Inserting equations.

[Kat se gat]

I need to add some equations to a document. I've been using the MathType product for a number of years (http://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathtype/). When I tried to add an equation ito Flare it barfed at me that Java wasn't installed. I prefer MathType for its pinpoint accuracy and alignment especially where super- and subscripts are used. The equations I need to add involve matrix blocks. I could use MathType but understandably its file format is unlikely to be compatible with Flare suggesting I'd have to create my equations and then do a screencap of it and insert the file into my topic. That leaves me the option to use Flare's equation editor. Has anyone used it before? I don't want to install anything else on my machine unless you good folks can endorse it from experience?

[atomdocs]

Peter, I think you need Java for equations anyway. The Flare help says: "In order to use the Equation Editor, you need to install the latest Java Runtime Environment (JRE). You can download the JRE from http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp.

Flare uses MathML to process equations. I expect MathType can produce that too?

I have no experience with equations, just digging around in the Help file. Also note: The Flare Help says that the Flare equation editor has its own Help file, accessible from the editor dialog box itself.

[Kat se gat]

Tom,

Let me get this bit right. If I have a MathML type equation I still need to install the JRE to use or import it in Flare? MathType can export the equation to the clipboard in MathML format but it can't save it's output file in MathML format so you have to use say wmf files.

I saved a test equation y=x+1 into a wmf file. In MathType it's pixel perfect. I inserted that file as an image into a topic. It displays very small in the topic and when I resize the image in Flare it continues to look very sharp in the IDE. However, when I generated the output PDF file the image was totally taco'ed and unrecognisable. I'm really reluctant to install any Java stuff on my machine because 1) it's Oracle and 2) I'm concerned that once I install anything by Oracle, then like Adobe, you can never stop it from nagging at you to do this or do that.

If needs must, I will. But right now I've got this uncomfortable itch around my neck and a good part of me says I might need to cut my losses and create a png image from a screencap of the equation and take it from there.

[atomdocs]

Let me get this bit right. If I have a MathML type equation I still need to install the JRE to use or import it in Flare?

Hi Peter, yes I think so. If you copy a MathType equation to the clipboard and try to paste it into Flare, do you get the Java message? Flare uses the MathML format, so it should work, but perhaps only if Java is installed. Also, this morning I saw that there is another requirement for equations: you also need Ghostscript.

WMF should also work fine, and it is probably a good workaround if you want to avoid Java. If the PDF output is broken, I wonder if it also needs Ghostscript?

I understand your desire to avoid Oracle or Adobe. But sometimes it is hard to do that, and if using their software means that I can achieve what I want to do, then I just think of them as a means to an end. I think that using a PNG screencap for the equation is doable (I've done it), but it is unsatisfactory.

I use Adobe CC now and it doesn't nag me. Adobe have put some effort into customer relations in recent years - at long last.

[Kat se gat]

"...do you get the Java message?"

It tells me about it when I click the button only so it preceeds any option to paste.

"...you also need Ghostscript."

I did install GhostScript a couple of weeks ago as I had problems with bulleted lists.

"..Adobe have put some effort into customer relations in recent years - at long last."

They have? I just looked outside my window. There is no sign of frost, snow or ice and no sign of any riders of The Apocalypse. I'll cross the equation issue when I look at it again later.