When a formula fails, reduce it to the smallest expression that reproduces the error. Start with x^2, then add the other parts back one at a time. The converter checks brace and environment pairs before rendering. When available, Jump to error selects the relevant source so you can inspect it.
1. Close every group
A fraction needs a numerator and a denominator. In this broken example, the denominator group never closes:
\frac{a+b}{c
Corrected:
\frac{a+b}{c}
An extra closing brace causes the opposite problem. Change x^{2}} to x^{2}. To display actual braces in a set, write \{ and \} instead of using grouping braces alone:
A = \{1, 2, 3\}
2. Match environment names
The opening and closing names must match. This matrix opens with bmatrix but closes with pmatrix:
\begin{bmatrix} 1 & 2 \\ 3 & 4 \end{pmatrix}
Corrected:
\begin{bmatrix} 1 & 2 \\ 3 & 4 \end{bmatrix}
Nested environments must close in reverse order. If an error points to the end of the formula, check whether a corresponding \end{...} is missing earlier.
3. Put alignment marks inside an environment
Use & to mark an alignment position and two backslashes to end a row. Placing them in ordinary math without an alignment environment can produce errors or an unintended layout.
Use this complete example:
\begin{aligned}
(a+b)^2 &= (a+b)(a+b) \\
&= a^2 + 2ab + b^2
\end{aligned}
A newline in the editor alone does not create a mathematical line break. In matrices, use & between columns and keep the number of entries consistent across rows. The example library includes working matrices, aligned equations, and piecewise functions.
4. Check commands copied from another document
An unknown command may be a typo or a shortcut defined in the original document. For example, \RR is not a standard shortcut in this converter. Replace it with the explicit expression:
x \in \mathbb{R}
MathJax supports a subset of LaTeX, with differences from a full TeX engine. Its supported command list identifies commands and their packages, but it is not a promise that every extension is enabled in this site. See also MathJax’s explanation of TeX differences.
This tool handles equation snippets. Remove \documentclass, \usepackage, and the document wrapper; paste just the math. Full .tex projects, TikZ diagrams, arbitrary package installation, and PDF compilation are outside its scope.
5. Distinguish rendering from export problems
If the preview looks correct, changing braces is unlikely to fix a blocked clipboard or a blurry PNG. Use the symptom to choose the next step:
| Symptom | Next step |
|---|---|
MathJax fails to load, even for x^2 | Reload the page and check whether browser extensions or network settings blocked site scripts |
| Error appears only for a particular expression | Reduce it, check braces and environment names, then inspect commands |
| Copy image fails but preview works | Download the image; clipboard permissions and support vary by browser |
| Open SVG does nothing | Check whether the browser blocked the new window, or use Download with SVG selected |
| PNG becomes blurry after enlargement | Export at a higher scale or choose SVG for a compatible destination |
| JPG has a white background | JPG does not support transparency; choose PNG or SVG |
| Formula disappears against a dark background | Choose a light formula color before exporting |
| Raster export reports an image-size error | Lower the scale or split a very wide formula into shorter lines |
For slide-specific settings, see LaTeX equations in PowerPoint.
6. If the error remains
Try a known working formula from the example library. If it works, compare it with your source. If even x^2 fails after reloading, note your browser, operating system, the exact message, and the shortest non-confidential example that reproduces the issue, then contact support.
Rendering and export happen locally. Recent equations are stored in the current browser, while a shared URL embeds the formula and settings. Do not include confidential equations in a support message or shared link.
Return to the converter when your corrected snippet is ready.