How to Fix WordMat Symbols Such as Vectors and Square Roots
Question details
The user needs to fix WordMat math symbols, such as vectors and square roots, that are failing to render properly.

- Product
- Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Typing mathematical equations and symbols using WordMat commands.
- Observed behavior
- Symbols including vector and square-root notations do not display correctly due to wrong command prefixes or missing Math AutoCorrect definitions.
Ensure that your equation editing add-in is properly enabled in your word processor's settings before adjusting command syntaxes.
Use Correct Command Prefixes and Verify AutoCorrect Settings
Fix rendering issues by changing the slash direction in your commands and ensuring the correct AutoCorrect rules are active.
Mathematical commands require specific formatting to trigger the correct symbol generation. Using the wrong type of slash is the most common reason equations fail to convert.
Additionally, your word processor must have Math AutoCorrect enabled so that text strings are automatically replaced with their corresponding mathematical symbols.
Always use a backslash (\) rather than a forward slash (/) to begin WordMat commands. For example, type \sqrt instead of /sqrt.
Navigate to your Equation Options menu within your word processor settings.
Select the Math AutoCorrect settings tab. Confirm that the 'Replace text as you type' option is checked and that the required commands (like \vec) are listed in the definitions dictionary.
If the default \vec definition positions the arrow incorrectly over your variable, manually select the 'Rightwards Arrow Above' accent from your Equation Tools menu instead.
Insert Math Equations Easily with WPS Office
Bypass third-party add-in errors by using the built-in Equation Editor in WPS Writer. It provides an intuitive interface for inserting complex mathematical formulas, vectors, and square roots seamlessly.
- 1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office, open your document, and place your cursor where you want the equation.
- 2. Access the Equation Editor: Click on the 'Insert' tab in the top ribbon and select 'Equation' to open the math toolbar.
- 3. Insert Square Roots: Click the Radical (square root) icon from the toolbar, select your preferred format, and type your values into the placeholder.
- 4. Insert Vector Notation: To add a vector, click the 'Accent' icon in the toolbar and choose the 'Rightwards Arrow Above' template, then type your variable.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my equation command appearing as plain text?
This usually occurs if you typed a forward slash (/) instead of a backslash (\), or if you did not press the spacebar after typing the command. Always ensure commands start with a backslash, such as \sqrt.
How do I add missing commands to Math AutoCorrect?
Open your Equation Options, go to the Math AutoCorrect tab, and use the 'Replace' and 'With' fields to define a new command. Type the backslash command in the Replace box and paste the correct symbol in the With box, then click Add.
What is the alternative if the \vec command misaligns the arrow?
If the automatic \vec command places the arrow too far left or right, you should avoid the shortcut and manually insert the 'Rightwards Arrow Above' accent from your Equation Editor's Accent menu for precise alignment.




