> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.yamuno.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Adding Macros

## Overview

LaTeX Math for Confluence makes it easy to add mathematical equations to your pages. Simply use the `/latex` slash command to insert either inline or block macros.

![Adding LaTeX Macros](https://pub-b0d9bb8609a9490e8a3d5e2e7f63af24.r2.dev/latex/latex/highlights/4.jpg)

***

## Using the Slash Command

### Step 1: Open a Confluence Page

1. Navigate to any Confluence page
2. Click **Edit** to enter edit mode
3. Place your cursor where you want to add the equation

### Step 2: Type the Slash Command

1. Type `/latex` in the editor
2. A dropdown menu appears with two options:
   * **LaTeX Math for Confluence (Inline)** - For inline equations
   * **LaTeX Math for Confluence (Block)** - For display equations

### Step 3: Select the Macro Type

**For inline equations:**

* Select **LaTeX Math for Confluence (Inline)**
* Use for equations within text (e.g., E = mc²)

**For block equations:**

* Select **LaTeX Math for Confluence (Block)**
* Use for standalone equations on their own line

### Step 4: Enter Your LaTeX Code

1. The macro editor opens
2. Type your LaTeX equation
3. See live preview as you type
4. Click **Insert** or **Save**

### Step 5: Publish the Page

1. Click **Publish** in Confluence
2. Your equation renders on the published page
3. Everyone with page access can view it

***

## Quick Examples

### Adding an Inline Equation

**Use case:** Equation within a sentence

**Steps:**

1. Type: `/latex`
2. Select: **LaTeX Math for Confluence (Inline)**
3. Enter: `E = mc^2`
4. Click **Insert**

**Result:** The equation appears inline with your text like this: E = mc²

***

### Adding a Block Equation

**Use case:** Standalone equation with emphasis

**Steps:**

1. Type: `/latex`
2. Select: **LaTeX Math for Confluence (Block)**
3. Enter: `\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-x^2} dx = \sqrt{\pi}`
4. Click **Insert**

**Result:** The equation appears centered on its own line

***

## Macro Types Explained

### Inline Macro

**Characteristics:**

* Flows with text
* Smaller size
* No line breaks
* Ideal for simple equations

**Best for:**

* Variables in sentences (x, y, z)
* Simple formulas (a² + b²)
* Chemical formulas (H₂O)
* Mathematical notation in paragraphs

**Example usage:**

```
The Pythagorean theorem states that a² + b² = c² for right triangles.
```

***

### Block Macro

**Characteristics:**

* Standalone display
* Centered on page
* Larger size
* Emphasized presentation

**Best for:**

* Complex equations
* Important formulas
* Multi-line expressions
* Equations needing emphasis

**Example usage:**
Display the quadratic formula prominently:

```
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}
```

***

## Common LaTeX Syntax

### Basic Operations

| Operation   | LaTeX Code       | Example |
| ----------- | ---------------- | ------- |
| Superscript | `x^2`            | x²      |
| Subscript   | `x_1`            | x₁      |
| Fraction    | `\frac{a}{b}`    | a/b     |
| Square root | `\sqrt{x}`       | √x      |
| Sum         | `\sum_{i=1}^{n}` | Σ       |
| Integral    | `\int_{a}^{b}`   | ∫       |

### Greek Letters

| Letter | LaTeX Code |
| ------ | ---------- |
| Alpha  | `\alpha`   |
| Beta   | `\beta`    |
| Gamma  | `\gamma`   |
| Delta  | `\delta`   |
| Pi     | `\pi`      |
| Sigma  | `\sigma`   |

### Common Symbols

| Symbol                | LaTeX Code |
| --------------------- | ---------- |
| Infinity              | `\infty`   |
| Plus/minus            | `\pm`      |
| Multiplication        | `\times`   |
| Division              | `\div`     |
| Not equal             | `\neq`     |
| Less than or equal    | `\leq`     |
| Greater than or equal | `\geq`     |

***

## Tips for Adding Macros

### ✅ Best Practices

1. **Choose the right macro type**
   * Inline for text integration
   * Block for standalone equations

2. **Use live preview**
   * Check your equation before inserting
   * Fix errors immediately

3. **Keep it simple**
   * Use clear LaTeX syntax
   * Avoid overly complex expressions

4. **Test before publishing**
   * Preview in edit mode
   * Ensure equation renders correctly

5. **Use standard LaTeX**
   * Stick to KaTeX supported commands
   * Check [KaTeX documentation](https://katex.org/supported.html)

### ❌ Common Mistakes

1. **Wrong macro type**
   * Using inline for complex equations (too small)
   * Using block for simple variables (too much space)

2. **Syntax errors**
   * Missing braces { }
   * Unclosed delimiters
   * Typos in commands

3. **Unsupported commands**
   * Using LaTeX packages not in KaTeX
   * Custom commands that don't exist

4. **Not using preview**
   * Inserting without checking
   * Missing errors until published

***

## Editing Existing Macros

### How to Edit

1. **Open the page** in edit mode
2. **Click on the macro** you want to edit
3. **Edit the LaTeX code** in the editor
4. **See live preview** of changes
5. **Save** and **Publish**

### Deleting Macros

1. Open page in edit mode
2. Click on the macro
3. Press **Delete** or **Backspace**
4. Macro is removed
5. Publish to save changes

***

## Troubleshooting

### Slash Command Not Working

**Problem:** `/latex` doesn't show macro options

**Solutions:**

1. Check you're in **edit mode**
2. Ensure app is installed
3. Verify you have **edit permissions**
4. Check access control settings
5. Try typing the full command: `/latex`

### Can't Insert Macro

**Problem:** Insert button doesn't work

**Solutions:**

1. **Fix syntax errors** - Check LaTeX code
2. **Wait for preview** - Let it render
3. **Refresh the page** - Try again
4. **Check permissions** - Ensure you're in whitelist (if enabled)

### Macro Doesn't Appear

**Problem:** Macro inserted but not visible

**Solutions:**

1. **Publish the page** - Save changes
2. **Refresh browser** - Clear cache
3. **Check syntax** - Ensure valid LaTeX
4. **Try different browser** - Rule out browser issues

***

## Keyboard Shortcuts

### In the Editor

| Action       | Shortcut      |
| ------------ | ------------- |
| Insert macro | Enter         |
| Cancel       | Escape        |
| New line     | Shift + Enter |

***

## Related Documentation

* 📖 [Inline Macro](/latex-math-for-confluence/features/inline-macro) - Detailed inline macro guide
* 📖 [Block Macro](/latex-math-for-confluence/features/block-macro) - Detailed block macro guide
* 📖 [Live Preview](/latex-math-for-confluence/features/live-preview) - Using the preview feature
* 📖 [Getting Started](/latex-math-for-confluence/getting-started) - Quick setup guide

***

## Need Help?

* 💬 [Contact Support](https://yamuno.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portals)
* 📚 [View All Documentation](/latex-math-for-confluence/getting-started)
* ❓ [FAQ](/latex-math-for-confluence/faq) - Common questions

***

**Last Updated:** January 2025