{"id":290,"date":"2024-12-19T10:36:46","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T10:36:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/?p=290"},"modified":"2026-03-24T10:18:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T10:18:25","slug":"your-guide-to-texthelp-equatio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2024\/12\/19\/your-guide-to-texthelp-equatio\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to EquatIO for Digital Maths"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>EquatIO simplifies the creation, exploration, and sharing of mathematical and scientific content, making math more accessible and interactive for all learners at Queen\u2019s University Belfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is EquatIO?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>EquatIO is an assistive technology tool designed for math and STEM learning. It enables users to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Create Math Digitally:<\/strong> Write equations, formulas, and graphs using your voice, handwriting, or typing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interactive Graphing:<\/strong> Visualize complex equations and data with Desmos-powered graphs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Math Accessibility:<\/strong> Convert handwritten or spoken math into digital text.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seamless Integration:<\/strong> Works with Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and other platforms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>EquatIO is available for QUB students as part of the university&#8217;s licensed assistive technology tools, Learn more about the product on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.texthelp.com\/en-gb\/products\/equatio\/\">EquatIO website. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Access EquatIO at QUB:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>EquatIO is already available on QUB-managed computers in Chrome and Edge \u2014 just look for the purple puzzle-piece icon in your browser toolbar or extensions. You can also download it for <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/chromewebstore.google.com\/detail\/equatio-math-made-digital\/hjngolefdpdnooamgdldlkjgmdcmcjnc\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/chromewebstore.google.com\/detail\/equatio-math-made-digital\/hjngolefdpdnooamgdldlkjgmdcmcjnc\"><\/a><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/chromewebstore.google.com\/detail\/equatio-math-made-digital\/hjngolefdpdnooamgdldlkjgmdcmcjnc\">Chrome<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> to your own device, and by signing in with your QUB email address through Microsoft, you\u2019ll get access to the full version.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch the demo video:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Introduction to Equatio\" width=\"910\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gSqtnynwkAg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Features of EquatIO<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Equation Editor<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Type math equations using standard keyboards or shortcuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Example: Type &#8220;x^2 + y^2 = r^2&#8221; for a circle equation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Speech Input<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Speak your math, and EquatIO will convert it to digital text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Example: Say \u201cSquare root of 16\u201d to see \u201c\u221a16\u201d appear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Handwriting Recognition<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Draw equations or symbols with a touchscreen or mouse, and EquatIO will digitize them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Graph Editor<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Plot equations or data with an easy-to-use, interactive graphing tool powered by Desmos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. LaTeX Editor<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>For advanced users, type or paste LaTeX code to create professional-quality math.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. STEM Tools<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore periodic tables, scientific calculators, and chemical equation balancing features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Use EquatIO: Getting Started<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Installation and Setup<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Access the application or add the Chrome extension.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Using EquatIO in Google Docs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open a Google Doc and click the EquatIO toolbar icon.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the Equation Editor, Graph Editor, or Speech Input to add math directly into your document.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Save and share your document with accessible math content.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Using EquatIO with Microsoft Word<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open Word and launch the EquatIO toolbar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insert equations, graphs, or chemistry symbols directly into your document.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Customise formatting as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Free Alternatives to EquatIO<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for alternatives or additional tools, consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/math.microsoft.com\/en\">Microsoft Math Solver (Free)<\/a>:<\/strong> An app that solves math problems using handwriting or scanning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.desmos.com\/\">Desmos (Free)<\/a>:<\/strong> A graphing calculator and math visualization tool.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/appsource.microsoft.com\/en-us\/product\/office\/wa104381909?tab=overview\">MathType (Free Trial, Paid)<\/a>:<\/strong> A powerful tool for creating math equations in Word or Google Docs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/gb\/app\/mathway\/id467329677\"><strong>Mathway (Apple): <\/strong><\/a> is a problem-solving app that provides step-by-step solutions for math problems, from basic algebra to advanced calculus, using an intuitive interface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-gb\/guide\/keynote\/tan72a69d01f\/mac\">Apple Pages and Keynote (Built-in Equation Editor)<\/a><\/strong>: Supports LaTeX and MathML for creating and formatting mathematical equations, seamlessly integrating them into documents and presentations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flipsnack.com\/digitalinsights\/study-tools\/full-view.html\">Online Study Tools Guide<\/a> for more ideas and assistive technology to support your academic journey. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Additional Resources and Tutorials<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/academy.texthelp.com\/read-and-write-education\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EquatIO Academy <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Assistive technology is more than a collection of tools\u2014it\u2019s a way to personalise your learning environment to suit your unique strengths and challenges. By leveraging free AT resources, students can gain confidence, improve their academic performance, and unlock their full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to embrace a mindset of exploration and adaptability. Your learning journey is as unique as you are, and the right tools can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, I\u2019d love to hear from you! What tools have worked best for you, and how have they improved your academic experience? Share your favourite apps, software, or strategies to help others in the neurodiverse community discover new possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Support Channels<\/strong><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/teams.microsoft.com\/l\/team\/19%3A7I3AhMlQf6z08eoevZaJ58TReMVNK0PNj9gDC0TA0p01%40thread.tacv2\/conversations?groupId=b3909b7c-e269-4134-ba75-b6d2888122e2&amp;tenantId=eaab77ea-b4a5-49e3-a1e8-d6dd23a1f286\">Assistive Technology Teams Channel<\/a>:<\/strong>&nbsp;Join for real-time support, updates, and discussions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For more information and guidance on supporting students with assistive technology, please contact the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2025\/02\/11\/resources-for-academic-mental-health-tutors\/assistivetechnology@qub.ac.uk\">Assistive Technology Coordinator<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>IT Helpdesk: For licensing issues or technical support, reach out to the QUB IT Helpdesk.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2401,"featured_media":163,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-290","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-study-tools-resources"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2024\/11\/equatio2.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/290","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2401"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=290"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/290\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1730,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/290\/revisions\/1730"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/163"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=290"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=290"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=290"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}