Convert handwriting to a formula

Applies to handwriting selected in Infinite documents, Vertical documents, and Paged notes. Formula recognition is a beta feature that requires an internet connection. Availability and results depend on your system, the online service, and the handwriting. To type LaTeX directly, use the canvas equation editor; it does not require this setting.

Enable recognition and select handwriting

Open More → Formula Recognition (Beta version) and enable recognition in the panel.
Return to the canvas and write a clear formula, distinguishing between superscript and subscript, numerator and denominator.
Use Lasso to circle this piece of handwriting, and try not to mix it with the main text, charts, or a second irrelevant formula.
Confirm that Formula appears in the selection menu.

This creates an image of the selected handwriting for online recognition. It processes only your current selection, not the entire document. Formulas embedded in images or a PDF background are not selectable handwriting strokes.

Below the differential law study notes, the blue dotted line Lasso only encircles the handwritten equation x²−5x+6=0; the Formula entry in the selection menu is encircled by a blue rounded frame. — After turning on formula recognition, use Lasso to circle only the handwritten formula to be converted, and then select Formula from the selection menu. Tap to view the original image

Convert and check the results

Tap Formula in the selection menu and wait for the recognition to be completed.
Keep the current page and selection while you wait, avoiding switching documents or moving selected handwriting.
When recognition succeeds, the app replaces the selected handwriting with an editable, typeset formula.
Check every number, letter, sign, fraction, superscript, and subscript. A neatly typeset formula can still contain recognition errors.

Conversion replaces the selected handwriting with an editable formula. To keep the handwritten original, copy or duplicate it before converting. If the conversion is wrong, use Undo immediately to restore the handwriting.

Below the study notes, the handwritten equation x²−5x+6=0 is displayed in a blue rounded box. The blue arrow points to the corresponding typesetting formula x²−5x+6=0 at the lower right. You can check the superscripts, numbers, and signs. — Check the conversion result against the original handwriting to confirm that the superscript 2, negative sign, number and equal sign are correct; if errors are found, the formula can be re-edited. Tap to view the original image

Failed or not recognized correctly

When a network or conversion failure message appears, keep the original handwriting first, confirm the network and try again. When the selection cannot generate a valid handwriting picture, or the returned content cannot be typeset, it will not be replaced as a valid formula. You can narrow the selection, write confusing symbols clearly, or enter them manually.

To correct an inserted formula, select it, tap Edit Formula, edit the LaTeX, and check the preview before finishing. You do not need to write it again by hand. Use the editor preview to check which LaTeX syntax is supported.

There is no "Formula" menu

Check that the Beta setting is enabled and the selection contains actual handwriting strokes.

Can it be used offline?

Handwriting recognition requires an Internet connection; manual formula entry is an independent process.

No insertion after waiting

If the page or selection is changed during the process, reselect the original handwriting before proceeding.

Convert handwriting to a formula ​

Enable recognition and select handwriting ​

Convert and check the results ​

Failed or not recognized correctly ​

There is no "Formula" menu ​

Can it be used offline? ​