The Σ icon in Pencil represents the Formula Editor. In Spaces, it is located just to the right of the Line Tool. The Formula Editor converts handwriting, text, or LaTeX into math equations effortlessly.

To use the formula editor in Pencil Spaces, click on the Σ icon, select a place on the board for your equation, and a pop-up will appear that allows you to add equations in three ways: using your keyboard, entering LaTeX, or drawing out the equation.

1. Handwriting

Writing out your equations is the easiest method of using the Equation Editor. To handwrite your equations, click on the Σ icon and select the place on the Board where you want the equation to appear. From there, select the “Draw” option on the pop-up that appears.

Start drawing your equation, and Spaces will automatically convert it into a formatted equation, which you can see at the top of the pop-up. You can always press the “Undo” or "Clear" button located in the top right of the drawing space.

2. Text

To start, click on the Σ icon and select the place on the Board where you want the equation to appear. From there, select the “Keyboard” option on the pop-up that appears. Note that using Handwriting and LaTeX supports multi-line equations, while the keyboard editor only supports one-line equations.

While typing your equation, you can see the output displayed at the top of the pop-up. If you want to change a part of your equation, simply remove it and re-type it.

3. LaTeX

For more advanced users, the formula editor also supports LaTeX. The process is nearly identical to creating equations using our “Keyboard” feature. To start, click on the Σ icon and select the place on the Board where you want the equation to appear. From there, select the “LaTex” option on the pop-up that appears.

When you start typing your equation in LaTex, Spaces will show you what your equation looks like at the top of the pop-up. If you want to change a part of your equation, simply delete it and retype it.

4. Adding the Equation

Once you fill out your equation using either of the three methods, click the blue "Done" button in the bottom right corner when you’re ready to put your equation on the Board.

5. Editing and Formatting Equations

If you’ve already put your equation on the Board and notice that you need to change it, double-click on the equation and the pop-up will reappear.

From there, you have the option to edit your text or LaTeX, alongside the option to redraw your equation.

Once your equation is on the whiteboard canvas, it is treated as text. This means that you can resize it, change the color, and edit as you go.

6. Need More Help?

If you require further help, please reach out to our team as soon as possible for additional assistance. Either:

Click on the "Messenger" icon at the bottom right corner of this page, and follow the onscreen instructions.
Click the "?" Button at the top right corner of your screen in an active Pencil Space on a computer to start a conversation with our team.

If it's easier, you can also email us directly at [email protected].