Use handwritten input in MathType Web

Use handwritten input when you want to create an equation by writing with a finger, stylus, digital pen, or mouse. This can be especially convenient on a touch-enabled device.

In this article, you'll write an expression, check how MathType recognizes it, correct it if needed, and insert the finished equation. You'll also learn how to apply formatting in classic input.

For examples of supported handwriting patterns, see the Handwriting recognition gallery.

Before you begin

Requirements

• Access to the MathType Web editor in an integration that offers handwritten input.
• A finger, stylus, digital pen, or mouse for writing in the handwriting workspace.

Applies to

Handwritten input in MathType Web integrations.

Steps

Switch to handwritten input

Open the MathType editor and select the Handwriting button on the right edge of the editor.

Write your expression

Write in the handwriting workspace. MathType recognizes your strokes as you write and displays its interpretation in the preview at the lower-right corner.

Check and correct the expression

Check that the preview matches what you intended to write. MathType is optimized for mathematical notation and uses the surrounding expression to interpret your handwriting. For example, it interprets handwritten by as the variables b and y, rather than the English word. Context can also help it recognize a handwritten differential d even when the stroke resembles a zero, as in the example below.

If you need to remove a stroke or symbol, scribble over it until the strokes turn red. Stop scribbling, and MathType will erase that part of the expression. You can then write the correction. You can also use Undo to reverse your last action or Clear to remove all handwritten strokes.

Insert the equation

Once the expression looks correct, select Insert in the MathType editor. You can insert the equation from handwriting input or, if you have switched modes, from classic input.

Verify it worked

Check that the equation appears in your document and matches the expression you saw in MathType's preview or classic editor. If it does not, reopen the equation in MathType and correct it.

Options and variations

Use the handwriting toolbar

The handwriting workspace provides these editing controls:

Button	Purpose
	Undo: Undo the last action.
	Redo: Redo the last undone action.
	Clear: Remove all handwritten strokes from the workspace.
	Help: Open the handwriting help.
	Classic input: Switch to the classic visual editor.

Apply formatting in classic input

Some formatting options are available only in classic input. For example, if you write a matrix by hand and need a variable to be bold and non-italic, select Classic input and apply the formatting in the classic editor.

In the example below, I is formatted in the classic editor after the matrix is written by hand. The final image also shows the formatting warning that appears when the equation is switched back to handwriting input.

Switch back to handwriting input

You can select the Handwriting button in the classic editor to continue writing by hand. The following screenshots show the same expression before switching to classic input, in the classic editor, and after switching back to handwriting input.

First, write the expression and select Classic input.

The recognized expression opens in the classic editor. Select the Handwriting button to switch back.

MathType then recreates the expression as simulated handwriting, as shown below. These are newly generated strokes, not the strokes you originally wrote.

Common errors

The recognized expression does not match what you wrote

Check the preview as you write. MathType may interpret ambiguous strokes as mathematical symbols or variables. Scribble over the affected part until it turns red, then write it again. You can also switch to classic input to correct the recognized expression.

The expression changes after switching back to handwriting input

Returning to handwriting input recreates the expression as simulated handwriting, which MathType interprets again. Check the preview for changes before inserting the equation. If you need to correct the expression precisely, switch to classic input.

Formatting disappears after switching back to handwriting input

Formatting available only in classic input is lost when you return to handwriting input. Reapply the formatting in classic input and insert the equation without switching back.

Related

• Handwriting recognition gallery.
• Configure Hand for a specific mathematical domain.
• Using MathType.
• Toolbar and keyboard shortcuts.