Word Processing in Notebooks

Mathematica includes many commands for word processing and formatting.

You can set the following cell options from the Format menu: style, font, face, size, text color, background color, cell dingbat, text alignment, text justification, and word wrapping.

To Apply an Option:

Select the cell bracket or some text.

Choose the option desired from the Format menu, such as the background color.

To Spell Check a Notebook:

Choose Edit ► Check Spelling. Mathematica begins to spell check the notebook at the position of the cursor. At any misspelling or unknown word, Mathematica displays the word and recommends a replacement.

You can use the popup menu to add a word to the dictionary associated with the notebook, session, cell, or your global preferences.

Tip

To Type a Formula into a Text Cell:

Place the cursor in the text cell where you want to enter the formula. Press Ctrl+( or Ctrl+9. A placeholder box appears in the cell.

Using keystrokes, enter the formula (see "Entering Input in Notebooks").

Press Ctrl+) or Ctrl+0 to end the formula.

Inline Cells

You can copy and paste entire cells into other cells. For example, you can include typeset formulas from input cells or embed graphics in a text cell.

To Paste One Cell inside Another:

Select the cell bracket.

Choose Edit ► Copy. Position the cursor or select some text.

Choose Edit ► Paste.

Hyphenation

Mathematica can hyphenate words in text cells if you set Hyphenation->True. When command names are long, Mathematica uses a special continuation character () to break the name. You can control hyphenation using the Option Inspector. See "Option Inspector" for more information.

Tip