> ## 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.

# Inline Macro

## 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.

## 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](/latex-math-for-confluence/features/block-macro) instead)
* ❌ Multi-line equations
* ❌ Equations that need emphasis

***

## How to Add an Inline Macro

### Method 1: Slash Command (Recommended)

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

### 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"**

***

## Writing Inline Equations

### Syntax Options

The inline macro supports multiple LaTeX delimiters:

#### Single Dollar Sign (Recommended)

```latex theme={null}
$E = mc^2$
```

#### Inline Math Delimiters

```latex theme={null}
\(E = mc^2\)
```

#### No Delimiters (Automatic)

```latex theme={null}
E = mc^2
```

> The macro automatically treats content as inline math

***

## Examples

### Simple Variables

**LaTeX:**

```latex theme={null}
$x$
```

**Result:** Shows x as a mathematical variable within text

### Subscripts and Superscripts

**LaTeX:**

```latex theme={null}
The area is $A = \pi r^2$ where $r$ is the radius.
```

**Result:** The area is πr² where r is the radius.

### Fractions

**LaTeX:**

```latex theme={null}
The golden ratio $\phi = \frac{1 + \sqrt{5}}{2}$ appears in nature.
```

**Result:** The golden ratio φ = (1+√5)/2 appears in nature.

### Greek Letters

**LaTeX:**

```latex theme={null}
The angle $\theta$ and coefficient $\alpha$ are important parameters.
```

**Result:** The angle θ and coefficient α are important parameters.

### Sum and Product Notation

**LaTeX:**

```latex theme={null}
The sum $\sum_{i=1}^{n} i$ equals $\frac{n(n+1)}{2}$.
```

**Result:** The sum Σᵢ₌₁ⁿ i equals n(n+1)/2.

***

## Best Practices

### ✅ 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

### ❌ 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

***

## Inline Mode Restrictions

The inline macro has specific restrictions to ensure proper rendering:

### Automatically Removed

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

### 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](/latex-math-for-confluence/features/block-macro) instead.

***

## Editing Inline Macros

### Edit an Existing Macro

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

### Quick Edit Shortcut

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

***

## Alignment and Styling

### 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

### Font Size

Inline equations match the surrounding text size:

* Normal paragraph: Standard size
* Headings: Larger size
* Small text: Proportionally smaller

***

## Common Use Cases

### 1. Physics and Chemistry

```latex theme={null}
Einstein's mass-energy equivalence $E = mc^2$ revolutionized physics.
```

### 2. Mathematics

```latex theme={null}
A prime number $p$ is divisible only by $1$ and $p$.
```

### 3. Statistics

```latex theme={null}
The standard deviation $\sigma$ measures data spread.
```

### 4. Computer Science

```latex theme={null}
Time complexity is $O(n \log n)$ for merge sort.
```

### 5. Engineering

```latex theme={null}
Ohm's law states that $V = IR$ where $V$ is voltage.
```

***

## Troubleshooting

### 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

### Equation Too Large

**Problem:** Inline equation breaks text flow

**Solution:** Convert to a [Block Macro](/latex-math-for-confluence/features/block-macro):

1. Copy your LaTeX code
2. Delete the inline macro
3. Insert a block macro
4. Paste your code

### 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 (`$...$`)

***

## 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

***

## Related Documentation

* 📖 [Block Macro](/latex-math-for-confluence/features/block-macro) - For display equations
* 📖 [Live Preview](/latex-math-for-confluence/features/live-preview) - Real-time rendering
* 📖 [LaTeX Syntax Guide](https://katex.org/docs/supported.html)
* ❓ [FAQ](/latex-math-for-confluence/faq)

***

## Need Help?

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