Accessible Math in Microsoft Word and D2L

Summary

Microsoft Word and D2L Brightspace have Equation tools that can be used to create accessible math equations.

Microsoft Word Equation Editor

The equation editor in Microsoft Word can be used to create accessible equations. For full functionality it is recommended that the Microsoft Word desktop application is used.

  1. Open the Insert ribbon in Microsoft Word and select Equation
    Insert toolbar in Microsoft Word highlighting the Equation option
  2. An equation box will appear in the document that says Type equation here and the upper ribbon should change to equation editing tools
    New equation in Microsoft Word
    Equation editing toolbar in Microsoft Word
  3. Use the equation editing tools to type out your equation.
  4. Select Ink Equation and use your mouse, trackpad, stylus, or finger to draw an equation. It will automatically be converted to text, click Insert when finished to add it to the document.
    Ink equation window from Microsoft Word's equation tools

Save an Equation

Equations can be saved so that you don't need to retype them each time they are used.

  1. Select the equation and then click the down arrow on the right to open an equation options menu
    An equation in Microsoft Word highlighting the equation options button
  2. Select Save as New Equation. This will open a Create New Building Block dialog box
    Equation options in Microsoft Word highlighting Save as New Equation
  3. Enter a name for the equation
  4. Leave everything else as is
  5. Select OK

Insert a Saved Equation

  1. Navigate to the Insert ribbon
  2. Click the down arrow next to Equation to open a drop-down menu
  3. Select the desired equation and it will be inserted into the document
    Insert equation drop-down with a list of equations

D2L Brightspace HTML Editor

The HTML editor in D2L Brightspace has tools for creating accessible equations.

  1. Begin editing an HTML/web page file in D2L Brightspace
  2. Place the insertion point at the location where an equation should be added
  3. Select the Equation button from the HTML editor toolbar
    HTML Editor toolbar with Insert Equation highlighted
  4. Select the Graphical Equation option (LaTeX/MathML/Chemistry are also available if you prefer)
    Insert Equation drop down menu in the D2L HTML editor
  5. Use the tools in the Insert Equation dialog window to write the equation
    Insert Equation tool in D2L
  6. When finished, select Insert and the equation will be inserted in the file.

 

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