STEM Content Equations in PDF, PPT, Word, and Canvas

Each technology has a slightly different way to add equations. On this page, we will take a look at each technology discussed in this course and how to add equations in that technology. We will demonstrate how to use the equation editors native to the technology, if LaTeX can be used, and the use of Copilot. If you want to use the other tools (Mathpix, MathType, or Equatio), you will want to learn how those integrate with the technology you use.

PDF

Equations are not accessible in PDFs. No matter what program you used to create the document, when the document is exported to a PDF, all equations become images. To make the images accessible, you would need to add alt text to every equation. Alt text technically makes the equation accessible to students using screen readers, but it can be so much better. In Word and Canvas, screen reader users can explore an equation. In a PDF, the best they can do is just listen to the alt text again.

What equations sound like

Note: This video includes chapters to help you skip around to what you need. Click the three lines () in the top left corner of the video to see the chapters.

How to use the equation editor

There is no equation editor in PDF. Even if you have Adobe Acrobat Pro and can edit a PDF, there is no option to edit equations. Equations are images in a PDF. That's the best they can do.

The bottom line

We highly recommend that you avoid PDFs if you need to distribute digital files that include equations. The PDF will be mediocre at best. If you need to provide learners with a printable version of a document that must look exactly one way, you can do so. Just include the accessible Word document version or Canvas page link right next to that printable version too.

PowerPoint

PowerPoint allows you to add equations using the equation editor. It works with the built in equation editor tools, LaTeX, MathType, and Equatio. However, equations added to a PowerPoint are not very accessible for learners using screen readers. In Word documents, the screen reader will announce "Math content" when it encounters an equation using the equation editor. PowerPoint does not include that announcement. Instead, the screen reader reads the equation and the learner must infer that the content is an equation. That doesn't sound too bad until you realize that PowerPoints are already difficult for screen readers to navigate without equations. Toss in equations that don't announce themselves and you're in a cognitive overload.

Equations in PowerPoint

In the following video, you will hear what equations sound like in PowerPoint and learn how to add an equation using the equation editor. You will not learn how to use LaTeX or Copilot. Those steps are the same as in Word and we suggest you provide Word documents to learners digitally instead of PowerPoints.

Note: This video includes chapters to help you skip around to what you need. Click the three lines () in the top left corner of the video to see the chapters.

The bottom line

We highly recommend that you avoid PowerPoints if you need to distribute digital files that include equations. If you want to create a PowerPoint to present in class or for a recorded video, go ahead. If you normally provide that PowerPoint to students, change that up a bit and include a Word document or Canvas page link instead. You may end up finding the Word document beneficial at the end of the day to use as a set of notes as you teach.

Resources

Write an equation or formula

Word

Word allows you to add equations using the equation editor. It works with the built in equation editor tools, LaTeX, MathType, and Equatio. Word is one of the recommended ways to provide learners with digital documents that include equations. Screen readers allow learners to explore equations in Word documents, which is very helpful as they learn.

Equations in Word

Note: This video includes chapters to help you skip around to what you need. Click the three lines () in the top left corner of the video to see the chapters.

The bottom line

Use Word! It's a wonderful resource!

Resources

Canvas

Canvas also allows you to add equations using the equation editor. It works with the built in equation editor tools, LaTeX, and through LTIs for MathType and Equatio (you may need to request access to these through elearningsupport@slcc.edu). Canvas is one of the recommended ways to provide learners with content that includes equations. Screen readers allow learners to explore equations in Canvas, which is very helpful as they learn. There are also added benefits to equations in Canvas. Learners with low vision can easily make equations larger. Anyone can copy the LaTeX code of an equation entered into Canvas using the equation editor. The equation editor in Canvas mixed with the MathML coding they use make equations in Canvas the best.

Equations in Canvas

Note: This video includes chapters to help you skip around to what you need. Click the three lines () in the top left corner of the video to see the chapters.

The bottom line

Use Canvas! It is the best way to provide accessible equations for your learners. We understand that sometimes you need to provide documents for your learners. In that case, use Word. If it doesn't need to be a document, we highly recommend making it a page in Canvas.

Resources

How do I use the math Equation Editor in the Rich Content Editor?

Equations Review

Equation editors: Use equation editors if at all possible.
Images: Avoid images of equations if at all possible. If they are absolutely necessary, include alt text.
Avoid PowerPoints and PDFs: Avoid using equations in PowerPoints and PDFs in digital files for learners.