Please add the equation editor back into Outlook

Hi Stefan Cartledge,

Nice to meet you.

I understand that you’re trying to insert equations into emails using the new Outlook app and have noticed that the traditional Equation Editor is no longer available. I'd love to clarify the current functionality and share some alternative approaches.

At this time, the new Outlook for Windows does not include the built-in Equation Editor that was available in classic Outlook or Word. This feature is currently not supported, though feedback like yours plays an important role in shaping future updates.

While native equation editing isn’t available yet, there are a few alternative methods you can use in the meantime:

1. Use Word to Create the Equation 

• Open Microsoft Word.
• Go to Insert > Equation or press Alt + =.
• Create your equation using the editor.
• Copy and paste the equation into your Outlook email.

Note: This works best when the recipient is also using Outlook or Word, as formatting may vary across email clients. 

Please consult: Equation Editor - Microsoft Support

2. Insert as an Image 

• Create the equation in Word or an online LaTeX editor.
• Take a screenshot or export it as an image.
• Insert the image into your Outlook message via Insert > Pictures.

3. Use Unicode, Symbol Shortcuts or character map

• For simple math symbols (e.g., ±, √, ∑), you can insert them via Insert > Symbol or use keyboard shortcuts.
• Use a character map:

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

Type charmap and press Enter to launch the Character Map.

or Start > All Apps > Windows Tools > Character Map.

Choose the font you are using,

Choose the character you want then copy and paste

Currently, the New Outlook uses a modern web-based rendering engine that has limited support for feature from Classic Outlook. I believe this is an important feature for many users, and your feedback can help prioritize bringing it back. Please share your feedback directly with the Outlook team through the Feedback Hub in Outlook (go to Help > Feedback) or you can submit your feedback directly to Outlook (new) · Community, where the product development team can know your requirements and ideas for product improvements. The team actively monitors user input, and many improvements have been made based on community suggestions.

Note: As Microsoft Community moderators, please note that we are not involved in product design decisions and do not have direct access to the development roadmap, we want to assure you that your feedback has been acknowledged and is valued.  

In the meantime, if you see my replies bring helpful information, please kindly accept it as an answer and vote it up by your original account, which raised this question. Once marked, it will automatically pin to top. As other users will also search information in this community, your valuable vote up will definitely also help other users who have similar queries easily to find the correct channel and useful information more quickly.   

I hope this provides enough clarity and helps you stay inform with your current situation.

Thank you for your patience and your understanding. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to share them in the comments on this post so I can continue to support you.    

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Outlook no longer supports the legacy Equation Editor (Microsoft Equation 3.0). Equation Editor 3.0 was removed from Office in the January 2018 Public Update because of security issues with its implementation, and it has been replaced by a new equation editor in Word and other Office apps.

Existing Equation Editor 3.0 objects can still display correctly if the MT Extra font is installed, but they cannot be edited in Office without using third‑party MathType tools from WIRIS. New Equation Editor 3.0 objects also cannot be inserted when the component is disabled or removed.

There is no supported way in current Outlook builds to restore the old Equation Editor. For composing math-heavy content, equations need to be authored in another Office application that supports the new equation editor (for example, Word) and then shared with students (for example, by attaching the document or exporting to PDF), or by using MathType where applicable.

References:

• Equation Editor
• How to disable Equation Editor 3.0