Special Content
Insert equations, emojis, mentions, dates, and sticky notes.
Beyond text, media, and exercises, the Lex Editor supports several special content types that enhance your lessons with mathematical notation, visual flair, and interactive elements.
LaTeX Equations (KaTeX)
Insert mathematical and scientific formulas using LaTeX syntax, rendered with KaTeX for fast, beautiful output.
Inserting an Equation
Open the Equation Editor
Type /math or /equation, or select "Equation" from the Insert menu.
Enter LaTeX
Type your LaTeX expression in the input field. A live preview shows the rendered equation.
Choose Display Mode
- Inline: the equation sits within your text line (e.g., "where $E = mc^2$ is the energy")
- Block: the equation gets its own centered line, suitable for important formulas
Insert
Click Insert to place the equation.
Common LaTeX Examples
| LaTeX | Renders As |
|---|---|
E = mc^2 | Energy equation |
\frac{a}{b} + \frac{c}{d} | Fraction addition |
\sqrt{x^2 + y^2} | Square root |
\sum_{i=1}^{n} x_i | Summation |
\alpha, \beta, \gamma | Greek letters |
Use Cases for Language Teachers
While equations are primarily for math and science, language teachers may use them for:
- Linguistic notation and phonetic transcription symbols
- Displaying formal grammar rules with mathematical precision
- Creating numbered examples with consistent formatting
You do not need to know LaTeX to use basic equations. The equation editor provides a visual interface for common symbols, fractions, and operators. For complex formulas, LaTeX syntax is fully supported.
Emoji Picker
Add emojis to your lesson content to make it more engaging and expressive.
Using the Emoji Picker
- Type
/emojior click the emoji button in the toolbar - Browse categories or search by name
- Click an emoji to insert it at the cursor position
Emoji in Lessons
Emojis are useful for:
- Section titles and headings (e.g., "New Words," "Practice")
- Instructions and prompts to make them friendlier
- Visual markers for difficulty levels or activity types
- Cultural context discussions (emoji meaning varies across cultures)
The AI lesson builder automatically uses emojis in section titles (e.g., "Practice," "Summary") to make the lesson structure visually scannable.
@Mentions
Mention other users by typing @ followed by their name.
How Mentions Work
- Type
@anywhere in the text - A dropdown appears with matching usernames
- Select the user
- Their name appears as a styled mention link
Use Cases
- Assign tasks to co-teachers in collaborative editing
- Reference student work in teacher notes
- Notify collaborators about sections that need review
Mentions are visible to teachers in the editor but are not shown to students.
Date and Time Stamps
Insert formatted date and time stamps into your lesson.
Inserting a Date
- Type
/dateor select "Date/Time" from the Insert menu - Choose the format (date only, time only, or both)
- The stamp is inserted as a styled inline element
Use Cases
- Mark when a lesson was last updated
- Set deadlines in homework instructions
- Add timestamps to lesson plans
Sticky Notes
Sticky notes are colorful, floating note blocks that stand out visually from the main content.
Creating a Sticky Note
- Type
/stickyor select "Sticky Note" from the Insert menu - A colored note block appears
- Type your content inside
Characteristics
- Distinctive visual style (colored background, shadow effect)
- Can be repositioned in the document
- Stand out clearly from surrounding content
- Available in multiple colors
Use Cases
- Quick reminders or tips
- Important warnings or notes
- "Did you know?" facts
- Vocabulary highlights
Polls
Create simple polls that let students vote on options.
Creating a Poll
- Type
/pollor select "Poll" from the Insert menu - Add a question and answer options
- Students can vote during the lesson
Use Cases
- Quick opinion polls to start discussions
- Checking student preferences for upcoming topics
- Fun icebreaker questions
- Exit tickets at the end of a lesson
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students see @mentions?
No. Mentions are a teacher-side collaboration feature. Students see only the published content without mention styling.
Can I change the color of a sticky note?
Yes. Click on the sticky note and use the color picker to change its background color.
Are polls anonymous?
Poll results are aggregated. The teacher can see overall results but individual votes may or may not be attributed depending on the configuration.
Does the date stamp update automatically?
No. The date stamp captures the date and time when it was inserted. It does not update automatically.