[FEATURE] LaTeX rendering support in Claude Code VS Code extension chat/output panel
Preflight Checklist
- [x] I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
- [x] This is a single feature request (not multiple features)
Problem Statement
Currently, when Claude Code generates responses containing LaTeX math notation (inline $...$ or block $$...$$ / \[...\]), it renders as raw text/markdown in the VS Code extension's chat panel instead of properly typeset mathematical notation.
Proposed Solution
Integrate a lightweight LaTeX rendering library into the extension's webview-based chat panel — KaTeX is the natural choice given its speed and small footprint (MathJax is more feature-complete but heavier; KaTeX covers the vast majority of standard math notation and is already what claude.ai uses).
Alternative Solutions
_No response_
Priority
Critical - Blocking my work
Feature Category
API and model interactions
Use Case Example
As a researcher/engineer working with technical content (e.g., PDE derivations, algorithm complexity notation), I frequently ask Claude Code to explain, derive, or verify mathematical expressions. Raw LaTeX source (e.g., \frac{\partial C}{\partial t} = D\nabla^2 C - k C) is significantly harder to read and verify than properly rendered notation, especially for multi-line derivations or systems of equations.
Requested behavior:
Render inline ($...$) and block ($$...$$, \[...\]) LaTeX math using a standard renderer (e.g., KaTeX or MathJax), similar to how it's already handled in claude.ai's web chat interface.
Ideally toggle-able via settings, in case some users prefer raw source for copy-paste into their own .tex files.
Additional Context
_No response_