MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365: Overview

MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365 integrates MathType and ChemType into Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, allowing you to create and edit mathematical and chemical notation directly in your documents and presentations.

What it is

MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365 brings the MathType equation editor to Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. 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.

Supported applications and platforms

MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365 is available in Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint across desktop, web, and iPad environments. Support for standalone versions of Microsoft Office varies by application and operating system.

Some features and workflows vary depending on the application and platform. The corresponding Word and PowerPoint guides describe these differences where they affect how you use MathType.

Why it matters

MathType extends the equation-editing capabilities available in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, allowing you to:

• Create mathematical and chemical expressions using an intuitive visual editor.
• Edit equations directly from Word and PowerPoint.
• Create equations using handwriting input.
• Work with MathML and LaTeX where supported.
• Work with equations created using other MathType and Microsoft equation formats, where supported.
• Reuse equations in PowerPoint with My Equations.
• Use a consistent equation-authoring experience across supported Microsoft 365 environments.

How it works

MathType runs as a Microsoft Office add-in within Word and PowerPoint. The overall workflow consists of three stages.

Stage 1: Installation

MathType and ChemType are installed as Microsoft Office add-ins and become available from the Word or PowerPoint interface. Installation may vary slightly depending on whether you are using the desktop, web, or iPad version of Microsoft Office.

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 Word or PowerPoint to create and edit equations. 

The available workflows and features depend on the application and platform. Word provides features for working with existing equation formats and MathML or LaTeX, while PowerPoint includes tools such as My Equations for managing and reusing equations.

Key Rules or Behaviours

• The MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365 works in Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint across supported Windows, macOS, web, and iPad environments. Some features vary depending on the application or platform.
• MathType and ChemType are installed together as part of the same add-in. 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 Microsoft 365 and MathType for Google Workspace. Starting the trial in one environment also starts it in the other.
• Editing and conversion workflows depend on the equation format and the Microsoft application. Dedicated workflows are available for converting MathType 7 equations and for working with documents between Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
• The new MathType experience is currently available in early access. Eligible users can try it and switch back to the current MathType when needed. See Try the new MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365 for availability and compatibility details.

Common misunderstandings

MathType replaces Microsoft Word's equation editor

MathType adds its own equation-authoring capabilities to Word. It does not replace Microsoft's native equation editor.

Depending on the equation format and platform, MathType can also work with existing equations created in Microsoft or in previous MathType formats.

A separate ChemType installation is required

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

A separate subscription is required for Google Workspace

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

Related articles

• Install the MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365.
• Activate the MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365.
• Get started with MathType in Microsoft Word.
• Get started with MathType in Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Try the new MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365.
• Equation conversion process from MathType 7 to MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365.
• Microsoft Word and Google Docs compatibility.