Formatting Issues

How to Fix Word Equation Editor Symbols Becoming Italic

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to know why mathematical characters like brackets and integrals unexpectedly turn italic in the Equation Editor and how to prevent or fix this formatting behavior.

Product: Word Equation Editor
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Typing mathematical symbols in the Equation Editor and applying text mode or italic formatting.
Observed behavior: Standard math symbols, such as summation signs and integrals, improperly inherit italic formatting after text mode and italics are applied to the equation block.

Before you start

Ensure you have completed entering the core mathematical symbols before applying text-level formatting to avoid overriding default equation styles.

Solution 1Recommended

Turn Off Italic Formatting After Equation Entry

Prevent math symbols from inheriting text formatting by disabling italics immediately after finishing the equation.

This is expected behavior in the Equation Editor. When italic formatting is applied while in text mode, it can unintentionally affect subsequent symbols.

Enter your equation

Click inside the Equation Editor box and finish typing the required math elements such as integrals, summation symbols, or brackets.

Disable italic formatting

Before inserting any additional standard text, navigate to the Home tab and click the Italic (I) button to turn it off, or simply press Ctrl+I on your keyboard.

Insert additional text

Continue typing your standard text. The new text and subsequent symbols will now appear in the correct, non-italicized format.

Formatting Retained: Turning off italics before adding new text ensures your functional math symbols remain upright.

Solution 2

Create a New Equation Block

If an existing equation is already incorrectly formatted, creating a fresh equation block can resolve the inherited italic style.

Professional Document Editing

Insert and Format Equations Flawlessly with WPS Writer

Avoid frustrating formatting glitches by using WPS Writer's built-in Equation Editor. It provides precise control over math symbols and text mode elements, ensuring your professional documents look perfect.

1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your document in WPS Writer.
2. Access the Insert Tab: Navigate to the Insert tab located on the top ribbon menu.
3. Open Equation Editor: Click on the Equation button to open the built-in Equation Editor.
4. Insert Math Symbols: Select and insert your desired mathematical symbols, integrals, and structures from the toolbar.
5. Return to Standard Text: Click outside the equation box to seamlessly return to your standard document formatting.

Built-in Equation Editor for complex math symbolsHigh compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsIndependent formatting for math and standard textFree and lightweight alternative to standard office suites

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my math variables appear italicized by default in the Equation Editor?

In standard mathematical typesetting, variables (like x, y, z) are typically italicized to distinguish them from regular text. However, functional symbols like integrals, summation signs, or brackets should remain upright (non-italic).

How do I change an equation from math mode to text mode?

Select the text inside the equation box, navigate to the Equation tab on the ribbon, and click 'Text' to toggle the content into standard text mode, which allows regular font formatting.

Can I remove italics from a specific part of an equation without affecting the rest?

Yes. Highlight the specific character or symbol inside the equation block, go to the Home tab, and deselect the Italic option (or press Ctrl+I) to remove the formatting from that selection only.

Document & File Issues