Use LaTeX and MathML with MathType Web

If you already have an equation written in LaTeX or MathML, you can paste its code directly into the MathType editor. MathType converts supported code into an equation that you can edit visually with the toolbar.

You can also view, copy, or change the LaTeX or MathML code of an equation open in the editor. These options are available in MathType Web integrations even when the application you are using does not provide separate buttons for them.

Before you begin

Requirements

• Access to the MathType editor.
• Familiarity with LaTeX or MathML if you intend to edit the code.

Applies to

MathType Web integrations on Windows and macOS.

Steps

Paste LaTeX or MathML into the editor

If you have LaTeX or MathML from another source, you can paste it straight into the MathType editing area.

1. Copy the LaTeX or MathML code for the equation you want to create.
2. Open the MathType editor in the application where you want to use the equation.
3. Click in the MathType editing area and paste the code.
4. Review the equation that appears. If needed, continue editing it with the MathType toolbar before inserting or saving it in your application.

If the result is different from what you expected, check that you copied the complete expression and that MathType supports the code you used. See LaTeX coverage reference or the MathML coverage reference for further details.

View or edit an equation's code

Open an equation in the MathType editor to see its LaTeX or MathML representation. You can copy the code for use elsewhere, or edit it and apply the changes to the equation.

1. Open or create an equation in the MathType editor.
2. With the MathType editor active, press the shortcut for the format you want:
   • Ctrl+Shift+X opens the MathML input/output window.
   • Ctrl+Shift+L opens the LaTeX input/output window.
3. Review the code displayed in the window. You can copy it without changing the equation, or edit or replace it to update the equation.
4. If you changed the code, select Submit and review the resulting equation in the MathType editing area.

If you only want to view or copy the code, close the window without selecting Submit.

The following images show the MathML and LaTeX input/output windows:

Verify it worked

• After pasting code: The LaTeX or MathML appears as an equation in the MathType editing area, and you can edit it with the visual toolbar.
• After opening an input/output window: The window displays the LaTeX or MathML representation of the equation currently open in the editor.
• After changing code: Selecting Submit updates the equation in the MathType editing area. Review the result to confirm that it matches what you intended.

Options and variations

Use the buttons in Microsoft Word

In the Microsoft Word desktop application, the MathType for Microsoft 365 also provides separate Open LaTeX and Open MathML buttons in the Word ribbon. These buttons let you work with code from Word. The keyboard shortcuts described above work when the MathType editor is open.

For instructions specific to the Word buttons, see Open LaTeX input window in MathType for Microsoft 365 and Open MathML input window in MathType for Microsoft 365.

Common errors

The LaTeX shortcut does not work

If Ctrl+Shift+L does not open the LaTeX input/output window, first make sure the MathType editor is open and active. A browser extension may also use the same shortcut and intercept it, even if no other action is visible. Check your browser's extension shortcut settings and change or disable any conflicting shortcut. Then return to the MathType editor and try again.

Pasted code does not appear as the expected equation

Check that you copied the complete expression and that its syntax is correct. Check that the code is valid and supported by MathType. MathType may change or omit code it cannot represent when converting it into an editable equation. For details, see the LaTeX coverage reference or the MathML coverage reference.

The input/output window does not open

Make sure the MathType editor is open and active before pressing the shortcut. The shortcuts work inside the editor, not directly from the document or page where you opened it.

Editing the code does not change the equation

Select Submit after making your changes, then review the equation in the MathType editing area.

Related

• LaTeX support.
• MathML coverage reference.
• LaTeX coverage reference.
• Open LaTeX input window in MathType for Microsoft 365.
• Open MathML input window in MathType for Microsoft 365.