Convert TEX to SVG

Why Convert LaTeX to SVG?

Converting LaTeX documents to SVG format is essential for embedding mathematical equations and technical diagrams on the web. SVG preserves the crisp rendering of LaTeX output at any zoom level, making it perfect for responsive websites and high-resolution displays.

LaTeX produces the highest quality mathematical typesetting available, but its native output (DVI/PDF) isn't web-friendly. SVG bridges this gap by converting LaTeX's beautiful equations into web-native vector graphics that can be styled with CSS and scaled infinitely.

Many popular tools like MathJax render LaTeX to SVG in real-time, but pre-converting to SVG offers performance benefits and ensures consistent rendering across all browsers. This is especially valuable for static websites, documentation, and e-learning platforms.

Key Benefits of Converting TEX to SVG:

• Infinite Scalability: Perfect quality at any size or zoom level
• Web Native: Embeds directly in HTML without plugins
• CSS Styling: Change colors and styles dynamically
• Small File Size: Vector format is compact for equations
• Retina Ready: Crisp on high-DPI displays
• Searchable Text: Text content remains accessible
• Print Quality: Maintains quality in print media

Practical Examples

Example 1: Mathematical Equation

Input TEX file (equation.tex):

\documentclass{standalone}
\begin{document}
$\int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-x^2} dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}$
\end{document}

Output SVG file (equation.svg):

<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"
     viewBox="0 0 180 45">
  <!-- Vector paths for integral symbol,
       limits, and equation -->
  <path d="M10,5 ..." />
  <!-- Scalable to any size -->
  <!-- Can be styled with CSS -->
</svg>

Usage in HTML:
<img src="equation.svg" alt="Gaussian integral">
or
<object data="equation.svg" type="image/svg+xml">

Example 2: TikZ Diagram

Input TEX file (diagram.tex):

\documentclass{standalone}
\usepackage{tikz}
\begin{document}
\begin{tikzpicture}
  \draw[->] (0,0) -- (4,0) node[right] {$x$};
  \draw[->] (0,0) -- (0,3) node[above] {$y$};
  \draw[blue,thick] plot[smooth]
    coordinates {(0,0) (1,1) (2,1.5) (3,2)};
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}

Output SVG file (diagram.svg):

<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"
     viewBox="0 0 150 100">
  <!-- Axes -->
  <line x1="10" y1="80" x2="140" y2="80"
        stroke="black" marker-end="url(#arrow)"/>
  <line x1="10" y1="80" x2="10" y2="10"
        stroke="black" marker-end="url(#arrow)"/>
  <!-- Curve -->
  <path d="M10,80 Q40,60 70,50 T130,30"
        fill="none" stroke="blue" stroke-width="2"/>
  <!-- Labels -->
  <text x="145" y="85">x</text>
  <text x="5" y="8">y</text>
</svg>

Example 3: Chemical Formula

Input TEX file (chemistry.tex):

\documentclass{standalone}
\usepackage{mhchem}
\begin{document}
\ce{2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O}
\end{document}

Output SVG file (chemistry.svg):

<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"
     viewBox="0 0 200 30">
  <!-- Chemical equation as vector graphics -->
  <text font-family="serif">
    2H<tspan dy="3" font-size="smaller">2</tspan>
    <tspan dy="-3"> + O</tspan>
    <tspan dy="3" font-size="smaller">2</tspan>
    <tspan dy="-3"> → 2H</tspan>
    <tspan dy="3" font-size="smaller">2</tspan>
    <tspan dy="-3">O</tspan>
  </text>
</svg>

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is SVG format?

A: SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is an XML-based vector image format standardized by W3C. Unlike raster formats (PNG, JPEG), SVG images are defined mathematically and can scale to any size without losing quality. All modern browsers support SVG natively.

Q: Will my LaTeX equations look perfect in SVG?

A: Yes! SVG preserves the exact mathematical typesetting from LaTeX. Equations are converted to vector paths or text elements that render identically to the original LaTeX output at any zoom level. This is the same approach used by MathJax.

Q: Can I edit the SVG after conversion?

A: Absolutely. SVG files can be edited in vector graphics software like Inkscape (free) or Adobe Illustrator. You can also edit the XML code directly or modify styling with CSS. This makes SVG ideal for customizing colors and sizes.

Q: How do I embed SVG equations in a webpage?

A: There are several methods: (1) Use an <img> tag for simple embedding; (2) Use <object> or <embed> for interactivity; (3) Inline the SVG directly in HTML for CSS styling access. Each method has trade-offs between simplicity and functionality.

Q: What about TikZ diagrams?

A: TikZ diagrams convert beautifully to SVG. The vector nature of both formats means diagrams, graphs, and illustrations maintain perfect quality. Colors, line styles, and text labels are all preserved in the SVG output.

Q: Is SVG better than PNG for equations?

A: For most web use cases, yes. SVG offers infinite scalability, smaller file sizes for simple graphics, and CSS styling capabilities. PNG is only preferable when you need raster effects or broad compatibility with older systems.

Q: Can SVG equations be made accessible?

A: Yes. SVG supports accessibility features including title and desc elements for screen readers, and ARIA attributes. The original LaTeX source can also be included as alternative text, making equations accessible to users with visual impairments.