In Microsoft Office, how do I add and use Equation Editor?

In Office 2008, 2004, and 2003, Equation Editor is not always part of the typical installation. To add Equation Editor, follow the appropriate instructions below; you will need the installation CD or the files you downloaded from IUware.

Note: If you are using Windows 7, Vista, or XP, log in as an administrator before following the instructions below.

Note: At Indiana University, the University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you normally refrain from running your Windows computer as an administrator. For more, see What is the principle of least privilege?

On this page:

• Office 2003 (Windows)
• Office 2008 and 2004 (Mac OS X)
• To use the Equation Editor in an Office application

Office 2003

Note: For general instructions on installing other components of Office, see In Microsoft Office, how do I change a program's installation type?

To add Equation Editor:

1. From the Start menu, select either Control Panel, or Settings and then Control Panel.
   
   
2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs (or Add or Remove Programs) icon.
   
   
3. Locate the Microsoft Office entry that corresponds to what you have installed and click once to highlight it. For example, if you have Office XP, locate Microsoft Office XP Professional and select it.
   
   
4. Click Change.
   
   
5. When the Office installation window opens, select Add or Remove Features, and then click Next.

   Note: For Office 2003, you may see the "Custom Setup" screen at this point. Check Choose advanced customization of applications, and then click Next.

6. Next to Office Tools, click the + (plus sign) once. Click Equation Editor, and then select Run from Computer.
   
   
7. Click Continue. When Equation Editor has finished installing, click OK.

Back to top

Office 2008 and 2004

Note: In Office for Mac, the Equation Editor is typically installed by default. To check to see if it is installed, see the following path location, replacing version with the version of Office you have installed:

If it is not installed already, to add Equation Editor:

1. On the desktop, double-click the Microsoft Office 2008 or Microsoft Office 2004 icon.
   
   Note: If you are installing a copy downloaded from IUware, you should have a .dmg file on your desktop. Usually, Mac OS X will automatically mount this file. If it doesn't, double-click the .dmg file to mount it and start the install process.
   
   
2. The setup window will offer one or two installation options, depending on which version of Office you are installing:
   
   
   • The first option is available in both Office 2008 and 2004. In Office 2008, it is labeled Office Installer. In Office 2004, it is labeled Office Setup Assistant. Follow the instructions below to use one of these tools.
     
     
   • The second option is available only in Office 2004, and is labeled Office 2004. To install all Office 2004 applications and components (such as the Equation Editor), drag and drop this icon into your Applications folder.
   
   
3. Follow steps 1 through 4 in the Office Setup Assistant or Office Installer.
   
   
4. If you are prompted to select your installation location in step 5, either choose the location of a current Office installation, or select the location you'd like to use for a new installation.
   
   
5. In the box of customizable options, click the arrow next to Office Tools and select Equation Editor.
   
   
6. Click Install.

Back to top

To use the Equation Editor in an Office application

1. Open the desired Office application.
   
   
2. Click Insert, and then Object.
   
   
3. In the list of Object types, choose Microsoft Equation (this will open the Equation Editor).
   
   
4. In the Equation Editor window, form your equation; when finished, click the red X in the upper right to close the window.
   
   
5. After a moment, the equation will appear in the application.

Back to top

Comments/Questions/Corrections