Symbol Reference

Symbol Reference is for the moment you can picture a symbol but cannot remember its command. Search by meaning, glyph, or LaTeX name, preview the result, and put it into the document without leaving the workspace.

Browse and insert

1. Open Symbol Reference, or run /symbols.
2. Filter by Greek, Arrows, Relations, Operators, or Miscellaneous, or search directly.
3. Select a symbol to inspect its glyph, command, and description.
4. With a LaTeX document open, choose Insert in editor. Without one, choose Copy command.

For example, search approximately to find \approx, or search right arrow to compare the available arrow commands before inserting one.

Put the command in the right context

Most symbols belong in math mode:

$a \approx b$

Some commands require a package that is not part of the base document. If the symbol compiles as undefined, check its package requirement and use LaTeX engines and packages to install the package for the active system TeX distribution when needed.

The reference and preview run locally. Insertion targets the current cursor; it does not choose inline or display math, add surrounding prose, or decide whether the notation is conventional in your field.

Use completion when you know the prefix

Inside a LaTeX math context, command completion and @-prefixed symbol shortcuts can be faster. Symbol Reference is better when you need to browse or compare unfamiliar options. See Autocomplete.