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# LibreOffice Math Features

This section contains an overview of some of the important functions and capabilities that LibreOffice Math offers.

LibreOffice Math provides numerous operators, functions and formatting assistants to help you create formulae. These are all listed in a selection window, in which you can click the required element with the mouse to insert the object into your work. There is an exhaustive reference list and numerous samples contained in the Help.

## Creating a Formula

As with charts and images, formulae are created as objects within a document. Inserting a formula into a document automatically starts LibreOffice Math. You can create, edit and format the formula using a large selection of predefined symbols and functions.

## Typing a Formula Directly

If you are familiar with the LibreOffice Math language, you can also type a formula directly into the document. For example, type this formula into a text document: "a sup 2 + b sup 2 = c sup 2". Select this text and choose Insert - Object - Formula. The text will be converted into a formatted formula.

Formulae cannot be calculated in LibreOffice Math because it is a formula editor (for writing and showing formulae) and not a calculation program. Use spreadsheets to calculate formulae, or for simple calculations use the text document calculation function.

## Creating a Formula in the Commands Window

Use the LibreOffice Math Commands window to enter and edit formulae. As you make entries in the Commands window, you will see the results in the document. To maintain an overview when creating long and complicated formulae, use the Formula Cursor on the Tools bar. When this function is activated, the cursor location within the Commands window is also shown in the text window.

## Individual Symbols

You can create your own symbols and import characters from other fonts. You can add new symbols to the basic catalogue of LibreOffice Math symbols, or create your own special catalogues. Numerous special characters are also available.

## Formulae in Context

To make working with formulae easier, use the context menus, which can be called up with a right mouse click. This applies especially to the Commands window. This context menu contains all the commands that are found in the Elements pane, and also operators, and so on, which can be inserted into your formula by mouse-click without having to key them into the Commands window.