Directions for Using Equation Editor

Customizing the Toolbar

There are many shortcuts that can easily be placed in the Word toolbar that can save you time while creating math tests or worksheets. The following steps will help you place a shortcut for superscripts, subscripts, and equation editor in the toolbar.

1. While in Word, select View » Toolbars » Customize.
2. Click on the Commands tab (See figure below).

3. In the Categories field, select "Format".
4. In the Commands field, scroll down to find "x² Superscript". Left-click and drag the x² Superscript icon into the Word toolbar at the top of your screen.
5. Repeat step 4 for "x₂ Subscript".
6. In the Categories field, select "Insert". Find the "Equation Editor" icon () in the Commands list and drag it to the Word toolbar as in steps 4 and 5.
7. Click Close.

Now you are ready to begin typing your test or worksheet. You can click on the shortcut icons in the toolbar to do subscripts or superscripts. If you need more complex equations or symbols, simply click on the Equation Editor icon.

Using the Equation Editor Toolbar

When you click on the Equation Editor icon, a highlighted box will appear in your document, along with the Equation Editor toolbar. Click inside the box, then choose the template you need from the toolbar. While still in the Equation Editor, you can highlight your equation to change its appearance using the drop-down menu at the top of the document. Select Size or Style to alter your new equation. To exit the Equation Editor, simply click outside of the equation box. You will return to your document and Word's standard word-processing features.

Below is an illustration of the Equation Editor toolbar and a description of each category icon:

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