MathType supports two rendering modes in Moodle: PHP and Client. Both rendering modes produce the same mathematical output but differ in where equations are rendered before they are displayed to users.

For most Moodle installations, PHP rendering is the recommended option and is enabled by default.

How MathType rendering works in Moodle

When a user inserts a mathematical expression into Moodle, the equation is stored as part of the page content. When another user views that page, the MathType filter processes the stored expression and renders it so it can be displayed correctly.

The Render type setting determines where this rendering process takes place:

• PHP rendering uses the Moodle server and the MathType rendering service.
• Client rendering uses JavaScript to render equations directly in the user's browser.

PHP rendering

How it works

With PHP rendering, the MathType filter sends the mathematical expression to the configured rendering service. The rendering service generates the final equation, which is then returned to Moodle before the page is delivered to the user's browser.

Advantages

PHP rendering is the default and recommended rendering mode because it:

• Provides the best compatibility across Moodle installations.
• Produces consistent results regardless of the user's browser.
• Requires no additional browser-side configuration.
• Works with the default Moodle filter configuration.

Considerations

Rendering requests are processed by the server. Although this approach is suitable for almost every Moodle installation, environments with extremely high numbers of simultaneous users may benefit from client-side rendering.

Client rendering

How it works

With Client rendering, the MathType filter delivers the mathematical expression to the browser. JavaScript running in the user's browser renders the equation after the page has loaded.

Advantages

Client rendering:

• Reduces rendering work performed by the Moodle server.
• Distributes rendering across users' browsers.
• Can improve scalability in high-concurrency environments.

Considerations

Client rendering requires JavaScript and changes how equations are rendered within Moodle. When enabling Client rendering:

• The Moodle Convert URLs into links and images filter must be disabled.
• Users must have JavaScript enabled in their browsers.

Because rendering is performed in the browser, the user experience may also depend on browser capabilities and performance.

Comparing render types

Choosing the right render type

For most Moodle installations, PHP rendering is the recommended choice. It provides the best balance between compatibility, reliability, and ease of administration while requiring no additional configuration. Consider Client rendering only if:

• Your Moodle site serves a very large number of concurrent users.
• Server-side rendering has become a measurable performance bottleneck.
• You understand the additional configuration and compatibility requirements.

Changing the render type

To change the rendering mode:

1. Go to Site administration → Plugins → Filters → Math & Science by WIRIS.
2. Locate the Render type setting.
3. Select PHP or Client.
4. Save the configuration.

If you enable Client rendering, also disable the Moodle Convert URLs into links and images filter before making the configuration available to users. After changing the rendering mode, we recommend following the steps described in Verify your installation to confirm that equations are rendered correctly.

Common misconceptions

Client rendering produces better-looking equations

No. Both rendering modes produce the same mathematical expressions. The difference lies in where the rendering process takes place, not in the appearance of the rendered equation.

Client rendering is the modern replacement for PHP rendering

No. Client rendering is designed for specific deployment scenarios rather than as a general replacement for PHP rendering. For most Moodle installations, PHP rendering remains the recommended option.

PHP rendering is always slower

Not necessarily. For most Moodle sites, PHP rendering provides excellent performance, offers the highest level of compatibility, and requires the least configuration.

Related articles

• Verify your MathType for Moodle installation.
• MathType for Moodle settings reference.
• MathType for Moodle test pages.