Published on: 22/06/2026 · Last updated on: 23/06/2026
Introduction
This page explores different approaches to creating accessible materials. Regardless of which tool you are comfortable, familiar with or end up selecting, you must make sure you can create outputs that are accessible to students. See the Introduction to Accessible STEM Content to understand more.
Moodle workflows
Accessible maths in Moodle guidance works for any staff/students writing STEM content in Moodle.
Who is this for?
Staff/students writing equations on directly into Moodle using the text editor.
Advantages
- Very simple to use through a equation pallete
- Not just a GUI: most equations can be typed using LaTeX syntax
Disadvantages
- Misses extended control of LaTeX equations
Microsoft Equation Editor Guidance
Use the Microsoft Equation Editor Guidance in Word and PowerPoint to insert accessible expressions.
Who is this for?
People mainly authoring in Word and PowerPoint or creating simple documents.
Advantages
- Very simple to use with an equation pallette
- Not just a GUI: most equations can be typed using LaTeX syntax
Disadvantages
- Misses extended control of LaTeX equations
Markdown workflows
markdown guidance covers a range of options including Quarto, ClavertonDown and bookdown. This lets you compile to a range of accessible outputs from a markdown source that uses LaTeX syntax for the equations.
Who is this for?
For people needing a flexible LaTeX alternative and also people teaching or using R/python.
Advantages
- Equation syntax is same as LaTeX
- Ability to run python/R code and generate figures in the source document
- Able to embed other digital assets (e.g. embedded videos, audio, simulations)
- Can convert to LaTeX, pdf, html, presentation outputs from a single markdown source.
Disadvantages
- Less mature set of packages control and typesetting controls compared to LaTeX
LaTeX workflows
See the LaTeX guidance for workflows to support accessible outputs.
Who is this for?
People who have lots of LaTeX materials that cannot easily to markdown format.
Advantages
- Uses existing knowledge and resources.
Disadvantages
- It takes to adapt source files that use lots of packages.
- A limited number of packages are supported.