How do I convert an image to LaTeX?
Upload or paste the equation image in the converter on this page and run OCR. Review the recognized symbols, then copy the Markdown-compatible LaTeX or export the result to Word.
IMAGE TO LATEX · MATH OCR
Image to LaTeX Converter for Equations and Math
Turn a screenshot, picture, photo, scanned page, or handwritten equation into editable LaTeX. FreeOCR.AI combines math OCR with document recognition so formulas and nearby text can stay together.
Supports common image formats including PNG, JPG, WEBP, HEIC, and GIF. Always review ambiguous symbols before publishing.
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EQUATION OCR
Convert a Math Image to Editable LaTeX
An image-to-LaTeX converter—also described as picture-to-LaTeX, photo-to-LaTeX, equation OCR, or math image-to-text—reads the visual structure of an equation and returns content you can edit, search, and reuse.
Pictures, Screenshots, and Scans
Upload a clean crop of one equation or a full document image. FreeOCR can process printed formulas, handwriting, textbook pages, lecture notes, and screen captures.
LaTeX, Markdown, and Word
Copy Markdown-compatible LaTeX for Overleaf and editors, keep mixed text with math blocks, or export to Word for native editable equations.
OUTPUT EXAMPLES
Image-to-LaTeX Examples
These four examples show distinct OCR inputs: printed typesetting, handwriting, a chalkboard matrix, and prose with inline math. Each image is paired with its expected LaTeX output.
Printed Fraction and Square Root
A cropped textbook equation can become a compact LaTeX expression ready for an equation environment.
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}Check the sign before the square root and distinguish the numeral 0 from the letter O.
Handwritten Integral
Handwriting-to-LaTeX conversion can preserve limits, exponents, spacing commands, and special symbols.
\int_0^\infty e^{-x^2}\,dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}Clear writing and a straight, high-contrast photo usually reduce symbol ambiguity.
Matrix to LaTeX
Rows, columns, brackets, and cell order can be represented with a standard LaTeX matrix environment.
A = \begin{bmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{bmatrix}Review row breaks and verify that vertical strokes were not read as the numeral 1.
Text with an Inline Equation
For a page containing prose and math, the result can stay as Markdown with embedded LaTeX instead of returning formula code alone.
The loss is $\mathcal{L}(\theta) = -\sum_i y_i \log p_i$.This mixed output is useful when digitizing notes, papers, and technical documentation.
HOW IT WORKS
How to Convert an Image to LaTeX
Convert your equation image directly on this page: upload it, run OCR, then review and copy or export the result.
1. Upload or Paste an Image
Upload or paste your equation image in the converter on this page. Crop tightly around the equation when you only need formula code.
2. Run Math OCR
The recognition model analyzes symbols, two-dimensional layout, and surrounding document text before producing Markdown-compatible LaTeX.
3. Review, Copy, or Export
Check similar-looking characters, then copy the LaTeX into Overleaf or another editor. You can also export equations as editable Word content.
PRINTED AND HANDWRITTEN MATH
One Math OCR Workflow for Different Sources
Equation images vary widely, so recognition quality depends on both the notation and the source image. FreeOCR is designed for common printed, handwritten, and document-layout cases without claiming perfect transcription.
Printed Equations
Convert formulas from PDFs, textbooks, slides, research papers, and screenshots when copying the original text is not possible.
Handwriting to LaTeX
Digitize legible classroom notes, derivations, and whiteboard photos. Carefully review characters such as 1, l, I, 0, O, x, and multiplication signs.
Formulas Inside Documents
Keep equations alongside headings, paragraphs, lists, and tables when the source is a full page instead of an isolated formula.
LATEX OCR COVERAGE
Math Structures the Converter Can Recognize
Results vary by image quality and notation, but these are common structures to test with a picture-to-LaTeX or equation-to-LaTeX workflow.
x²
Fractions and Powers
Fractions, roots, subscripts, superscripts, grouped expressions, and nested notation.
∫
Calculus Symbols
Integrals, limits, derivatives, Greek letters, infinity, and common operators.
[ ]
Matrices and Cases
Bracketed matrices, aligned rows, piecewise expressions, and multiline equations.
Σ
Sums and Relations
Summations, products, arrows, inequalities, set notation, and logical symbols.
How to Get Better LaTeX OCR Results
A few image-preparation steps can make a larger difference than repeatedly converting the same unclear source.
Crop to the Relevant Formula
Remove page margins, unrelated diagrams, and nearby equations when you want one clean LaTeX expression.
