the MathML equation format, click MathML equation.
    • To edit the equation using the LaTeX equation format, click LaTeX equation.

      Click the sigma sign and select the format with which you want to edit the equation
      Figure: The Graphical equation drop-down list of Brightspace Editor.
  5. Make your changes.
  6. Click Insert > Update.

The equation is updated.

Details

Details

Article ID: 171381
Created
Wed 3/11/26 1:59 PM
Modified
Tue 4/14/26 2:53 PM