Accessibility in MathType for HTML editors

MathType for HTML editors generates mathematical content that can be interpreted by screen readers and other assistive technologies. This helps authors create accessible equations and enables users with visual difficulties to read mathematical content.

This article explains how MathType provides accessible equation descriptions, how assistive technologies identify mathematical content, and which languages are supported.

What it is

Equations created with MathType for HTML editors are normally inserted into web content as images using the HTML <img> element. Because the visual contents of an image cannot be interpreted directly by every screen reader, MathType automatically associates a textual description with each equation.

This description is stored in the image's alt attribute and expresses the mathematical notation in language that can be communicated by assistive technology. Mathematical symbols are represented by their textual meaning rather than only by their visual appearance.

MathType equations are also identified with the WAI-ARIA attribute role="math". This indicates that the content represents a mathematical expression and can help compatible screen readers process the equation using its mathematical structure.

Why it matters

Mathematical notation is visual and often contains relationships that cannot be communicated accurately by reading individual characters. Fractions, roots, exponents, matrices and other structures depend on the position and relationship of their components.

By providing an automatically generated description and identifying the equation as mathematical content, MathType helps:

• Authors create accessible mathematical content without writing an alternative description for every equation manually.
• Students and other readers use compatible assistive technology to understand equations included in web content.
• Users identify mathematical expressions as a distinct type of content rather than as an undescribed image.

How it works

Stage 1: The equation is inserted as an image

When an equation is added to an HTML editor, MathType generates the visual representation of the equation and inserts it into the web content using an HTML image element.

Stage 2: An accessible description is generated

MathType automatically generates alternative text that represents the mathematical expression in natural language. Authors do not need to write this description manually.

For example:

• The alternative text generated for √x is square root of x.
• The alternative text generated for ½ is 1 half.

Stage 3: Assistive technology identifies the equation

The equation image includes the WAI-ARIA attribute role="math". This identifies the image as mathematical content rather than as a general-purpose image.

Compatible screen readers can use the accessible information associated with the equation to communicate its mathematical content. Depending on the screen reader and the environment, the equation may be communicated using its automatically generated description or its MathML structure.

Stage 4: The description language is selected

When MathType is used in a web application, the language used to generate the equation description is selected from the current language of that application.

The following languages are supported:

When support for an additional language becomes available, the corresponding alternative text is generated and cached automatically. Administrators do not need to update existing MathType configuration solely to make the new descriptions available.

Key rules or behaviours

• MathType generates the alternative text when the equation is created. Authors do not normally need to describe each equation manually.
• The description communicates mathematical symbols using textual expressions that resemble natural language.
• The WAI-ARIA attribute role="math" identifies the image as mathematical content.
• The language of the generated description is based on the current language of the web application.
• The way an equation is announced can vary according to the browser, screen reader and HTML editor being used.

Examples

Square root

When an equation contains √x, MathType generates a description such as square root of x. This communicates both the radical operation and its content.

Fraction

When an equation contains ½, MathType generates a description such as 1 half, allowing the value to be communicated without relying on its visual representation.

Common misunderstandings

Authors must write a description for every equation

MathType automatically generates the alternative text associated with an equation. Authors do not normally need to create the description manually.

The equation is only an undescribed image

Although the visual equation is delivered using an HTML image element, MathType adds an alternative description and identifies the image as mathematical content using role="math".

All screen readers communicate equations in the same way

Screen readers and browsers may process the information associated with an equation differently. Some may use the alternative text, while compatible tools may use the mathematical structure associated with the equation.

A separate MathType accessibility component must be installed

MathType uses standard HTML and WAI-ARIA accessibility mechanisms. It does not require a separate MathType accessibility component, although users may still need a screen reader or another assistive technology to access the content.

Related articles

• Navigate the MathType editor using a keyboard.
• Accessibility in MathType for Microsoft 365 in Word.
• Accessibility in MathType for Google Workspace.