How to Annotate a PDF with LaTeX

Add real, properly typeset mathematical equations directly onto any PDF — in your browser, in under a minute. No LaTeX installation, no compilation step, no upload.

Open Annotarium

Why annotate a PDF with LaTeX?

Most PDF annotators only let you add plain-text comments. That's fine for "good work" or "expand on this", but it falls apart the moment you need to write mathematics. Typing integral from 0 to 1 of x squared dx is awkward; what you actually want is

$\int_0^1 x^2 \, dx$

rendered properly on the page. Annotarium does this directly — without installing TeX Live, without uploading the PDF anywhere, and without compiling.

Step 1 — Open the PDF

Go to app.annotarium.org and open your PDF: drag and drop it onto the workspace, or click Open PDF. The PDF is loaded into your browser and stays on your device — nothing is uploaded.

Step 2 — Switch to the LaTeX tool

Press T or click the LaTeX tool in the toolbar. Click anywhere on the page where you want an equation. A small editor opens at that position.

Step 3 — Type your equation

Type LaTeX in the editor. Common patterns:

Press Enter (or click outside) to render. The equation appears on the page as a properly typeset annotation.

Annotarium uses KaTeX to render equations. KaTeX is fast (synchronous, no compile step) and supports the bulk of common mathematical notation: fractions, integrals, sums, matrices, aligned environments, Greek letters, accents, and standard operators.

Step 4 — Position and resize

Drag the equation to position it. Use the corner handles to resize. Use the rotation handle if you need to fit a margin annotation. The equation stays vector-quality at any size.

Step 5 — Export the annotated PDF

When you're done, use File → Save. Annotarium bakes the equations into the PDF as part of the page, so the exported file opens correctly in any reader (Preview, Acrobat, Chrome's built-in viewer) without needing Annotarium installed.

Tips

FAQ

Does the LaTeX render properly in the exported PDF?

Yes. Annotarium uses KaTeX to render the equation and embeds it as part of the PDF page on export, so the equations remain crisp at any zoom level and open correctly in any PDF reader.

Can I use packages like amsmath or physics?

Annotarium supports the standard mathematical commands available in KaTeX, which covers the majority of common notation including amsmath-style fractions, integrals, matrices, and aligned equations. See the KaTeX support reference for the full list.

What's the keyboard shortcut for the LaTeX tool?

Press T to switch to the LaTeX tool. Press V to return to the cursor.

Is there a delay when rendering equations?

No. KaTeX renders equations synchronously, so the equation appears as soon as you finish typing — there is no compile step.