Which extensions turn math code into readable equations

If you work with math, chemistry, or physics online, you've probably seen code like x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a and wished it looked like an actual equation. Three extensions do this reliably: MathJax Plugin for Github (for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge), TeX All the Things (Chrome and Firefox), and Mathpix Snip (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge). Each one reads a different format — MathJax handles LaTeX and MathML, TeX All the Things works with inline and display math, and Mathpix converts handwritten or printed equations into editable code.

The choice depends on where you spend time. If you read math on GitHub, Reddit, or Stack Exchange, MathJax Plugin for Github is the fastest install. If you're in Google Docs, Notion, or web-based homework platforms, TeX All the Things usually works better because it catches more formats. Mathpix is the outlier — it's not about rendering equations you see, but converting images or handwriting into LaTeX code you can use elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • MathJax Plugin for Github renders LaTeX and MathML on GitHub, Reddit, and similar sites where math code appears as plain text.
  • TeX All the Things works inside Google Docs, Notion, and web forms, converting both inline and display math notation into readable equations.
  • Mathpix Snip is a screenshot tool that converts handwritten equations, printed math, or images into LaTeX code you can paste into documents.
  • Most of these extensions are free and do not require an account, though Mathpix offers a paid tier for higher conversion limits.
  • Installing multiple extensions for the same purpose rarely causes conflicts, but each one uses browser memory and may slow page load slightly.

MathJax Plugin for Github: best for reading math on websites

MathJax Plugin for Github is the most popular choice because it works on the sites where math appears most often as raw code. When you install it, any LaTeX wrapped in dollar signs ($...$ for inline, $$...$$ for display) or MathML tags renders as a proper equation. On GitHub, this means README files with formulas become readable. On Reddit's r/math or r/learnmath, equations in posts and comments display correctly instead of showing the code.

The extension runs silently in the background. You do not need to click anything or create an account. It works on GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Reddit, Stack Exchange, Discord (in some cases), and a few other sites where people post math. The downside is that it only works on sites the developer has explicitly added to a list — it will not render math on a random website unless that site is on the list. If you need math rendering everywhere, this is not the right tool.

TeX All the Things: best for Google Docs and web forms

TeX All the Things takes a different approach. Instead of targeting specific websites, it looks for math notation anywhere on the page — in Google Docs, Notion, Overleaf, Canvas, Blackboard, or any web form. When it finds LaTeX or AsciiMath, it renders it as an equation. This makes it useful for homework platforms, online classes, and collaborative documents where you need to see formatted math while you work.

The extension also includes a math panel on the side of your browser where you can type or paste equations and see them render in real time. This is helpful if you're learning LaTeX syntax or need to check how an equation will look before you paste it into a document. Like MathJax Plugin for Github, it is free and does not require an account. It works on Chrome and Firefox but not Safari or Edge.

Mathpix Snip: best for converting images and handwriting to code

Mathpix Snip is fundamentally different from the other two. Instead of rendering equations you see, it converts images, screenshots, or handwritten math into LaTeX code. You take a screenshot of a printed equation, a photo of whiteboard work, or a math problem from a textbook, and Mathpix reads it and outputs the LaTeX. You can then paste that code into your own documents, homework platforms, or anywhere else.

The free tier gives you 50 conversions per month. If you use it more than that, a paid subscription ($9.99 per month or $119.99 per year) removes the limit. The extension works by opening a screenshot tool when you click it — you draw a box around the math you want to convert, and Mathpix sends the image to its servers to process. This means it requires an internet connection and sends data outside your browser, which is worth knowing if privacy is a concern.

How to install and manage these extensions safely

All three extensions are available in the official Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, or Edge Add-ons. Search for the exact name, check that the publisher is the official one (MathJax Plugin for Github is published by "Nico Schlömer", TeX All the Things by "Joplin", and Mathpix Snip by "Mathpix"), and click Install. The process takes less than a minute and requires no setup.

You can install all three at once without conflicts. They do not interfere with each other because they work on different sites or in different ways. The only trade-off is that each extension uses a small amount of your browser's memory — if you have many extensions installed, your browser may feel slightly slower. If you notice slowness, you can disable an extension by going to your browser's extension menu, finding the extension, and clicking the toggle to turn it off. You can re-enable it anytime.

Check the extension settings occasionally. MathJax Plugin for Github and TeX All the Things have options to customize which sites they work on or how equations render. Mathpix Snip has settings for output format (LaTeX, MathML, or Wolfram) and whether to include text recognition. These defaults work for most people, but if an extension is not rendering equations the way you want, the settings menu is usually the first place to look.

When these extensions do not work

MathJax Plugin for Github will not render math on sites it does not recognize. If you find a website with math code that is not rendering, check the extension's list of supported sites (usually in the extension's options page). You can request that the developer add a new site, but there is no may provide they will.

TeX All the Things sometimes misses math if it is formatted in an unusual way or if the website uses a custom math renderer. If equations are not showing up, try refreshing the page or disabling other extensions to see if there is a conflict. Mathpix Snip occasionally struggles with handwriting that is very small, very cursive, or mixed with other text — the more legible the original image, the better the conversion.

If you need math rendering on a specific website and none of these extensions work, the website itself may have a built-in math renderer you can enable in settings. Some platforms like Overleaf and Notion have their own equation editors that work without extensions. Checking the website's help or settings is worth doing before assuming an extension is the only option.

Privacy and data considerations

MathJax Plugin for Github and TeX All the Things process everything locally in your browser. The equations you see are rendered on your computer, and no data is sent to external servers. This means your math stays private.

Mathpix Snip is different. When you take a screenshot and convert it, the image is sent to Mathpix's servers for processing. Mathpix says it does not store images after processing them, but if privacy is important to you, this is worth knowing. If you are working with sensitive material — research, proprietary formulas, or confidential documents — Mathpix may not be the right choice. For homework, textbook problems, or public math, the privacy risk is low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these extensions on my phone or tablet?

Browser extensions only work on desktop browsers. On phones and tablets, you can use the Mathpix app (available on iOS and Android) as a standalone tool, but MathJax Plugin for Github and TeX All the Things are not available. Some mobile browsers like Firefox for Android support extensions, but the math rendering extensions are not optimized for small screens.

What if an extension stops working after a browser update?

Browser updates sometimes break extensions temporarily. The first step is to refresh the page. If that does not work, disable the extension and re-enable it. If it still does not work, check the extension's page in the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons to see if there is a newer version or known issues. You can also try uninstalling and reinstalling it.

Do these extensions work with all math notation formats?

MathJax Plugin for Github handles LaTeX and MathML. TeX All the Things handles LaTeX and AsciiMath. Mathpix converts images to LaTeX. If you are working with a different format like Mathematica code or MATLAB syntax, these extensions will not recognize it. Check the extension's documentation to see which formats it supports.

Can I use Mathpix Snip to convert a PDF with math equations?

Mathpix Snip works with screenshots, so you can take a screenshot of a PDF open on your screen and convert it. For large PDFs with many equations, this is slow. Mathpix also offers a web app and desktop app that can process entire PDFs at once, but those are separate from the browser extension and may require a paid account.

Will installing these extensions slow down my browser?

Each extension uses a small amount of memory, typically 5 to 15 megabytes. If you have a modern computer with 8 gigabytes of RAM or more, you will not notice a difference. If your browser is already slow or you have many other extensions installed, adding three more may make it slightly slower. You can test this by disabling all three, restarting your browser, and seeing if it feels faster.