Render mathematical equations in WordPress as PNG images using pmath native syntax or LaTeX input with server-side rendering.

Ron Fredericks

WPMathPub renders mathematical equations in WordPress using the mathpublisher rendering engine, supporting both pmath native syntax and LaTeX-style input and generating high-quality PNG images with transparent backgrounds.
Unlike MathJax-based plugins, WPMathPub performs server-side rendering, producing static equation images that display consistently across browsers and devices without requiring client-side JavaScript.
This approach provides reliable rendering for:
<ul>
<li>WordPress posts, pages, and comments</li>
<li>Cached pages</li>
<li>Environments where JavaScript rendering is not desirable</li>
<li>RSS feeds and feed aggregators <a href="https://www.biophysicslab.com/2026/04/11/wpmathpub-latex-math-in-social-networks/" rel="nofollow ugc">RSS example</a></li>
</ul>
WPMathPub extends the classic mathpublisher engine with modern WordPress integration including shortcode support, LaTeX translation, image caching, and configurable rendering options.
<h3>Mathematical Equation Rendering</h3>
Mathematical expressions can be embedded directly into WordPress content using the pmath shortcode.
Example:
<pre><code>[pmath]x^2 + y^2 = z^2[/pmath]
</code></pre>
Custom size and color:
<pre><code>[pmath size=18 color="blue"]E = mc^2[/pmath]
</code></pre>
LaTeX input with inline text:
<pre><code>This is a fraction: [pmath latex=1]\frac{a}{b}[/pmath]
</code></pre>
Expressions are rendered as PNG images using the GD and FreeType libraries and cached for efficient reuse.
<h3>Features</h3>
<ul>
<li>pmath shortcode tag math expression rendering</li>
<li>Inline text with math images using pmath shortcode tag</li>
<li>Control of math image size and color</li>
<li>LaTeX command translation (<a href="https://www.biophysicslab.com/wordpress-math-publisher-plugin/wpmathpub-syntax/" rel="nofollow ugc">Check out the complete syntax list</a>)</li>
<li>Server-side PNG equation generation</li>
<li>Gutenberg WPMathPub math block with PMath and LaTeX mode switching</li>
<li>Halo-free color rendering with alpha transparency</li>
<li>Transparent background support for dark themes</li>
<li>Minimal WordPress database footprint</li>
<li>Efficient PNG image caching</li>
<li>WordPress admin tools panel
<ul>
<li>Configurable default equation size</li>
<li>Configurable default equation color with color picker</li>
<li>Installation status display</li>
<li>PNG image cache status and control</li>
<li>Policy control for cleanup on plugin delete</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

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