MathCast

Find and copy math symbols & LaTeX — anywhere you read

MathCast is a Chrome extension for papers, lectures, blogs, and PDFs. Search 566+ symbols with a spotlight, preview with KaTeX, and copy Unicode or LaTeX in one keystroke.

Spotlight search (Alt+Shift+S), context-aware selection, KaTeX preview, multi-format copy, and inline /sum → ∑ substitution — UI in Korean, English, and Japanese.

Features

Key features

Spotlight search

Press the shortcut (default Alt+Shift+S, customizable in the popup) to search a dictionary of 566+ symbols.

  • Natural language: Pearson, derivative, softmax, …
  • Symbol names and LaTeX commands
  • Fast fuzzy search from anywhere on the page

Context-aware

Select text, hit the shortcut — your selection fills the search box automatically.

  • Works on web pages and Chrome’s built-in PDF viewer
  • Great when you see a symbol but don’t know its name

KaTeX preview

See how a formula looks before you copy — no surprises in your document.

Multi-format copy

  • Enter — copy Unicode symbol
  • Shift+Enter — copy LaTeX
  • Ctrl+Enter — replace selected text in place

Inline substitution

Type /sum then Space → ∑ and similar shortcuts for common symbols while writing.

Languages

Korean · English · Japanese — switch in the extension popup.

Guide

Typical workflow

From reading to copying in seconds:

  • Reading a paper or PDF — spot an unfamiliar symbol
  • Select it (optional) and press Alt+Shift+S
  • Search by name, natural language, or LaTeX
  • Preview with KaTeX, then Enter / Shift+Enter / Ctrl+Enter to copy or replace
Users

Perfect for

  • Students and researchers writing STEM papers and assignments
  • Anyone reading math-heavy web pages or PDFs
  • Writers who frequently look up LaTeX and Unicode symbols
Privacy

Privacy

  • No data sent to external servers
  • Only shortcut and language preferences may sync via chrome.storage.sync
  • Symbol dictionary ships inside the extension — lookups stay local

Install MathCast and stop hunting for that one symbol in a PDF tab maze.

URL

Chrome Web Store URLs

Register these paths in the Chrome Web Store listing for MathCast.

Store listing

Visitors are redirected by country (KR/JP) or browser language to /mathcast/en, /ko, or /ja.