How to Convert LaTeX to Google Docs (Files and Equations)

Google Docs is easier for comments and sharing, while LaTeX is better for typesetting. This guide covers moving a whole paper into a Doc and adding individual formulas.

What you’ll learn

• Convert a whole .tex file with Pandoc (best for full papers)
• Type equations with the built-in equation editor
• Render LaTeX code with Auto-LaTeX Equations
• Write LaTeX with the Articul8 add-on
• Bulk import .tex files as plain text

Note: Need the opposite direction? See how to convert Google Docs to LaTeX.

Convert a .tex file to Google Docs with Pandoc

Use this when you want a whole paper in Google Docs with headings, figures, tables and equations intact.

Google Docs can’t read LaTeX, but it opens Word files. So convert the .tex to .docx first, then let Docs import it.

1. Install Pandoc and convert the .tex to Word with Pandoc. From the folder that holds your main file, run:

   pandoc paper.tex -o paper.docx --citeproc --bibliography=refs.bib

2. In Google Docs, select File > Open > Upload, then choose paper.docx. You can also upload it to Google Drive and open it with Google Docs.

3. If the file is still a Word file (a .DOCX label next to the title), select File > Save as Google Docs.

4. Check the equations, figures and reference list against your PDF.

Result: a Google Doc with real headings, embedded images and a formatted bibliography.

Pandoc writes equations as Word equations. They usually arrive as editable Google Docs equations, but check multi-line and matrix equations carefully. For more on the upload step, see how to open a Word file in Google Docs without losing formatting.

Tip: Chapters in separate .tex files? Combine .tex chapters before converting, or convert each one and merge the converted chapters into one Doc.

Write equations with the Google Docs equation editor

Use this when you only need a few formulas and want them to stay editable in Google Docs.

1. Click where the equation should go.
2. Select Insert > Symbols > Equation. In older menu layouts, it’s Insert > Equation.
3. Type a backslash, a symbol name and a space, for example \alpha then Space, to insert α.
4. Use the equation toolbar menus (Greek letters, Math operators, Arrows and others) for structures such as fractions and roots.

Result: a native equation that collaborators can edit directly. For a simple x² or H₂O in running text, use superscript and subscript in Google Docs instead.

The editor understands symbol shortcuts, not full LaTeX. You can’t paste a complete LaTeX formula and have it convert. Google’s help page on using equations in Google Docs lists the current menus and shortcuts.

Our guide to writing math equations in Google Docs covers fractions, matrices and other methods.

If your maths comes from Gemini, its Export to Docs option sends a response straight to a new Doc. This short video shows it:

Render LaTeX with the Auto-LaTeX Equations add-on

Use this when you already have LaTeX code in a Doc, for example pasted from a .tex file, and want it displayed as typeset maths.

1. Install Auto-LaTeX Equations from the Google Workspace Marketplace.

2. Select Extensions > Auto-LaTeX Equations > Start.

   

3. In the sidebar, set Font Size, and set Delimiter Style to match your code: $$...$$ (the default) or \[...\].

   

4. Paste your LaTeX into the Doc, wrapped in the chosen delimiters.

5. Select Render Equations. The add-on finds every delimited formula and replaces it with an image.

   

Result: each formula appears as a typeset image in the Doc.

To edit a formula, place the cursor just before it and select De-render Equation. De-render all equations turns every image back into code.

• For multi-line formulas, press Shift + Enter between lines; the add-on treats each break as \\. Use environments built for this; see multi-line LaTeX equations.
• Rendered formulas are images, so collaborators can’t edit them without the add-on.
• For the commands you can use, see Overleaf’s guide to mathematical expressions in LaTeX.

Write LaTeX with the Articul8 add-on

Use this when you’re writing new formulas and want a visual editor or live rendering as you type.

1. Install Articul8 from the Google Workspace Marketplace.

2. Select Extensions > Articul8 > TeX Equation.

   

3. Build the formula in the sidebar editor, then select Save to insert it as an image.

   

4. To type formulas straight into the Doc instead, turn on Live rendering. Type a formula between $$ signs and press Enter to render it.

   

Result: new formulas render as images as you write.

Articul8 doesn’t convert LaTeX that is already in the document. For existing code, use Auto-LaTeX Equations.

Bulk import LaTeX files with Bulk Converter Pro

Use this when you have many .tex files and only need their text in Google Docs for review or comments.

1. Install Bulk Converter Pro from the Google Workspace Marketplace.

2. Select Extensions > Bulk Converter Pro > Bulk Convert Files.

   

   

3. Choose Upload Local Files to Convert and select your .tex files.

   

4. Set the output file type to Google Docs and select Convert.

Result: one Google Doc per file, with the LaTeX source as plain text.

The code is not typeset. To display formulas, wrap them in $$ delimiters if needed and run Auto-LaTeX Equations on each Doc. For formatted output, use the Pandoc method instead.

Which method should you use?

Computer, mobile and Office files

• Add-ons are installed and run from Google Docs on a computer, through Extensions > Add-ons > Get add-ons.
• Pandoc runs on your own computer. Once the .docx is a Google Doc, you can open and edit it anywhere, including the mobile apps.
• Office files: a .docx you double-click in Drive opens in Google Docs but stays a Word file until you save it as a Google Doc.

Troubleshooting

• Nothing renders with Auto-LaTeX: the delimiter setting doesn’t match your code. Switch between $$ and \[ \].
• Uploaded .docx shows plain LaTeX code: you uploaded the .tex file, not the Pandoc output. Convert first.
• Equations missing after upload: compare with the .docx in Word. If they’re fine there, re-insert the few that Docs dropped with the equation editor.
• Images missing from the .docx: run Pandoc from the project folder so it finds the image paths.

For more converter and formatting guides, browse the LaTeX guides.