Many common word processors, such as Microsoft Word and Lotus Word Pro, include mathematical formula builders. Since this is an uncommon feature, you may have to change which components of the software package are installed to have access to this feature.

I'm not aware of any add-ons that enable one to typeset maths directly in InDesign. What I do is set the Math in MS Word 2007 (for Windows), print or export to a PDF, and then position the PDF as a graphic in InDesign. MS Word 2007 has a built in maths handler and the Cambria Math font that contains maths layout tables.

For InDesign, there is MathMagic, an equation editor compatible with Word and LaTeX. If your original came from Word, InDesign can import its Equation Editor formulas as images –in this case, you may need to reopen some formulas in Equation Editor to edit image size, but it works correctly.

What image format does MathMagic use for InDesign import?

Like John, I'd probably import in a PDF, though I'd use LaTeX. Depending on how many you have, the PDF option (from either LaTeX or Word) is going to the best option. If you have to set a lot of them, then I'd look at other software that can let you work within InDesign.

There's also an add-on called "InMath" for InDesign/InCopy. I don't think they have a CS5 version as yet, but they do CS2-CS4. (I have no particular knowledge of its merits or failings, and am not endorsing it, just saying I've heard of it.)

Cheers,

T

If you're importing formulas as images, in some cases it may be helpful to place them as inline graphics, so they'll reflow with the text. (Rather than as standard graphics which stay in the same position on the page even if the text reflows.)