Canvas
Drawing tools, blocks, and connections
The canvas is your visual workspace for building and connecting mathematical models. It uses an Excalidraw-inspired tool system with drag-and-drop blocks and connections.
Tools
The canvas toolbar sits at the top center. Switch tools with keyboard shortcuts or by clicking.
| Tool | Key | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | F | Click to place a formula block. Type LaTeX inline. |
| Data | D | Click to place a data block. Pick a dataset from the popup. |
| Transform | T | Clean/preprocess tool for data blocks. |
| Evaluate | E | Compute a formula symbolically (no training needed). |
| Draw | P | Freehand draw. MathExec uses OCR to recognize handwritten formulas. |
💡Tip
Block Types
Formula Blocks
Formula blocks contain LaTeX expressions that compile to PyTorch models. They appear with a dark background and teal accents. Each formula block has:
- Input port (left) — accepts data connections
- Output port (right) — feeds into other formula blocks in pipeline mode
- Recognition status — green check when the formula has been parsed
Data Blocks
Data blocks represent datasets on the canvas. They have green/emerald styling and are always in a "recognized" state. They show:
- Dataset name and row count
- Output port (right) — connect to formula block inputs
Connections
Drag from an output port to an input port to create a connection. Connections define the data flow for training and pipeline compilation.
- Data block output → Formula block input: wires a dataset to a model
- Formula block output → Formula block input: chains models in pipeline mode
Click a connection line to select it, then press Delete or Backspace to remove it.
Canvas Navigation
- Pan: Click and drag on empty canvas space
- Zoom: Scroll wheel or pinch gesture
- Fit to view: Cmd+0 to center all blocks on screen
- Select: Click a block or connection to select it
- Delete: Delete or Backspace removes the selected element
- Undo: Cmd+Z to undo the last action
Paste LaTeX
With the Formula tool active, paste LaTeX from your clipboard (Cmd+V). If the clipboard text contains LaTeX characters (\, ^, _), MathExec creates a formula block automatically.