Math Conversion Tools

As of November 2023, it is not possible to go directly from a TeX document to an accessible PDF. One potential solution for converting LaTeX to an accessible PDF is MathPix.

MathPix

MathPix may be a useful tool for converting LaTeX to various formats including Word and PDF. MathPix is available free (with some limitations) to educators.

To create an accessible PDF from LaTeX:

1. From the MathPix homepage, select Note.
   1. Choose New blank note
   2. Or Upload a .md, .tex, or .txt file to upload an existing document.
      1. Note, this may make more work than it saves.
   3. Or write or paste LaTeX in left hand pane.
   4. Take note of output preview in right hand pane.
   5. Select Export File and choose PDF (with HTML) or DOCX.
      

To make an existing math PDF more accessible:

1. From the MathPix homepage, select PDF.
2. Choose existing PDF to upload.
3. Click Upload.
4. When completed, PDF options will appear in left hand toolbar.
   
5. Select Convert to note.
6. MathPix will display a side by side of LaTeX and potential output.
7. Select Export File and choose PDF (with HTML).

Some issues persist in conversion. Ensure content appears as intended before exporting.

Use PDF only as a last option as it is an inherently inaccessible format.

Math Converter

Indiana University has developed a math converter tool to convert AsciiMath, LaTeX or MathML to English text.

For example [latex]x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}[/latex] would read: “x is equal to; the fraction with numerator; negative b plus or minus; the square root of b squared minus 4 a c, end root; and denominator 2 a; end fraction.”

This could be useful for supplying alt text for an image of math, for people struggling to see math, and to understand the verbal syntax of math.