Use MathType Web on mobile devices

Learn how to create and edit equations with MathType Web on a mobile device. You can write an equation by hand, switch to the toolbar to refine it, and use touch controls to position the insertion point, select content, and copy and paste expressions.

Before you begin

Requirements

• A smartphone or tablet with access to an application or webpage that includes MathType Web.

Applies to

MathType Web integrations used on smartphones and tablets. Touch gestures, clipboard options, and the way the editor opens can vary by integration and device.

Steps

Create an equation with handwriting

When you open MathType on a mobile device, it starts in handwriting mode by default.

1. Open MathType using the equation button provided by your application.
2. Write your expression in the handwriting area with your finger or a stylus.
3. Check the recognized equation in the preview. If MathType has not recognized part of it correctly, correct the handwriting and check the preview again.
4. Insert the equation using the button provided by your integration, or switch to the editor with the toolbar if you want to refine it further.

For more information about writing, correcting strokes, and using the handwriting controls, see Use handwritten input in MathType Web.

Edit an equation with the toolbar

The editor with the toolbar lets you type characters and choose symbols or mathematical structures. You can switch to it after writing an equation by hand, or use it to create an equation from the beginning.

1. In handwriting mode, tap the keyboard button in the bottom left corner to switch to the editor with the toolbar.
2. Tap the editing area to place the insertion point. If you plan to type, tap again if necessary to display the on-screen keyboard.
3. Enter characters with the keyboard and use the available toolbar controls to add symbols or mathematical structures.
4. When the equation is ready, use the button provided by your integration to insert or save it. Its label may be Insert, Accept, OK, or something similar.

Position the insertion point

In the editor with the toolbar, the insertion point has a handle that you can drag to reach a position within an equation.

1. Tap near the part of the equation you want to edit.
2. Drag the insertion point handle until the insertion point reaches the required position.
3. Release the handle and enter or remove content.

Select part of an equation

1. Double-tap inside the equation. MathType may initially select the complete equation or the part of a mathematical structure containing the tapped position.
2. Drag the selection handles to adjust which content is highlighted.
3. Release the handles when the required content is selected.

For example, double-tapping inside a square root may select its contents; double-tapping inside a fraction denominator may select the denominator.

Copy and paste an equation in the editor

In the editor with the toolbar, you can copy part or all of an equation. The following example creates a second line by copying an equation and editing the copy. Depending on your device and browser, MathType may open a clipboard dialog to complete the paste action.

1. Create the first equation in the MathType editing area.
   
    
2. Double-tap the equation and adjust the selection handles until the complete expression is selected.
   
    
3. Tap Copy in the General tab.
    
4. Tap after the selected equation to clear the selection and place the insertion point at its end. Press Return on the on-screen keyboard to create a new line.
    
5. Tap Paste in the General tab.
    
6. If a clipboard dialog opens, tap its text area and choose Paste from your device’s menu. Tap OK if the dialog remains open.
   
    
7. Edit the pasted copy as needed.
   

Verify it worked

• In handwriting mode, the preview shows the equation MathType recognized from your strokes.
• After switching modes, the equation appears in the editor with the toolbar, where you can continue editing it.
• The equation appears in your document or application after you insert or save it.
• When editing with the toolbar, new content appears at the position indicated by the insertion point.
• When selecting content, the intended expression is highlighted between the selection handles.
• When copying and pasting, a separate copy appears at the insertion point and can be edited without changing the original.

Options and variations

To configure handwriting input in your own integration

If you manage your own integration, the MathType editor parameter detectHand controls whether handwriting input is available. Its default value is true. If it is disabled in your integration, MathType will open directly in the editor with the toolbar.

To move content instead of copying it

Use Cut instead of Copy, then follow the same paste steps.

To change the toolbar size

Ask the administrator or developer of your MathType integration whether the toolbar can be configured. It can use its default size or be magnified to 1.5 or 2 times that size. Larger buttons may be easier to tap, but the toolbar will occupy more screen space.

If you manage your own integration, the MathType editor parameter toolbarSize accepts 1, 1.5, or 2. Test the chosen size on the devices your users have, especially when increasing it.

Common errors

MathType does not open in handwriting mode

The behavior may differ in your integration, or handwriting input may have been disabled by its administrator. If you manage the integration, check the detectHand setting.

Toolbar controls are outside the visible area

If you are using MathType in a browser, try its Desktop site or equivalent option. This may change the layout, although it might not make every control accessible. You can also return to handwriting mode if the toolbar is difficult to use on your screen. 

These options may help, but the integration might still be difficult to use on that device.

The on-screen keyboard does not appear

First, check that you have switched from handwriting mode to the editor with the toolbar. Then tap inside the MathType editing area. Some devices require a second tap to display the on-screen keyboard.

The insertion point does not reach the intended position

Try moving its handle vertically before dragging it horizontally.

The pasted content does not appear

If a clipboard dialog opened, tap its text area and select your device’s Paste option. Confirm the dialog if necessary.

Related

• Use handwritten input in MathType Web.
• Configure MathType editor parameters.
• MathType Editor parameters.