How to Convert a PDF to Editable LaTeX in Seconds

Why you can't just copy and paste from a PDF

A PDF doesn't store the structure of a document. It stores characters and their positions on the page. A fraction is just a few symbols placed above and below a line; a matrix is a grid of characters with no notion of rows or columns.

That's why, when you copy an equation from a PDF and paste it into your editor, you get scrambled text: lost superscripts, symbols replaced by odd characters and line breaks in the wrong places. Rebuilding the LaTeX means reading the page visually, the way a person would.

First, identify what kind of PDF you have

The right method depends on how the PDF was created:

Option 1: find the original LaTeX source

If the PDF was written in LaTeX, the original .tex files may already exist. It's worth a quick check before converting anything:

• arXiv: most papers include their source files. On the paper's page on arXiv, look for the "TeX Source" link next to the PDF to download them.
• Your professor or the authors: for lecture notes or papers, a polite email often gets you the .tex files.
• Overleaf: if the document was shared from an Overleaf project, ask for access to the project to download the source.

If the source isn't available, or the PDF wasn't made with LaTeX, go to option 2.

Option 2: convert the PDF with MathWrite, step by step

1. 1

   Upload the PDF

   Drag the file into MathWrite. PDFs up to 10 MB are accepted; if yours is larger, compress it or split it into parts.

2. 2

   Choose the model

   Turbo for PDFs generated with LaTeX: it processes dozens of pages in seconds and also extracts the figures. Professional for everything else: scans, PDFs made in Word or handwritten notes.

3. 3

   Wait a few seconds

   A progress bar shows the pages being processed. With the Unlimited plan you can convert up to 100 pages at once with Turbo and up to 20 with Professional.

4. 4

   Review the result

   The LaTeX code appears next to the compiled PDF. Compare it with the original and edit anything you need right in the editor.

5. 5

   Take it wherever you need it

   Copy the code, open it in Overleaf with one click, or export it to Word, HTML or Markdown.

What the result looks like

When you convert a PDF you get a complete document that compiles, not loose fragments. For a page with a theorem and a numbered equation, the LaTeX looks like this:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath, amsthm}
\newtheorem{theorem}{Theorem}

\begin{document}

\section{The fundamental theorem of calculus}

\begin{theorem}
If $f$ is continuous on $[a,b]$ and $F(x) = \int_a^x f(t)\,dt$,
then $F$ is differentiable on $(a,b)$ and
\begin{equation}
  F'(x) = f(x).
\end{equation}
\end{theorem}

\end{document}

Tips for converting PDFs

• Convert only the pages you need: it's faster and the result is easier to review.
• With scanned PDFs, scan quality makes the difference. 300 dpi is a good minimum.
• Use Turbo only for PDFs generated with LaTeX. It isn't designed for handwriting or scans, where Professional gives better results.
• Check tables and long equations in the preview: they're the parts most worth a second look.
• If the PDF is password-protected, remove the protection before uploading it.
• Respect copyright: converting a PDF to edit it doesn't give you the right to republish someone else's work.

What to do with the LaTeX afterwards

Frequently asked questions