Using Mathematica as a Word Processor

It is easy to use Mathematica as a word processor since you use a notebook as a document.  To create a notebook look under the File menu and select New and a new notebook will appear untitled:

and a new notebook will appear (Untitled-4)

Most of the needed options for wordprocessing are under the Format menu.  For example, you first choose as style sheet option Classic doing thus

This allows to you type a document in a previously prepared Style Format for the Title, subtitle, text, equations etc.  The next thing you probably will want to do is to give your paper a title.  Thus you select Title option under Format >>Style>>Title

When you begin typing you will write in a large, bold face type and something thus will appear

This is Written in Title Format

You may also include a subtitle doing

and then typing will result in

This is written in Subtitle Format

Most of the text you write will be in text format

This is written in text format.  You can also include numbered equations thus

For example, Einstein's famous equation is written below.

E = (mc^2)

Notice the equation number which was inserted automatically by Mathematica. The most useful mathematical symbols appear on the Basic Input palette

which can be displayed using the option File>>Palettes>>Basic Input.

The default text font is Courier, 12 point but this can be changed under the Format Menu.

© Rodney L. Varley (2004).