Use a Sharp, Straight Image
Avoid motion blur, heavy shadows, strong perspective, and low-resolution screenshots. Keep every superscript and subscript visible.
Review Ambiguous Symbols
Compare the output with the source, especially for similar glyphs, minus signs, decimal points, matrix separators, and handwritten variables.
WHERE TO USE THE OUTPUT
From Formula Images to Editable Documents
Once the equation is text instead of pixels, you can revise it, reuse it, and keep it with the rest of your work.
Overleaf and Research Papers
Copy equation code into a LaTeX project, then choose the appropriate inline, display, aligned, or numbered environment.
Notes and Teaching Material
Turn photos of formulas, lecture slides, and handwritten notes into searchable Markdown or editable Word equations.
Technical Workflows and APIs
Use the OCR API for repeated document processing when formulas appear inside reports, archives, or application uploads.
Limits of Image-to-LaTeX Conversion
Math OCR produces a draft that should be checked against the source. It is especially important to review notation before submitting a paper, grading work, or using a formula in software.
- Blur, glare, low contrast, and perspective distortion can hide small symbols.
- Unusual macros, dense commutative diagrams, and domain-specific notation may need manual editing.
- Handwritten characters with similar shapes can be interpreted as the wrong letter, number, or operator.
- A full document image may return Markdown with LaTeX math blocks rather than one standalone formula.
RELATED WORKFLOWS
Continue with Documents, Batch OCR, or an API
Choose the workflow that matches what you need to do after converting the equation image.
Image to Editable Word
Export equations together with paragraphs, headings, lists, and tables as an editable DOCX document.
OCR API with LaTeX Output
Automate math image recognition and receive document content with Markdown-compatible LaTeX.
Batch Formula Image Processing
Process multiple equation images in the batch OCR workspace using your available account credits. Sign-in is required; a subscription is not.
FAQ
Image to LaTeX Questions
Practical answers about converting pictures, handwriting, PNG files, and equation screenshots to editable math.
Can FreeOCR convert a PNG or screenshot to LaTeX?
Yes. FreeOCR accepts common image formats including PNG, JPG, WEBP, HEIC, and GIF. A tightly cropped, high-resolution screenshot usually makes small superscripts, subscripts, and punctuation easier to recognize.
Can it convert handwritten equations to LaTeX?
FreeOCR can recognize legible handwritten equations, notes, and whiteboard photos. Handwriting varies, so compare the result with the image and check similar characters such as 1, l, I, 0, and O.
Can I paste the result into Overleaf?
Yes. Copy the recognized LaTeX into Overleaf, then place it in the inline, display, equation, align, matrix, or other environment required by your document.
Does the math OCR support matrices and multiline equations?
It can recognize common matrices, aligned rows, piecewise expressions, and multiline equations. Dense layouts and faint separators should be reviewed carefully after conversion.
Is the image to LaTeX converter free?
You can process up to 10 images per day for free without an account. This allowance is shared across our standard tools and is used before credits. Once it runs out, sign in to continue on this page for 1 credit per image. New accounts receive 50 bonus credits. You can top up or subscribe for more credits without switching pages.
Why can an equation-to-LaTeX result contain the wrong symbol?
Characters such as x and the multiplication sign, 1 and l, or 0 and O can look nearly identical in a low-quality image. Blur, shadows, handwriting, and unusual notation can also create ambiguity, so math OCR output should be reviewed.
Can I convert an equation image to editable Word math?
Yes. Export the OCR result as a Word document and FreeOCR will convert recognized LaTeX formulas into native, editable Word equations while preserving surrounding content where possible.
Is image to TeX the same as image to LaTeX?
In math OCR searches, image to TeX usually means extracting LaTeX source from an equation picture. TeX is the underlying typesetting system, while LaTeX supplies the document commands and environments most people copy into editors such as Overleaf.
Is an image-to-LaTeX converter the same as an AI math solver?
No. FreeOCR is a math image-to-text and equation OCR tool: it transcribes formulas and surrounding document content into editable formats. It does not generate a step-by-step solution, so the result should be used as editable source text rather than as a verified answer.
Convert Your Equation Image with FreeOCR
Upload a picture, screenshot, scan or handwritten formula on this page and turn it into editable LaTeX, Markdown or Word content.
Up to 10 free images per day without an account. Sign up for 50 bonus credits and continue on this page with credits after your free allowance runs out.