MathType Equations Are Converted to Microsoft Word Equations When Pasting

Issue

When inserting equations into a Word document by copying and pasting from the MathType editor, some users may notice that the equations are automatically converted to Microsoft Word equations (OMML format). Instead of being inserted as MathType OLE objects, the pasted content becomes native Word equations, which can no longer be edited by double-clicking to open MathType.

As a result:

• The pasted equation is no longer a MathType object.
• Double-clicking the equation does not open MathType.
• Users lose access to MathType-specific editing capabilities for the newly inserted equation.

Cause

This issue was introduced by a change in Microsoft Word version 2605. The update modifies the way Word handles mathematical content copied from MathType and may automatically convert pasted equations into Word's native OMML format.

MathType's Cut and Copy preferences may still be correctly configured, but Word can override the expected behavior during pasting.

Solution

This section explains the recommended workflow for inserting equations into Word while preserving their formatting and editability, as well as alternative methods using copy and paste or drag and drop.

1. Insert the equation by closing the MathType editor

We recommend creating and inserting equations using MathType's standard workflow. This preserves the equation's formatting and ensures that it remains editable in MathType.

1. In Word, place the cursor where you want to insert the equation.
2. On the MathType tab, click Inline or Display to open the MathType editor.
3. Create or edit your equation.
4. Close the MathType editor using the Close (X) button in the upper-right corner.

When you close the editor, MathType automatically inserts the equation into Word as a MathType 7 equation, preserving its formatting and editability.

Copy only part of an existing equation

If you need to copy only part of an existing equation:

1. In MathType, go to Preferences > Cut and Copy Preferences.
2. Make sure Equation object (Windows OLE graphic) is selected.
3. Copy the desired part of the equation.
4. Open a new MathType editor window from Word.
5. Paste the copied content into the editor and make any required changes.
6. Close the editor using the Close (X) button to insert the new equation into Word.

2. Paste equations using MathML

If you want to continue copying equations from MathType and pasting them into Word, you can configure MathType to place MathML on the clipboard.

1. Open MathType.
2. Go to Preferences > Cut and Copy Preferences.
3. Under MathML or TeX, select a MathML option.
   
   
4. Copy the equation from MathType.
5. Paste it into Microsoft Word.

When Word detects mathematical content on the clipboard, the MathType Paste dialog appears.

6. Select Create a MathType equation.
7. Optionally, select Remember my choice to use this option automatically for future paste operations.
8. Click OK.

The equation is inserted as a MathType object and can be edited later by double-clicking it.

If you selected Remember my choice and want to change this behavior later, click MathType Options on the MathType tab in Word and update the corresponding preference.

3. Drag and drop the equation into Word

As an alternative to copying and pasting, you can drag an equation or part of an equation directly from the MathType editor into Word:

1. Open the equation in MathType.
2. Select the equation or the portion you want to insert.
3. Click and hold the selected content.
4. Drag the content into the Word document.
5. Release the mouse button at the desired insertion point.

The content should be inserted as a MathType equation rather than being converted to a Microsoft Word equation.

Additional information

This issue is caused by a change introduced in Microsoft Word version 2605 that affects how mathematical content is handled during paste operations. Existing MathType equations already embedded in a document are not affected and can still be edited normally in MathType.

We are actively monitoring the situation and will update this article if Microsoft provides a permanent resolution.