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Adding LaTeX Macros

Learn how to add LaTeX Math macros to your Confluence pages using the slash command.

Overview

LaTeX Math for Confluence makes it easy to add mathematical equations to your pages. Simply use the /latex slash command to insert either inline or block macros.

Adding LaTeX Macros

Using the Slash Command

Step 1: Open a Confluence Page

  1. Navigate to any Confluence page
  2. Click Edit to enter edit mode
  3. Place your cursor where you want to add the equation

Step 2: Type the Slash Command

  1. Type /latex in the editor
  2. A dropdown menu appears with two options:
    • LaTeX Math for Confluence (Inline) - For inline equations
    • LaTeX Math for Confluence (Block) - For display equations

Step 3: Select the Macro Type

For inline equations:

  • Select LaTeX Math for Confluence (Inline)
  • Use for equations within text (e.g., E = mc²)

For block equations:

  • Select LaTeX Math for Confluence (Block)
  • Use for standalone equations on their own line

Step 4: Enter Your LaTeX Code

  1. The macro editor opens
  2. Type your LaTeX equation
  3. See live preview as you type
  4. Click Insert or Save

Step 5: Publish the Page

  1. Click Publish in Confluence
  2. Your equation renders on the published page
  3. Everyone with page access can view it

Quick Examples

Adding an Inline Equation

Use case: Equation within a sentence

Steps:

  1. Type: /latex
  2. Select: LaTeX Math for Confluence (Inline)
  3. Enter: E = mc^2
  4. Click Insert

Result: The equation appears inline with your text like this: E = mc²

Adding a Block Equation

Use case: Standalone equation with emphasis

Steps:

  1. Type: /latex
  2. Select: LaTeX Math for Confluence (Block)
  3. Enter: \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-x^2} dx = \sqrt{\pi}
  4. Click Insert

Result: The equation appears centered on its own line

Macro Types Explained

Inline Macro

Characteristics:

  • Flows with text
  • Smaller size
  • No line breaks
  • Ideal for simple equations

Best for:

  • Variables in sentences (x, y, z)
  • Simple formulas (a² + b²)
  • Chemical formulas (H₂O)
  • Mathematical notation in paragraphs

Example usage:

The Pythagorean theorem states that a² + b² = c² for right triangles.

Block Macro

Characteristics:

  • Standalone display
  • Centered on page
  • Larger size
  • Emphasized presentation

Best for:

  • Complex equations
  • Important formulas
  • Multi-line expressions
  • Equations needing emphasis

Example usage: Display the quadratic formula prominently:

x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

Common LaTeX Syntax

Basic Operations

Operation LaTeX Code Example
Superscript x^2 x²
Subscript x_1 x₁
Fraction \frac{a}{b} a/b
Square root \sqrt{x} √x
Sum \sum_{i=1}^{n} Σ
Integral \int_{a}^{b} ∫

Greek Letters

Letter LaTeX Code
Alpha \alpha
Beta \beta
Gamma \gamma
Delta \delta
Pi \pi
Sigma \sigma

Common Symbols

Symbol LaTeX Code
Infinity \infty
Plus/minus \pm
Multiplication \times
Division \div
Not equal \neq
Less than or equal \leq
Greater than or equal \geq

Tips for Adding Macros

✅ Best Practices

  1. Choose the right macro type

    • Inline for text integration
    • Block for standalone equations

  2. Use live preview

    • Check your equation before inserting
    • Fix errors immediately

  3. Keep it simple

    • Use clear LaTeX syntax
    • Avoid overly complex expressions

  4. Test before publishing

    • Preview in edit mode
    • Ensure equation renders correctly

  5. Use standard LaTeX

❌ Common Mistakes

  1. Wrong macro type

    • Using inline for complex equations (too small)
    • Using block for simple variables (too much space)

  2. Syntax errors

    • Missing braces { }
    • Unclosed delimiters
    • Typos in commands

  3. Unsupported commands

    • Using LaTeX packages not in KaTeX
    • Custom commands that don't exist

  4. Not using preview

    • Inserting without checking
    • Missing errors until published

Editing Existing Macros

How to Edit

  1. Open the page in edit mode
  2. Click on the macro you want to edit
  3. Edit the LaTeX code in the editor
  4. See live preview of changes
  5. Save and Publish

Deleting Macros

  1. Open page in edit mode
  2. Click on the macro
  3. Press Delete or Backspace
  4. Macro is removed
  5. Publish to save changes

Troubleshooting

Slash Command Not Working

Problem: /latex doesn't show macro options

Solutions:

  1. Check you're in edit mode
  2. Ensure app is installed
  3. Verify you have edit permissions
  4. Check access control settings
  5. Try typing the full command: /latex

Can't Insert Macro

Problem: Insert button doesn't work

Solutions:

  1. Fix syntax errors - Check LaTeX code
  2. Wait for preview - Let it render
  3. Refresh the page - Try again
  4. Check permissions - Ensure you're in whitelist (if enabled)

Macro Doesn't Appear

Problem: Macro inserted but not visible

Solutions:

  1. Publish the page - Save changes
  2. Refresh browser - Clear cache
  3. Check syntax - Ensure valid LaTeX
  4. Try different browser - Rule out browser issues

Keyboard Shortcuts

In the Editor

Action Shortcut
Insert macro Enter
Cancel Escape
New line Shift + Enter

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Last Updated: Nov 2025