OpenOffice Math is a formula editor designed to create and edit mathematical and scientific expressions for use inside the OpenOffice family of applications. It ships as a component of the OpenOffice office suite and fills the same role as other equation tools such as Microsoft Equation Editor. Formulas produced in Math can be embedded in text documents, presentations and spreadsheets created with the suite.
Features and capabilities
Math offers a focused set of capabilities for composing technical notation. Key features include:
- Support for a wide range of mathematical symbols: operators, Greek letters, arrows, relations and accents.
- Basic structures such as fractions, roots, superscripts and subscripts, matrices and cases.
- Notation for sums, integrals, limits and indexed expressions used in calculus and discrete mathematics.
- Multiple font and style options to match document typography and to adjust size, alignment and spacing (font settings).
- Export and printing: expressions can be printed as part of documents or included in exported PDF files.
How it works and example usage
Math uses a simple markup-like input to compose formulas. Users type expression elements into an editor pane and the rendered result appears in a preview area. Common constructions include superscripts and subscripts (for example x^2 or a_n in plain input), fractions and radicals, and matrix structures. The editor provides palettes and templates for frequent symbols, while direct typing allows rapid entry of more complex formulas. Once complete, a formula can be inserted into a Writer document, positioned like a graphic, and resized or edited later.
History, development and license
Originally part of the OpenOffice.org project, Math remained the suite's equation component as the project evolved. The software is released under the Apache License and is distributed as free software, allowing users and developers to use, modify and redistribute it according to that license. Community developers and contributors continue to maintain and improve the editor as part of the broader office suite ecosystem.
Interoperability, alternatives and notable considerations
Formulas created by Math are intended for use within the OpenDocument environment and can be embedded into text documents, slides and other file types produced by the suite. Users exchanging documents across different office systems should be aware that complex layouts or styling can differ between equation editors; conversion to formats such as MathML or inclusion as images may be used when compatibility is required. Many users evaluate Math alongside alternatives such as LaTeX or commercial equation editors when selecting a workflow for publication-quality typesetting or advanced mathematical typesetting needs.
Practical tips: keep frequently used expressions as editable objects rather than images to preserve clarity and updatability; use the provided symbol palettes to reduce typing errors; and check exported PDFs to confirm that symbol spacing and fonts appear as intended in final output. For official documentation, downloads and further technical details consult the suite's project pages and user guides via the main project links above.
Related resources: comparison with other editors, project homepage, suite documentation, font and style notes, license text, free software information.