# LaTeX equation to PNG and SVG

> Type LaTeX, see it typeset live and download a transparent PNG at 150–1200 dpi or a vector SVG. Chemistry with \ce, AMS environments. Free, no sign-up.

URL: https://www.labcanvas.com/tools/latex

Type a LaTeX equation, pick a colour and size, and download it as a transparent PNG (with its DPI recorded) or as a vector SVG. The equation is typeset by MathJax in your browser, supports AMS environments and chemical equations with \ce{…}, and works in PowerPoint, Google Slides, Word, Keynote and figure editors.

## Quick answer

- **What it does:** Converts a LaTeX equation into a transparent PNG (150–1200 dpi, DPI recorded in the file) or a vector SVG you can paste into slides, Word or figures.
- **Formula:** MathJax 3 TeX input (AMS math, mhchem \ce{…}) rendered to SVG paths; PNG pixels = size at 96 dpi × DPI ÷ 96.
- **Example:** An equation 400 px wide at 96 dpi is 400 ÷ 96 = 4.17 inches wide; exported at 300 dpi the PNG is 400 × 300 ÷ 96 = 1250 px wide and still prints 4.17 inches wide.

Free, in the browser, no account needed. Updated 2026-11-08.

## Features

- Live preview while you type
- PNG at 150, 300, 600 or 1200 dpi
- Vector SVG (sharp at any size)
- Transparent or white background
- Chemistry with mhchem \ce{}
- 18 ready-made scientific equations

## How to use it

1. **Type or pick an equation**: Write LaTeX math without dollar signs, or insert an example such as Michaelis–Menten or the Nernst equation.
2. **Set the style**: Choose display or inline style, the colour, the size and a transparent or white background.
3. **Download**: Save a PNG at the resolution you need, or an SVG for slides and vector figures. You can also copy the SVG code.

## At a glance

| | |
| --- | --- |
| Input | LaTeX math without dollar signs: AMS environments, chemistry with \ce{…} (mhchem) |
| Output | PNG at 150, 300, 600 or 1200 dpi (the DPI is recorded in the file), or vector SVG |
| Typesetting | MathJax 3, in your browser |
| Background | Transparent or white |

## How it works

The tool uses **MathJax 3** with its full TeX input (AMS math, `mhchem` for chemistry, `physics`, `cancel`, `color` and more) and SVG output with every glyph written as a path, so the SVG needs no fonts. The PNG is drawn from that SVG at your chosen resolution: the size you pick is the size at 96 dpi, and higher DPI adds pixels without changing the physical size. A `pHYs` chunk records the DPI in the PNG, so Word and PowerPoint place it at the intended size.

## Worked examples: from LaTeX to PNG and SVG

Three equations from start to finish. Type each one without dollar signs; the preview updates as you type.

- **Michaelis–Menten, for a slide.** Type `v = \frac{V_{\max}[S]}{K_m + [S]}`, keep display style and a transparent background, and download SVG. In PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 or 2019 and later) use Insert → Pictures; the SVG stays sharp at any size and can be recoloured.
- **A reaction, for a figure.** Type `\ce{6CO2 + 6H2O ->[h\nu] C6H12O6 + 6O2}`. The `\ce{}` command (mhchem) sets subscripts, charges and arrows correctly without extra markup; text above an arrow goes in square brackets.
- **Two aligned lines, for a document.** Type `\begin{aligned} \Delta G &= \Delta H - T\Delta S \\ \Delta G^\circ &= -RT\ln K \end{aligned}`; the `&` marks the point the lines line up on and `\\` starts a new line. Download a PNG at 300 dpi for Word or Google Docs.

**How big is the PNG?** The size you choose is the size at 96 dpi; the DPI only adds pixels. An equation 400 px wide at 96 dpi is \(400 / 96 = 4.17\) inches wide; at 300 dpi the PNG is \(400 \times 300 / 96 = 1250\) px wide and still prints 4.17 inches wide, because the DPI is written into the file.

| What | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Fraction | \frac{a}{b} |
| Subscript and superscript | K_a,\ x^{2},\ e^{-kt} |
| Greek letters | \alpha,\ \beta,\ \Delta G,\ \mu\mathrm{M} |
| Square root | \sqrt{2},\ \sqrt[3]{x} |
| Sum and integral | \sum_{i=1}^{n} x_i,\ \int_0^\infty f(t)\,dt |
| Upright units and labels | \mathrm{pH},\ 25\ ^\circ\mathrm{C},\ 10\ \mathrm{mg\,mL^{-1}} |
| Plus–minus and approx. | 12.3 \pm 0.4,\ \approx,\ \times |
| Chemical equation | \ce{2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O} |
| Equilibrium | \ce{CH3COOH <=> CH3COO- + H+} |

## Questions

### How do I convert a LaTeX equation to PNG?

Type the equation without dollar signs, choose the size, colour and background, then click Download PNG and pick a resolution: 300 dpi for slides and documents, 600 dpi for journal figures. The PNG records its DPI, so it is placed at the intended size.

### How do I put a LaTeX equation in Word or Google Docs?

Download a 300 dpi PNG (or SVG for Word in Microsoft 365) and insert it as a picture. In Google Docs use Insert → Image → Upload from computer. To edit the equation later, keep the LaTeX: paste it back into the tool and download again.

### How do I write a chemical equation in LaTeX?

Use the mhchem command: \ce{2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O}. Numbers after an element become subscripts, charges go after the formula (\ce{SO4^2-}), <=> gives an equilibrium arrow and text in square brackets after an arrow is written above it.

### How do I insert a LaTeX equation into PowerPoint or Google Slides?

Download the equation as SVG (PowerPoint 2019 and Microsoft 365 insert SVG as a sharp, recolourable picture) or as a 300–600 dpi PNG with a transparent background for Google Slides and older versions, then insert it as a picture.

### Is the PNG background transparent?

Yes by default. Switch the background to white if the slide or document needs it.

### Which LaTeX commands are supported?

Standard LaTeX math plus AMS environments (aligned, cases, pmatrix…), chemistry with \ce{…} from mhchem, and most MathJax extensions. Text-mode document commands such as \section are not, because this is an equation renderer.

### What resolution should I use?

300 dpi is enough for slides and most documents; 600 dpi suits journal figures; 1200 dpi is for line art at very small sizes. SVG avoids the question entirely because it is vector.

### Is it free and private?

Yes. It runs entirely in your browser, needs no account, and your equations are not sent anywhere.