MathSpad : a system for on-line preparation of mathematical documents

MathSpad is a structure editor designed to facilitate the writing of documents of a mathematical nature. The principal element of MathSpad is a system for defining and using stencils that define the visual and logical structure of notational elements in a document. This paper provides an overview of the main features of the editor from a user's viewpoint. Particular attention is given to a discussion of the priorities that guided the system's design: (on screen) readability, flexibility, writability and the integration of prose with mathematical calculation.