Align equations with the MathType Web Contextual tab

This tutorial shows you two ways to align equations in MathType Web: aligning them at their relation symbols and using a matrix for more precise control.

By the end, you will have equations whose corresponding parts line up across multiple lines.

See it in action

Before you begin

Prerequisites

• You should know how to enter equations and work within mathematical structures. For practice with a multiline structure, see Create a piecewise function with MathType Web.

Requirements

• Access to MathType Web with the Contextual tab available. Its controls change according to where the cursor is placed.

The Contextual tab appears at the far right of the MathType toolbar.

Step 1 — Enter equations on separate lines

MathType needs the equations on separate lines before it can align their relation symbols.

1. Open MathType and type the first equation.
2. Press Enter.
3. Type the second equation on the new line.

Checkpoint: You should see two equations on separate lines, before alignment.

Step 2 — Align the relation symbols

Relation alignment is a quick way to line up the first relation symbol in each equation.

1. Place the cursor anywhere in either line.
2. Open the Contextual tab.
3. Click Relation align.

MathType aligns the first relation symbol in each line, such as =, ≠, ∼, or ≤.

Checkpoint: You should see the first relation symbol in each line at the same horizontal position.

Step 3 — Arrange the equations in a matrix

A matrix lets you align variables, operators, relation symbols, and results in separate columns when relation alignment alone is insufficient.

1. Insert a 2 × 3 matrix for the example shown here.
2. Enter the first part of each equation in the first column, including its operator.
3. Enter the next part and its relation symbol in the second column.
4. Enter each result in the third column.

Checkpoint: You should see both equations arranged across two rows, with corresponding parts in the same columns.

Step 4 — Align the matrix columns

 Setting each column’s alignment brings corresponding parts of the equations into position.

1. Click inside the first column and open the Contextual tab.
2. Click Align right.
3. Repeat for the second and third columns.

Checkpoint: You should see the content of each column aligned to its right edge.

Step 5 — Reduce the space between columns

Removing excess column spacing makes the matrix look more like a naturally written system of equations.

1. Click inside the first column and find the column spacing controls in the Contextual tab.
2. Reduce the spacing to the right of that column. A value of 0px usually gives a compact result.
3. Repeat for the second column. You do not need to adjust spacing after the rightmost column.
4. Check the result, then insert the equations into your application.

Checkpoint: You should see a compact, aligned system of equations.

You're done

You now have equations aligned at their relation symbols or across multiple matrix columns. Next, you can:

• Use Relation align for other groups of equations that only need their relation symbols aligned.
• Create a piecewise function to practice adjusting another multiline structure.
• Explore the MathType toolbar and its controls.

Troubleshooting

If the expected Contextual tab controls are missing

Click inside the line or matrix column you want to change, then open the tab again.

If the equations align at an unexpected symbol

Check whether an earlier relation symbol appears in either line. Relation align uses the first relation symbol in each line.

If large gaps remain between matrix columns

Adjust the spacing to the right of the first and second columns individually.