Apache OpenOffice (AOO) Bugzilla – Issue 94198
integrate Math in Writer
Last modified: 2013-02-07 22:39:37 UTC
Get rid of the Math command window, enter math formulae in Writer with commands such as `frac (a,b) and `int (a,b,x2dx); see the result in PagePreview. Advantage: easier to use: no need to code font, bold, subscripts, etc; Search will find strings and var names in formulae as well as 'regular' text. see MathNew.odt
Created attachment 56741 [details] New Math description, with samples
Your idea is great, but I wonder whether this is not possible doing what follows. As I myself write a lot of equations, here is what I use to do: Tools -> Customize -> Keyboard : I have assigned CMD + M ( CTRL + M for you ) key to insert an equation. Then you simply have to 1) write the equation in the text, say int csub0 csup T f(t) dt 2) highlight the equation 3) do CTRL + M ( or CMD + M on Mac ) 4) hit esc and the equation will appear in the text. This is *really* fast,, you can believe me.
Reassigned to requirements.
ericb: Thank you for the suggestion. I never tried 'insert a formula' before, and it does work nicely --either with 'int csub 0 csup T f(t) dt' or 'int from 0 to T f(t) dt. And one does not even need step 4. But my problem is not with speed; I have developped (with AutoHotKey) my own keyboard shortcuts, even one to open the command window in one keystroke. The problem is that Search does not 'go inside' formulae to find variables names, eg, to change Xinput to X1. Besides, you still need to enter code for fonts, subscripts, etc. For example, I entered 'x0 over x1' in the Writer window, with x italicized and 0 and 1 as upright subscripts; but, after the ^m trick, x0 and x1 came out (in the fraction) without subscripts, and all-italics. Under the new proposal, all formatting entered in the Writer window is preserved.
Created attachment 56769 [details] Results obtained with Insert formula --ericb's suggestion
@tab : you have to use OOo-math syntax. x_1 over x_0 works well. Your proposition is interesting but I don't see how you can easily combine formula editing and automatic numbering. If you use autotext (NF in english, I presume) you obtain a model you have only to modify.
jbfaure:'you have to use OOo-math syntax. x_1 over x_0 works well' Yes, it does... within the command window. But, in the writer window, one needs a consistent structure, such as 'cmnd(parameters)'. How would you write `frac(a+b,c-f*p)? For one thing, you would need braces --which adds them to the list of 'special' characters with restricted usage. Then, you could write {a+b}`over{c-f*p}? Would this be simpler? And the parser, upon finding the command '`over', would have to backtrack to find the numerator... With `frac, everything (including blanks) between the the opening bracket and the separator (usually, comma) is the numerator, and everything between the separator and the matching bracket is the denominator. 'everything' because it is already fully formatted under Writer and needs no extra formatting, no ignoring or adding spaces, etc. I do not understand the problem with 'automatic numbering'. Numbering of what? Equations? 'If you use autotext (NF in english, I presume) you obtain a model you have only to modify' Sorry, this also escapes me.