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MathType Toolbar/Tab has disappeared from Microsoft Word

TechNote 133

Applicability

The information on this page applies to:

MathType for Windows

MathType for Mac

Microsoft Word for Windows

Microsoft Word for Mac

Issue

Occasionally the MathType Toolbar/Tab will disappear from the Microsoft Word Toolbar/Ribbon.

Reason

When Microsoft Office Auto-update runs and installs new updates, add-ins will occasionally be disabled and in doing so, removes any Toolbar/Ribbon additions. Depending on the version of Microsoft Word you are using, this can be easily corrected.

Solution

Before we go further, it's necessary to know precisely which version of MathType you have, and which version of Word.

Macintosh (Windows follows)

  • With MathType open, click the MathType menu and select About MathType:

    tsn133-about-mathtype-mac.png

    (After you verify your version, click anywhere inside the "About MathType" screen to dismiss it.)

    • If your version is MathType 6.0, please upgrade before continuing.

    • If your version is MathType 6.7-something, but not 6.7h, please download and install MathType 6.7h before proceeding. You don't need to remove or uninstall anything, and your existing product key will still work. Just install the new one. If that doesn't fix the issue, continue…

    • If your version is MathType 6.7h or MathType 7.something, please continue…

  • With Word open, click the Word menu and select About Word.

    tsn133-about-word2011.png
    tsn133-about-word365-mac.png

    If your version of Word is 15.xx but earlier than 15.39, do not proceed! These steps will not work.

    • If you have confirmed you are using MathType 6.7h or later, and Word 2011 please click to the next page to proceed with the rest of the article.

    • If you have confirmed you are using MathType 7.0 or later, and not Word 2011, please click to the next page to proceed with the rest of the article.

Windows

  • With MathType open, expand the Help menu (by clicking it), and select About MathType. Note the version number. Dismiss the About MathType dialogue by clicking anywhere inside it.

  • Now in Word, if your version of Word has a File tab at the far left of the ribbon, click File. If it has the "Office button" instead of "File", click the Office button.

    • If you see Account on the left, click it. If the Account isn't there, Help should be. If so, click Help.

    • Look for "About Microsoft Word" for the version number and bit level on the right.

    • This will reveal the version of Word and (if you're using Office 2010 or later) the bit level (32-bit or 64-bit). Example:

      Microsoft Word 2016 MSO (16.0.7127.1026) 32-bit

  • Once you have confirmed your version of MathType and Word, ensure your version of MathType supports your version of Word:

    • Word for Office 365 requires MathType 6.9b or later (not 6.9 or 6.9a)

    • Word 2016 and later requires MathType 6.9b or later (not 6.9 or 6.9a)

    • Word 2013 requires MathType 6.9 or later

    • Word 2010 requires MathType 6.7 or later

      (64-bit Word requires MathType 6.8 or later)

    • Word 2007 requires MathType 6.0 or later

  • If your version of MathType does not support your version of Word, you do not need to proceed. This is why the MathType tab is not visible. Your only option is to upgrade.

  • If your versions of MathType and Word are compatible, proceed to page 2 of this article, depending on your version of Word: