A preprocessor for mdBook that renders LaTeX equations to HTML at build time using KaTeX.
mdBook-KaTeX is a preprocessor plugin for mdBook that renders LaTeX mathematical equations into HTML during the documentation build process. It solves the problem of including complex math notation in mdBook-generated sites without requiring readers to load JavaScript libraries. The tool uses the KaTeX engine to produce fast, static HTML output.
Technical writers, educators, and developers creating documentation, books, or tutorials with mdBook that require mathematical notation, such as scientific papers, API docs with formulas, or educational materials.
Developers choose mdBook-KaTeX for its seamless integration with mdBook, performance-focused build-time rendering, and extensive customization options. Its ability to pre-render equations eliminates client-side JavaScript dependency, resulting in faster-loading, more accessible documentation compared to client-side rendering solutions.
A preprocessor for mdBook, rendering LaTex equations to HTML at build time.
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Pre-renders LaTeX to HTML during the mdBook build process, eliminating client-side JavaScript and ensuring fast page loads, as emphasized in the default pre-render mode.
Allows user-defined LaTeX macros via a simple text file, enabling shorthand notation for repetitive equations, with easy configuration in book.toml.
Supports configurable inline and block delimiters (e.g., $, $$, \(, \[), accommodating various authoring styles and Markdown preferences.
Provides an option to self-host KaTeX CSS and fonts instead of relying on a CDN, giving full control over static assets for offline or secure deployments.
Full functionality (e.g., matrices) is only available on x86_64 Linux, Windows GNU, and macOS; other architectures have compromised capabilities, as noted in caveats.
Installation on Windows often requires downloading pre-built binaries or building with limited features like duktape, adding setup overhead compared to non-Windows systems.
KaTeX does not support all LaTeX functions, and certain commands like $\backslash$ do not work, which can break equations requiring full LaTeX support.