How to use the command 'gladtex' (with examples)

GladTeX is a useful tool designed for web developers and document developers who want to seamlessly integrate LaTeX mathematical formulas into HTML files. By converting LaTeX formulas to images, GladTeX enables the use of complex mathematical expressions on web pages without relying on client-side rendering. This proves invaluable for publishers dealing with academic, technical, or educational content on the web. Below are several use cases showcasing how GladTeX can be employed effectively.

Use case 1: Convert to HTML

Code:

gladtex path/to/input.htex

Motivation:

This basic command is useful when you have an HTML file embedded with LaTeX equations (with the .htex extension) and wish to convert it into a standard HTML file with embedded images representing the equations. This simplifies the display of complex formulas on web pages, allowing anyone to view the equations without requiring additional plugins or tools.

Explanation:

• gladtex: This is the command-line tool being used.
• path/to/input.htex: This specifies the path to the input HTML file containing LaTeX formulas.

Example output:

Upon execution, a new HTML file is created, replacing the LaTeX code with image references that show the actual equations. The images are also generated and stored locally for embedding into the HTML file.

Use case 2: Save the converted file to a specific location

Code:

gladtex path/to/input.htex -o path/to/output.html

Motivation:

If you want to control where the processed HTML file is saved, this command offers a versatile solution. This is particularly beneficial when organizing multiple files in your project directory, ensuring output consistency and easy file management.

Explanation:

• -o path/to/output.html: The -o option allows you to specify the output file’s path, ensuring the converted HTML is stored exactly where you want it in the directory structure.

Example output:

The original LaTeX-embedded HTML is converted, and the resultant HTML file is saved at the specified location (path/to/output.html). This gives you a neat organization of project files.

Use case 3: Save the generated images to a specific directory

Code:

gladtex path/to/input.htex -d path/to/image_output_directory

Motivation:

Suppose you require all generated images from LaTeX formulas to be collated in a specified directory, perhaps separate from other web assets. This practice aids in managing image resources efficiently, offering better maintainability and ease of navigation for large-scale projects.

Explanation:

• -d path/to/image_output_directory: The -d option allows you to define where all generated images should be saved. This can help when separating content files from web assets or when setting up a dedicated image repository.

Example output:

Upon running this command, the HTML file is updated with references to image locations, and all image files are neatly organized within the provided image output directory.

Use case 4: Set image resolution (in dpi, default is 100)

Code:

gladtex path/to/input.htex -r resolution

Motivation:

Adjusting the resolution of generated images can have a significant impact on both the visual quality and loading time of web pages. For example, if hosting a website for high-resolution displays, such as Retina screens, you might need higher DPI settings for clarity.

Explanation:

• -r resolution: This option lets you specify the resolution (dots per inch) for the images generated by GladTeX. A higher DPI value produces clearer images, suitable for high-quality displays, albeit at the cost of larger image file sizes.

Example output:

Images generated using a specified resolution will appear crisper or more pixelated depending on the chosen DPI setting, impacting the overall look and performance of your website.

Use case 5: Keep LaTeX files after conversion

Code:

gladtex path/to/input.htex -k

Motivation:

You might want to retain the intermediate LaTeX files that GladTeX uses during conversion for debugging purposes or later reviews. Retaining these files can be helpful in review processes or when tracking down issues related to LaTeX code.

Explanation:

• -k: This option stands for “keep,” allowing you to retain intermediate LaTeX files created during the conversion process.

Example output:

Executing this command keeps the intermediate files that GladTeX generates during processing, which you can use for troubleshooting or as a reference for future conversions.

Use case 6: Set background and foreground color of the images

Code:

gladtex path/to/input.htex -b background_color -f foreground_color

Motivation:

Incorporating LaTeX formulas on web pages with specific aesthetic themes may require color customization. Controlling image colors can significantly enhance readability and blend graphics seamlessly with your site’s design.

Explanation:

• -b background_color: This option sets the background color for the generated images, which is crucial for ensuring the images do not clash with the webpage.
• -f foreground_color: This allows you to set the text (formula) color for the images, crucial for readability and design consistency.

Example output:

Images will be generated with specified background and foreground colors, allowing for better integration into web pages with distinct color themes.

Use case 7: Convert Markdown to HTML using pandoc and gladtex

Code:

pandoc -s -t html --gladtex path/to/input.md | gladtex -o path/to/output.html

Motivation:

For users who utilize Markdown for writing content, converting Markdown files with embedded LaTeX equations directly into HTML is a powerful approach. This command combines Pandoc, a versatile document conversion tool, with GladTeX to streamline the entire conversion workflow.

Explanation:

• pandoc -s -t html --gladtex path/to/input.md: This Pandoc command converts a Markdown file to an intermediary HTML with LaTeX placeholders.
• gladtex -o path/to/output.html: The result is piped into GladTeX, which converts the LaTeX to images and saves the final HTML file at the specified location.

Example output:

The Markdown file, including text, formatting, and LaTeX equations, is processed into a fully rendered HTML document with image-based formulas, ready for use on any HTML-capable platform.

Conclusion:

GladTeX is a versatile tool for anyone looking to integrate LaTeX formulas into web content effortlessly. By converting LaTeX into images, it removes the compatibility issues often associated with web-based LaTeX rendering, making mathematical content accessible and visually coherent across various platforms and devices. Through different use cases, we’ve seen how GladTeX can be tailored to specific needs, offering flexibility in output location, image quality, and even integration with Markdown files.