LaTeX Editing

A key feature of Archimedes is its' support for editing math right alongside Markdown using the TeX/LaTeX typesetting system.

Math Mode

To get started, enter Math Mode by typing a pair of dollar signs e.g.: $$ \sqrt(4) $$. You'll notice that as you enter the first two dollar signs, Archimedes automatically matches the other two.

LaTeX commands such as \sqrt(4) can be used to typeset mathematical expressions. As you type, a familiar autocompletion interface offers suggestions for commands.

If a command supports parameters, the Tab key can be used to navigate between them. Pressing Shift+Tab moves in reverse order. To enter a parameter, just type over the placeholder token.

Built-in syntax highlighting makes it easier to make sense of the structure of TeX commands.

Finding Symbols

If you need help finding mathematical symbols, the Show All Symbols menu item found under the Edit menu can be used to quickly find a symbol with a few keystrokes. Here, you can type to filter the grid, and use the up/down/left/right arrow keys to navigate. Once you found the symbol you want, just hit the return key to insert it.

Math Library

The Math Library found under the Window menu can be used to browse all available symbols, commands, and macros. In the Macros tab, you can create new macros for custom, frequently-used mathematical commands. For example, if you want \pgras to automatically insert Pythagoras's theorem, you can define a macro named pgras with an expansion of a^{2} + b^{2} = c^{2}. The Math Library supports drag and drop so you can insert anything you see into an Archimedes document by simply dragging it. Items from the Math Library also show up in code completion results.

Magic Draw

Archimedes features an innovative method of entering mathematical symbols just by drawing them on your MacBook's trackpad or Magic Trackpad. To get started, just select Draw Symbol from the Edit menu or the main document toolbar. As you draw symbols, Archimedes will try to recognize them using machine learned models. You can use the up/down arrow keys to navigate the results, and hit the return key when you're ready to insert the symbol. Pressing the delete key will clear your drawing, and pressing esc will hide the popover without inserting a symbol.

To learn more about Archimedes or purchase the app, visit https://furnacecreek.org/archimedes/.