Latex Rendering in Hugo | Generated by AI

Home PDF

The issue you’re describing arises in Jekyll when using Kramdown with MathJax as the math engine. Kramdown, when configured with math_engine: mathjax, interprets parentheses ( ) in Markdown content as LaTeX delimiters for inline math (e.g., \( \)), which can break normal text containing parentheses. This is because MathJax is set up to parse \( \) or $ $ for inline math, as shown in your configuration.

In Hugo, this issue is less likely to occur by default, but it depends on how you configure Hugo’s Markdown processor and MathJax integration. Below, I’ll explain why Hugo avoids this problem in most cases, how to prevent or fix it in Jekyll, and how to ensure it doesn’t happen in Hugo.

Does Hugo Have This Problem?

Hugo typically avoids this issue because:

  1. Markdown Processor: Hugo uses Goldmark (or optionally Blackfriday) as its default Markdown renderer, which does not enable MathJax or LaTeX parsing out of the box. Unless you explicitly configure Hugo to use MathJax and set up inline math delimiters like \( \), regular parentheses ( ) in your content won’t be misinterpreted as LaTeX.
  2. MathJax Integration: Hugo doesn’t natively parse LaTeX. If you want MathJax support, you must manually add MathJax scripts (like the one you provided) to your theme’s templates (e.g., in layouts/partials/head.html) and configure delimiters. Hugo’s flexibility allows you to control how MathJax processes content, avoiding automatic parsing of ( ) unless explicitly enabled.
  3. Shortcodes for Math: Hugo users often implement LaTeX rendering using shortcodes (e.g., ...), which explicitly designate math content, preventing regular parentheses from being mistaken for LaTeX.

In summary, Hugo won’t have this problem unless you configure MathJax with the same inline delimiters (\( \)) and enable automatic parsing without proper safeguards. By using shortcodes or avoiding \( \) as delimiters, Hugo can sidestep this issue entirely.

Fixing the Issue in Jekyll

In Jekyll, the problem occurs because Kramdown’s math_engine: mathjax setting, combined with your MathJax configuration, causes ( ) to be parsed as LaTeX. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Change MathJax Inline Delimiters

Modify the MathJax configuration to use different inline math delimiters, such as $ $, instead of \( \) to avoid conflicts with regular parentheses. Update the script in your Jekyll site’s HTML (e.g., in _includes/head.html):

<script type="text/x-mathjax-config">
  MathJax.Hub.Config({
    tex2jax: {
      inlineMath: [['$','$']], // Use $ $ for inline math
      displayMath: [['$$','$$'], ['\[','\]']],
      processEscapes: true // Allow escaping $ to use it literally
    },
    "HTML-CSS": { linebreaks: { automatic: true } },
    "CommonHTML": { linebreaks: { automatic: true } },
    TeX: { equationNumbers: { autoNumber: "AMS" } }
  });
</script>
<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/mathjax/2.7.9/MathJax.js?config=TeX-AMS-MML_HTMLorMML"></script>

2. Escape Parentheses in Markdown

If you want to keep \( \) as delimiters, escape parentheses in your Markdown content to prevent Kramdown/MathJax from parsing them as LaTeX. Use a backslash \ before each parenthesis:

Normal text \(not a formula\). This is a real formula: \(x^2 + y^2\).

3. Disable MathJax for Specific Pages

If you only need MathJax on certain pages (e.g., for math-heavy posts), disable it by default and enable it only where needed:

4. Use a Different Math Engine

Switch from MathJax to another math engine supported by Kramdown, like KaTeX, which is faster and less likely to misinterpret parentheses unless explicitly configured. Install KaTeX in your Jekyll site:

Ensuring Hugo Avoids This Problem

To use MathJax in Hugo without running into the ( ) parsing issue, follow these steps:

  1. Add MathJax to Hugo:
    • Place the MathJax script in your theme’s partials (e.g., layouts/partials/head.html): 
           
<script type="text/x-mathjax-config">
  MathJax.Hub.Config({
    tex2jax: {
      inlineMath: [['$','$']],
      displayMath: [['$$','$$'], ['\[','\]']],
      processEscapes: true
    },
    "HTML-CSS": { linebreaks: { automatic: true } },
    "CommonHTML": { linebreaks: { automatic: true } },
    TeX: { equationNumbers: { autoNumber: "AMS" } }
  });
</script>
<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/mathjax/2.7.9/MathJax.js?config=TeX-AMS-MML_HTMLorMML"></script>
    • Enable MathJax in specific pages by adding to the front matter: 
      ---
title: My Math Post
mathjax: true
---
  2. Use Shortcodes for Math: Create a shortcode (e.g., layouts/shortcodes/math.html) to explicitly wrap math content: 
       
  <span class="math"></span>
   
  <span class="math"></span>

    Use it in your Markdown:

    Normal text (not parsed). Formula: $x^2 + y^2$.
    • Why it works: Shortcodes ensure only explicitly marked content is processed as math, leaving ( ) in regular text untouched.
  3. Use KaTeX Instead: Hugo users often prefer KaTeX for its speed. Add KaTeX to layouts/partials/head.html: 
       
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/katex@0.16.8/dist/katex.min.css">
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/katex@0.16.8/dist/katex.min.js"></script>
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/katex@0.16.8/dist/auto-render.min.js"></script>
<script>
  document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() {
    renderMathInElement(document.body, {
      delimiters: [
        { left: "$$", right: "$$", display: true },
        { left: "$", right: "$", display: false }
      ]
    });
  });
</script>

    Enable it in the front matter:

    math: true

    Use $ $ for inline math to avoid ( ) conflicts.

Recommendation

If you’re migrating from Jekyll to Hugo and want to keep your math content, I recommend using KaTeX in Hugo with shortcodes for explicit control. Let me know if you need help setting up Hugo’s MathJax/KaTeX integration or converting your Jekyll site’s math content!

Back 2025.05.29 Donate