Accessible Math
EquatIO
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EquatIO
EquatIO is very intuitive and easy to use. Anywhere you can input text, you can use EquatIO to write math. Anywhere you encounter math, you can use EquatIO to read and copy math. EquatIO handles multiple inputs and outputs including plain text, LaTeX, MathML, and images. EquatIO also has chemistry and graphing tools. Langara has a site license for EquatIO, which means faculty, students, and staff can log in with their Office365 email and use all features of EquatIO.
Installing EquatIO
Download EquatIO for Mac/Windows
Access EquatIO on mobile devices.
Log in with your Langara email account when asked to authenticate.
The following is an overview of Equatio for Google Chrome. To open the Chrome Extension:
- Select the EquatIO extension
- Or, press Alt Shift q
Input Methods
Typing
Open the Equation Editor to type math (or paste from an existing accessible text format).
Enter text as you would speak it, or with specific notation. Select appropriate suggestions as you type by pressing Enter. Press Enter to move to a new line.
More information on prediction and alignment and a list of keyboard shortcuts.
LaTeX
EquatIO accepts LaTeX input. LaTeX can be edited in EquatIO and exported as LaTeX or other formats.
Speech
EquatIO can accept speech input. Speak slowly and as clearly as possible.
Handwriting
Write (with mouse, touch screen, or stylus) in the left panel and EquatIO will generate an accessible format in the right panel. Scrub, like using an eraser, to erase your handwriting input.
Screenshot
EquatIO’s screenshot tool can be used to capture images of math or other inaccessible math content. Use the tool to draw a box around inaccessible math. The content will be read aloud and can be exported to various formats or opened in the equation editor for further revision or completion.
Select EquatIO > Options > Chrome Options to change Speech Speed.
Exporting Math
Once math is in the EquatIO editor, it can be exported in several formats. EquatIO can be used to insert math anywhere there is a text edit field. If you have a document open (a Brightspace file or Word Document for example) you can select Insert Math.
For additional options, select the Copy Math As… button on the bottom right of the screen.
This allows users to export math in various markup languages (MathML, LaTeX, HTML, SVG), as an image with a spoken version of the math as the alternative text, or as spoken text into a document.
When inserting math into a document, users can make changes by clearing the equation editor, selecting the inserted math, and choosing the Edit Math button on the toolbar.
Other Tools
Discoverability
The discoverability tool will highlight any detected math on a webpage.
Recognized math will be enclosed in a blue box and when hovered over will present a toolbar with options to dismiss or capture math (camera icon). Selecting the capture math tool will read the math aloud. By selecting the more options button, you can then copy the math as MathML, LaTeX, or Edit with EquatIO which copies the math to the toolbar editor.
STEM
EquatIO has numerous other tools for math and science available on the toolbar. LaTeX and graphing tools are available on the toolbar, while a periodic table, scientific calculator, and molecule viewer are available under the STEM tools menu.
Mobile
EquatIO mobile allows users to capture math with a phone, including photos of math, math written on a touch screen, or math input using voice commands.
- Visit m.equat.io on a phone.
- Sign in with Langara email.
- Math can be saved as an accessible image or shared with an active EquatIO document on desktop or Chrome.
Follow this link for additional instructions on EquatIO mobile.
Mathspace
Mathspace is a browser-based tool for creating math, featuring all the EquatIO features listed above (handwriting, text, and speech input; integration with EquatIO mobile; STEM tools), as well as additional tools for graphing, drawing, and shapes. Pre-existing questions can also be inserted into Mathspace and spaces can be shared. Click the Share button in the top right of the window.
Consult the EquatIO Mathspace quick reference guide for more information.
Options and Settings
On the left of the menu, the EquatIO button contains a menu with links and options.
- Select Options
- Select Math Options to change font size, language, and prediction (autofill) settings.
- Select Toolbar Options to toggle on or off various toolbar buttons.
- A user navigating by keyboard may find it useful to hide unused tools.
- Select Chrome Options (or Desktop Options) to change playback speed when using the screenshot read to have math read aloud.
Select Options to change tools appearing on the toolbar (via Toolbar options), change speech speed under Chrome Options, and various other settings under Math Options.
The desktop versions of EquatIO have additional options and the menu is laid out slightly differently.
Learn more about Equatio
Quick reference sheet for EquatIO in Google Chrome.
EquatIO Academy to search for articles and guides.
TextHelp quick guide for EquatIO mathspace.
EquatIO Mobile allows users to capture math via mobile devices.
Supporting Specific Learning Needs with EquatIO
Langara support page for EquatIO
Using EquatIO with NVDA. Additional information on using NVDA with EquatIO.
