On 03/13/2014 04:17 PM, stefano franchi wrote:
We can export a math expression to a LibreOffice/ODt file as MathML
(there are still issues, but assume for the moment that the export
will be perfect). However, LIbreOffice's supports only a limited
subset of the MathML standard, and does not even use such MathML
internally (it uses a format called StarMath that resembles very much
the troff/eqn format but is much less expressive, for those who are
interested in this kind of things).
Moreover, LibreOffice uses the "Semantic" version of MathML, whereas
the exporter uses the "Presentation" version, which further
complicates issues.
I am not familiar with LibreOffice's math capabilities, but as far as I
recall Word's version was mostly limited to displayed equations, with
not much at all inline. That makes a difference here. If LO can manage
significant inline math expressions, then it would be a real problem to
have them exported as images. Displayed equations can be at least moved
around as images, though that still will be limiting.
We are thus faced with a design choice:
1. Leave the exporter as it is and be left with imperfect and
sometimes incomplete but editable math expressions when LaTeX is used
at its fullest
editable is good, IMNSHO.
======================= QUESTIONS====================
So the questions are:
1. Are you a potential user of a Word/LibreOffice export converters?
Not really.
2. If so, do you use routinely use mathematical expressions in your documents?
3. Why do you/would you need to export to LibreOffice/Word format? (to
send the documents to publishers, mentors, advisors, colleagues, and
so on)
--
David L. Johnson
Department of Mathematics
Lehigh University
