MathType Add-on for Google Workspace: Overview

MathType for Google Workspace integrates MathType and ChemType into Google Docs and Google Slides, allowing you to create and edit mathematical and chemical notation directly in your documents and presentations.

What it is

MathType for Google Workspace brings the MathType equation editor to Google Docs and Google Slides. It provides a visual editing environment for creating mathematical notation without leaving your document or presentation.

MathType also includes ChemType, a version of the editor specifically designed for chemical notation. ChemType provides a toolbar and an editing experience optimized for chemistry and is installed alongside MathType.

MathType runs in a web browser as a Google Workspace add-on. It does not require a separate desktop application.

Supported applications and platforms

MathType for Google Workspace is available in Google Docs and Google Slides through supported desktop web browsers.

The Google Docs and Google Slides applications for Android and iOS do not currently support add-ons. Therefore, MathType cannot be used from these mobile applications.

Why it matters

MathType extends the equation-editing capabilities available in Google Docs and Google Slides, allowing you to:

• Create mathematical and chemical expressions using an intuitive visual editor.
• Edit MathType equations directly from Google Docs and Google Slides.
• Create equations using handwriting input.
• Enter or extract the MathML and LaTeX code of an equation from the MathType editor.
• Copy MathType equations between Google Docs and Google Slides and continue editing them in the destination application.
• Create equations that can be read by supported screen readers and other assistive technologies.
• Use a consistent equation-authoring experience across Google Docs and Google Slides.

How it works

MathType runs as a Google Workspace add-on within Google Docs and Google Slides. The overall workflow consists of three stages.

Stage 1: Installation

MathType and ChemType are installed together as a Google Workspace add-on and become available from the Extensions menu in Google Docs and Google Slides.

Individual users can install the add-on from Google Workspace Marketplace. Google Workspace administrators can also install it for selected users, organizational units, or an entire domain.

Stage 2: Activation

When you first use MathType, you can start a 30-day free trial. After the trial period, access requires a valid MathType subscription.

Depending on how your license is managed, MathType can be activated using an individual subscription, a community subscription provided by your organization, or a product key.

Stage 3: Authoring

Once MathType is installed and activated, you can open MathType or ChemType from Google Docs or Google Slides to create and edit equations.

The editor opens from the MathType task pane. You can build notation using symbols and templates or handwriting input and then insert it into the document or presentation.

To edit an existing MathType equation, select it in Google Docs or Google Slides and open the editor. The selected equation is loaded into MathType, where you can modify it and update it in the document or presentation.

From within the MathType editor, you can also enter code to create an equation or extract the code of the current equation. Press Ctrl+Shift+L to access its LaTeX code or Ctrl+Shift+X to access its MathML code.

Key Rules or Behaviours

• MathType for Google Workspace works in Google Docs and Google Slides through supported desktop web browsers. It is not available in the Google Docs or Google Slides applications for Android and iOS.
• MathType and ChemType are installed together as part of the same add-on. MathType is designed for mathematical notation, while ChemType provides an editing environment optimized for chemical notation.
• A valid MathType subscription is required after the trial period. Access can be associated with an individual subscription, a community subscription provided by an organization, or a product key.
• The 30-day trial is shared between MathType for Google Workspace and MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365. Starting the trial in one environment also starts it in the other.
• MathType equations can be copied between Google Docs and Google Slides and remain editable with MathType in the destination application.
• Access to MathType does not have to use the Google account currently open in Google Docs or Google Slides. You can select a different Google account during the MathType sign-in process.

Common misunderstandings

MathType requires a desktop application

MathType for Google Workspace runs as a browser-based add-on inside Google Docs and Google Slides. You do not need to install the MathType desktop application.

A separate ChemType installation is required

MathType and ChemType are installed together. You do not need to install a separate add-on to create chemical notation with ChemType.

MathType can be used in the Google mobile applications

The Google Docs and Google Slides applications for Android and iOS do not support add-ons. MathType must be used from Google Docs or Google Slides in a supported desktop web browser.

A separate subscription is required for MathType for Microsoft 365

A MathType subscription can provide access across supported MathType Office Tools environments. The 30-day trial is also shared between Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 rather than starting independently in each environment.

Uninstalling MathType removes existing equations

Removing the add-on does not remove equations already inserted into documents or presentations. However, MathType must be installed and activated to create new equations or edit existing ones.

Related articles

• Install the MathType Add-on for Google Workspace.
• Activate the MathType Add-on for Google Workspace.
• Get started with MathType for Google Wrokspace.