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What is the Inline Macro?

The Inline Macro allows you to embed mathematical equations directly within paragraphs of text, appearing on the same line as surrounding content. Perfect for formulas, variables, and mathematical expressions that are part of a sentence.

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When to Use Inline Macros

Use inline macros when:
  • ✅ Embedding formulas within sentences
  • ✅ Referencing variables in paragraphs
  • ✅ Creating mathematical notation in lists
  • ✅ Writing technical documentation with inline equations
Don’t use inline macros for:
  • ❌ Large, complex equations (use Block Macro instead)
  • ❌ Multi-line equations
  • ❌ Equations that need emphasis

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How to Add an Inline Macro

  1. Open a Confluence page in edit mode
  2. Position your cursor where you want the equation
  3. Type: 
    /latex inline
  4. Select “LaTeX Math for Confluence (Inline)” from the dropdown
  5. Enter your LaTeX equation
  6. Save the macro

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Method 2: Insert Menu

  1. Open a page in edit mode
  2. Click “Insert” → “Other macros”
  3. Search for “latex”
  4. Select “LaTeX Math for Confluence (Inline)”
  5. Click “Insert”

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Writing Inline Equations

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Syntax Options

The inline macro supports multiple LaTeX delimiters: 
$E = mc^2$

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Inline Math Delimiters

\(E = mc^2\)

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No Delimiters (Automatic)

E = mc^2
The macro automatically treats content as inline math

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Examples

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Simple Variables

LaTeX: 
$x$
Result: Shows x as a mathematical variable within text

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Subscripts and Superscripts

LaTeX: 
The area is $A = \pi r^2$ where $r$ is the radius.
Result: The area is πr² where r is the radius.

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Fractions

LaTeX: 
The golden ratio $\phi = \frac{1 + \sqrt{5}}{2}$ appears in nature.
Result: The golden ratio φ = (1+√5)/2 appears in nature.

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Greek Letters

LaTeX: 
The angle $\theta$ and coefficient $\alpha$ are important parameters.
Result: The angle θ and coefficient α are important parameters.

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Sum and Product Notation

LaTeX: 
The sum $\sum_{i=1}^{n} i$ equals $\frac{n(n+1)}{2}$.
Result: The sum Σᵢ₌₁ⁿ i equals n(n+1)/2.

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Best Practices

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✅ Do’s

  1. Keep equations simple - Inline equations should be concise
  2. Use consistent notation - Maintain variable naming throughout
  3. Test in preview - Always verify rendering before saving
  4. Use plain LaTeX - Avoid complex environments

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❌ Don’ts

  1. Don’t use display math delimiters - No $$ or \[...\]
  2. Avoid multi-line equations - Use block macros instead
  3. Don’t nest environments - Keep inline equations flat
  4. No large matrices - Use block macros for complex structures

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Inline Mode Restrictions

The inline macro has specific restrictions to ensure proper rendering:

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Automatically Removed

  • $$ display math delimiters → Converted to inline
  • \[...\] display delimiters → Converted to inline
  • \begin{equation} environments → Converted to inline
  • Multiple newlines → Converted to spaces

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Not Supported

  • Multi-line equations
  • Display-style matrices (will render inline)
  • Alignment environments
  • Large delimiters
💡 Tip: If you need these features, use the Block Macro instead.

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Editing Inline Macros

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Edit an Existing Macro

  1. Hover over the equation
  2. Click the edit icon (✏️)
  3. Modify your LaTeX
  4. Save changes

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Quick Edit Shortcut

  1. Click on the rendered equation
  2. The editor opens automatically
  3. Make your changes
  4. Click Save

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Alignment and Styling

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Vertical Alignment

Inline equations automatically align with surrounding text baseline:
  • Superscripts extend above the line
  • Subscripts extend below the line
  • Main equation body aligns with text

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Font Size

Inline equations match the surrounding text size:
  • Normal paragraph: Standard size
  • Headings: Larger size
  • Small text: Proportionally smaller

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Common Use Cases

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1. Physics and Chemistry

Einstein's mass-energy equivalence $E = mc^2$ revolutionized physics.

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2. Mathematics

A prime number $p$ is divisible only by $1$ and $p$.

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3. Statistics

The standard deviation $\sigma$ measures data spread.

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4. Computer Science

Time complexity is $O(n \log n)$ for merge sort.

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5. Engineering

Ohm's law states that $V = IR$ where $V$ is voltage.

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Troubleshooting

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Equation Not Rendering

Problem: Inline equation shows as raw LaTeX text Solutions:
  1. Check for syntax errors in your LaTeX
  2. Verify you’re using inline-compatible syntax
  3. Remove any display math delimiters ($$, \[)
  4. Refresh the page

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Equation Too Large

Problem: Inline equation breaks text flow Solution: Convert to a Block Macro:
  1. Copy your LaTeX code
  2. Delete the inline macro
  3. Insert a block macro
  4. Paste your code

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Spacing Issues

Problem: Odd spacing around equations Solution:
  1. Check for extra spaces in LaTeX
  2. Ensure no trailing newlines
  3. Use proper inline delimiters ($...$)

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Performance Tips

  • ✅ Use inline macros for simple, short equations
  • ✅ Limit to 5-10 inline equations per paragraph
  • ✅ Keep LaTeX code clean and concise
  • ⚠️ Too many inline equations may slow page loading

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