Get started with MathType in Canvas

Outcome: By the end, you will have created, edited, and reused an equation directly within the Canvas editor.

See it in action: Watch this short video to see how MathType is used in Canvas:

Before you begin

Prerequisites

• Basic familiarity with editing content in Canvas

Requirements

• MathType installed in your Canvas course or account
• Access to the Canvas Rich Content Editor

Step 1 — Open the editor

Why: You need access to the Canvas editor to insert and manage equations.

• Open a page, assignment, or quiz in Canvas
• Click Edit to open the Rich Content Editor
• Locate the MathType button in the toolbar (or via Apps)

Checkpoint: You should see the Canvas editor with the MathType option available.

Step 2 — Create an equation

Why: This step shows how to create a new equation with MathType.

• Click the MathType button in the toolbar
• The MathType editor will open
• Create a simple equation using the available tools

Checkpoint: You should see your equation displayed inside the MathType equation editor.

Step 3 — Insert an equation

Why: This step shows how to add the equation created in the previous step.

• Click Accept to insert it into the content
• The equation will be included as an image inside the text editor

Checkpoint: You should see your equation displayed inside the content.

Step 4 — Edit the equation

Why: Equations cannot be modified directly; they must be edited through MathType.

• Click the inserted equation to select it
• Click the MathType button again
• Modify the equation in the editor
• Click Accept to apply the changes

Checkpoint: You should see the modified equation in your content.

Step 5 — Reuse an equation

Why: Reusing equations helps you create similar formulas more efficiently.

• Select the equation
• Copy and paste it using standard keyboard shortcuts
• Modify the copied version if needed

Checkpoint: You should see multiple equations that you can edit independently.

You're done

You have now created, edited, and reused equations using MathType in Canvas. Next, you can:

• Using MathType Web
• MathType Web introductory tutorials

Troubleshooting

If you don't see the MathType button

Make sure MathType is installed in your course or account. If so, make sure it's enabled in the Rich Content Editor.

If you can't edit an equation

Select the equation and reopen it using the MathType button

If Step 2 fails (editor does not open)

Refresh the page and try again, or verify that MathType is correctly installed