diff --git a/src/eoatex2imxml.py b/src/eoatex2imxml.py
index a4da8eb..0b42d3b 100755
--- a/src/eoatex2imxml.py
+++ b/src/eoatex2imxml.py
@@ -775,7 +775,10 @@ def process_inline_equations( xmlChapters ):
         # Get tmp-directory for this user account
         # tmpDir = os.getenv("TMPDIR")
         # use local tmpdir
+
         formula_tmp_dir = TEMP_DIR / "formulas2png"
+        if not os.path.exists( formula_tmp_dir ):
+            os.mkdir( formula_tmp_dir )
 
         # Make directory items if it doesn't already exist
         items_dir = OUTPUT_DIR / "items"