Natural Math Editor vs. Word Equation Editor
A dedicated math editor beats a word processor add-on.
Word's equation editor is built for putting one equation in a document. Natural Math Editor is built for writing math fast: in a browser, inside Canvas, and without a Microsoft subscription.
Side by side
Word Equation Editor
- Requires Microsoft Office or 365 subscription
- Locked inside a Word document
- No Canvas integration
- Slow for writing multiple equations
- Export options limited to Word formats
Natural Math Editor
- Free to use in any browser, no subscription needed
- Works standalone and inside Canvas via LTI 1.3
- Keyboard-first, built for writing math fast
- Exports to Word, LaTeX, PDF, MathML, SVG, PNG
- Nothing to install for students or instructors
2x faster
than pencil and paper in timed testing, and unlike Word, it is built for math from the ground up.
What you get with Natural Math Editor
No Microsoft account needed
Open the editor in any browser and start writing. Free, no sign-up, no subscription.
Built for math, not documents
Every feature (shortcuts, navigation, selection) is designed for writing math quickly and accurately.
Export to Word anyway
Write in Natural Math Editor, export to .docx whenever you need it. Best of both worlds.
Canvas ready
Write math directly inside Canvas assignments and quizzes. No copy-pasting from Word.
Accessible output
Every equation exports as clean MathML for screen-reader compatibility.
Works on any OS
Browser-based and cross-platform. Mac, Windows, Linux: no compatibility issues.
Frequently asked questions
Why use Natural Math Editor instead of Word's equation editor?
Word's equation editor is designed for document production, not for speed or browser-based workflows. Natural Math Editor is keyboard-first, works in any browser, integrates with Canvas, and exports to Word, PDF, LaTeX, MathML, and more.
Can I still export to Word from Natural Math Editor?
Yes. Natural Math Editor exports directly to Microsoft Word format (.docx) so your equations land cleanly in Word documents whenever you need them.
Does Natural Math Editor work without Microsoft Office?
Yes. It runs entirely in the browser with no Microsoft account, no Office subscription, and no install of any kind required.
Does Natural Math Editor work inside Canvas?
Yes. It integrates with Canvas via LTI 1.3. Students and instructors write math directly inside Canvas without switching apps or copying equations from Word.
Ready to try it?
No account, no install, no credit card. Open Natural Math Editor and start writing math in seconds.