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Contextual tab
Reading time: 1minThe Contextual tab provides editing tools that change depending on the mathematical element currently selected. Instead of displaying the same commands at all times, MathType adapts the toolbar to the structure being edited, making frequently used options easier to access.
Unlike the standard toolbar tabs, which always display the same symbols and templates, the Contextual tab is dynamic. Its contents depend on the cursor position inside the mathematical expression.
Why does the Contextual tab change?
Mathematical structures often have editing options that only make sense in a particular context. For example, a matrix has alignment controls, while a pair of brackets has options for changing the fence type.
The Contextual tab detects where the cursor is located and displays the controls that are relevant to that structure.
This reduces the number of permanently visible buttons while making advanced editing features easier to discover.
When does the Contextual tab appear?
The Contextual tab is always available, but its contents change whenever the cursor moves into a supported mathematical structure.
Examples include:
- Tables and matrices
- Piecewise functions
- Fences and brackets
- Large operators
- Multiline expressions
- Elementary math layouts
As you move the cursor through an expression, the available commands are updated automatically.
Available tools
Depending on the selected structure, the Contextual tab may provide tools for:
| Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Alignment | Align rows, columns, and relation symbols. |
| Spacing | Adjust spacing between rows, columns, and mathematical elements. |
| Rows and columns | Add, remove, or reorder rows and columns in tables and matrices. |
| Fences | Change bracket styles, sizes, and matching delimiters. |
| Stretchiness | Control whether operators automatically stretch to match surrounding content. |
| Elementary layouts | Edit structures such as long division and elementary arithmetic layouts. |
| Position adjustments | Move individual symbols or expressions horizontally and vertically. |
Typical workflow
A typical workflow when using the Contextual tab is:
- Create or insert a mathematical structure.
- Place the cursor inside the structure.
- Open the Contextual tab.
- Use the available controls to modify the selected structure.
Because the available tools depend on the current selection, moving the cursor to another part of the formula immediately updates the available commands.
Examples
The Contextual tab can be used to perform tasks such as:
- Aligning systems of equations.
- Adding rows or columns to a matrix.
- Changing interval notation.
- Adjusting spacing between matrix columns.
- Editing mixed fences.
- Formatting elementary mathematics layouts.
Step-by-step instructions for these tasks are available in the Contextual tab examples.
Related resources