How to Copy Equations from Images? AI Equation from Photo：8 Tools to Easily Handle Complex Equation Recognition with One Click!

In academic research, teaching preparation, or daily study, encountering equations in images that need to be copied into electronic documents no longer requires manual input. AI-powered photo equation recognition tools enable one-click recognition and extraction, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. Below are 8 such tools and key insights into their functionality.​

1. What is AI Equation from Photo?​

AI equation from photo leverages computer vision and natural language processing to convert mathematical/chemical equations or symbolic expressions in images into structured, editable text. Beyond character recognition, it interprets complex formats like subscripts, superscripts, fractions, radicals, integrals, and matrices, outputting results in LaTeX, MathML, or Word—facilitating academic writing, courseware development, and thesis typesetting. The clear presentation of these structured outputs eliminates formatting errors common in manual input.​

2. Suitable Scenarios​

• Students converting blackboard/paper notes into electronic files for class notes or exercise solutions.​

• Researchers extracting equations from literature for citations and modifications.​

• Teachers importing equations from paper question banks/textbooks into lesson plans or PPTs.​

• Publishers digitizing scanned archives by batch-extracting complex equations.​

• Engineers converting handwritten derivations/calculations into transferable electronic records.​

3. Key Features of 8 Tools​

1. SimpleTex: Tailored for academia, it excels in recognizing complex structures (e.g., nested radicals, matrices with subscripts). Users upload images, wait seconds for LaTeX/MathML outputs—directly usable in Word/LaTeX editors. Its minimalist interface (upload → recognize → copy) suits researchers processing literature equations, especially when combined with translation tools to enhance study efficiency. The presentation of precise LaTeX code ensures seamless integration into academic manuscripts.​

2. Jidu Scan (Extreme Scan): An all-round OCR tool integrating equation recognition. It processes mixed text, tables, and equations while retaining original layout. For example, class PPT images with text and derivations are converted into editable text, with equations presented in LaTeX. It supports offline use and offers 20 free daily high-precision recognitions.​

3. Super Formula: Designed for PDF-embedded equations, it parses mixed Chinese-English, image-text PDFs to accurately locate and convert equations into editable Word format, preserving font, size, and alignment—ideal for scanned textbooks.​

4. Doc2x: A one-stop solution supporting image/PDF equation recognition with multi-format outputs (Word, LaTeX, HTML, Markdown). HTML format adapts to web layouts for online courseware, while LaTeX ensures print clarity for papers. Its intelligent completion infers blurred symbols via context, requiring user confirmation. The presentation of equations in web-friendly formats makes it versatile for digital teaching materials.​

5. Foxit PDF Conversion Master: Novice-friendly with drag-and-drop functionality. Users drag PDFs/images to get quick results, suitable for daily simple equations. Extremely complex equations may need minor layout adjustments, but it suffices for homework or basic study needs.​

6. Fun AI: Specializes in handwritten equation recognition via deep learning—handling calculus or chemical formulas from scratch paper/blackboards. It supports real-time recognition (photo-while-writing) for immediate editable outputs, perfect for classroom notes or temporary derivations.​

7. Mathpix: Multi-device synchronized, allowing equation recognition from mobile/tablet/computer screenshots. Results sync in real-time across devices, with built-in editing (annotations, symbol adjustments) and one-click format conversion.​

8. MyScript Calculator: Combines recognition and calculation. Users handwrite equations on-screen; the tool recognizes and outputs results instantly—saving time for verifying exercise derivations.​

4. Popai’s Advantages​

Popai integrates multiple AI functions, offering end-to-end convenience:​

• Flexible imports: Local files, Google Cloud, or image URLs—no source restrictions.​

• Intelligent comprehension: Extracts equations and explains symbols/operational logic (e.g., marking variable meanings for integrals), enabling users to "understand" rather than just "obtain" equations.​

• Cloud auto-save: Stores recognized documents/notes in the cloud for anytime retrieval.​

• AI editing: Translates foreign literature while preserving equation positions and context accuracy—upgrading recognition to a "recognition + understanding + application" full-chain service.​

5. Tool Selection Guide​

Choose based on specific needs:​

• Academic writing: SimpleTex (LaTeX focus) or Doc2x (multi-format).​

• PDF equations: Super Formula or Foxit PDF Conversion Master.​

• Handwritten equations: Fun AI or MyScript Calculator.​

• Multi-device use: Mathpix.​

• Mixed content (text/tables/equations): Jidu Scan.​

• One-stop solution: Popai (flexible imports, intelligent understanding, auto-save, AI editing) streamlines the entire process, ensuring recognition results support subsequent applications effectively.