# Formalize Light

> iOS keyboard extension for typing and typesetting mathematical formulas. (iPhone/iPad app by Ben Hambrecht.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formalize-light/id1467203618 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ben Hambrecht](https://appshunter.io/developer/1035136614)
- Category: Utilities, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 2.25/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10.3 · 62 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2019-06-11
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formalize-light/id1467203618/reviews.md

## What is Formalize Light?

Do you wish you could properly type math on your iPhone or iPad? With Formalize, you can!

Formalize is a keyboard extension for mathematical content. It provides intuitive one-handed access to more than 100 symbols and produces professionally typeset formulas. Easily convert your formulas to PNG* or TeX and insert them anywhere, in any app!

* Not available in Formalize Light

## Key features

- Mathematical keyboard extension
- Over 100 symbols
- One-handed access
- Professionally typeset formulas
- Convert formulas to TeX
- Insert formulas into any app

## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formalize-light/id1467203618/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Not converting 🫤

*2024-04-23, version 2.0*

The tex button doesn’t convert typed expression to readable format😭

### 1/5 — Very buggy

*2021-08-21*

For starters, had to reinstall multiple times in order to get the keyboard to register in settings. Then, some keys (specifically the \exists key) crash the keyboard on a long press. The pop-ups also extend off screen in portrait mode. The dark mode UI is unwieldy with unfilled placeholder rectangles in light mode. 

Great idea, but not usable in this state.

### 4/5 — Please Add Support for Matrices!

*2021-06-04*

This app is quite useful. I am physics student and write my notes in markdown on my iPad, and having a straightforward way to write \latex is very useful because I am not fluent in the syntax! I was actually in the process of creating my own keyboard that converts pictorial equations like this into LaTeX (similar to Symbolab’s keyboard in UI), but downloading this was less work! My main points of improvement (to get to 5 stars) are:
- Support for matrices
- A slightly nicer keyboard experience, that requires you to tap and hold keys less often, and remove redundant keys like the “x” key and the “abc” literally do the same thing.

Best,
Ben

### 1/5 — Useless

*2021-01-18, version 1.1*

U can’t use it at all

### 3/5 — Works, but too expensive

*2019-07-03*

The interface is nice, but the free version only generates latex code. To make this app useful, you need the full version and $3.99 is way too much for an app. That sounds cheap, but cmon man I have principles. Now, for $1.99, we have a deal.

### 1/5 — Unfortunately useless

*2019-06-09, version 1.0*

There is no orange export/send button as shown in the images which makes is completely useless. Moreover, the typed text vanishes upon quitting the app.

## Frequently asked questions about Formalize Light

### What is Formalize Light?

Formalize Light is a keyboard extension for iPhone and iPad that allows users to easily type mathematical formulas. It provides access to over 100 symbols and generates professionally typeset equations.

### Can I use Formalize Light on my Android device?

No, Formalize Light is designed specifically for iOS devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod.

### How do I insert formulas typed in Formalize Light into other apps?

You can easily convert your typed formulas to TeX format and then insert them into any app that supports text input.

### Does Formalize Light have ads?

No, Formalize Light does not contain advertisements.

### What is the age rating for Formalize Light?

Formalize Light has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

### How often is Formalize Light updated?

The latest version, 2.0, was released on May 2, 2021. Update frequency can vary, but this indicates it has received updates.

### What is the user rating for Formalize Light?

Formalize Light has a user rating of 2.3 stars based on 4 ratings.

### Is there a cost to use Formalize Light?

Formalize Light is available for free, with no in-app purchases required.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 2.0 — 2021-05-02

Support for dark mode

### 1.1 — 2019-07-02

Bug fixes and improved key layout

### 1.0 — 2019-06-08

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Formalize Light

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cree Keyboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cree-keyboard/id1539024280) | 3.0 (4) | $0.99 | Utilities |
| [Scientific Calculator - CalCon](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scientific-calculator-calcon/id1582182462) | 4.7 (14) | Free | Utilities |
| [Math keyboard - Calcuboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-keyboard-calcuboard/id6744564198) | 5.0 (4) | $0.99 | Utilities |
| [LaTeX OCR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/latex-ocr/id6738396043) | — | Free | Utilities |
| [Unicode Pad Pro with keyboards](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/unicode-pad-pro-with-keyboards/id744321889) | 4.5 (173) | $6.99 | Utilities |
| [xKeyboard - Custom Keyboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xkeyboard-custom-keyboard/id1440245962) | 3.2 (171) | Free | Utilities |

## More apps by Ben Hambrecht

- [Formalize](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formalize/id1293129912)

All apps by Ben Hambrecht: https://appshunter.io/developer/1035136614

## Related topics

[formalize light](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/formalize-light) · [formalize](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/formalize)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*