Accessibility in MathType for Microsoft 365 in Word

MathType for Microsoft 365 supports people who prepare accessible mathematical content and people who use assistive technologies to read and work with that content. Equations inserted into Microsoft Word include automatically generated accessibility information that allows compatible screen readers to communicate the mathematical expression.

What it is

MathType equations are inserted into Microsoft Word as images. To make their mathematical content available to assistive technologies, MathType automatically generates alternative text for each equation.

The alternative text contains an accessible description of the mathematical expression followed by MathML metadata. The description allows compatible screen readers to communicate the equation, while the MathML allows MathType to identify and reopen it for editing.

Why it matters

An equation displayed only as an image does not communicate its mathematical meaning to a screen reader. The automatically generated alternative text provides a textual representation that compatible screen readers can announce.

The MathML included after the equation description serves a separate purpose: it preserves the mathematical structure MathType needs to edit the equation. Therefore, the generated alternative text forms part of both the equation's accessibility and editing workflow.

How it works

Stage 1: The equation is inserted

When an equation is created with the MathType Add-in and inserted into Microsoft Word, it is added to the document as an image.

Stage 2: Accessibility information is generated

MathType automatically generates alternative text containing an accessible description of the mathematical expression followed by the MathML metadata MathType uses to reconstruct the equation in the editor.

Stage 3: A screen reader interprets the equation

When a compatible screen reader reaches the equation, it announces the accessible description stored in the Alt Text.

Compatible screen readers

The following screen readers can read MathType equations in Microsoft Word:

• NVDA
• JAWS
• Windows Narrator
• VoiceOver

These screen readers announce the equation description stored in the Alt Text.

Improve equation reading with NVDA

By default, NVDA reads the accessible equation description and then continues by announcing the MathML metadata stored in the alternative text.

NVDA can be configured to stop announcing the MathML without removing or modifying it. This preserves equation editability while providing a clearer reading experience.

Key rules or behaviours

• MathType automatically generates the alternative text when an equation is inserted into Microsoft Word.
• The alternative text contains an accessible equation description followed by the associated MathML metadata.
• The MathML metadata is required for MathType to reopen and edit the equation.
• Removing or incorrectly modifying the MathML can make the equation no longer editable with MathType.
• Depending on their configuration, screen readers may announce both the equation description and the MathML metadata.
• The NVDA configuration changes what the screen reader announces without removing the MathML from the equation.
• The accessibility behaviour described in this article applies to Microsoft Word, not Microsoft PowerPoint.

Common misunderstandings

The MathML is unnecessary code

The MathML included in the alternative text is not an accidental addition. It contains the mathematical structure MathType needs to reconstruct the equation in the editor.

Removing the MathML only affects screen-reader output

Removing the MathML also affects functionality. The equation remains visible in the document but can no longer be reopened and edited with MathType.

The NVDA configuration removes the MathML

The NVDA configuration changes what the screen reader announces. It does not remove or modify the MathML stored with the equation.

The same behaviour applies to PowerPoint

This accessibility workflow applies to equations inserted into Microsoft Word. It should not be used to describe the behaviour of MathType equations in Microsoft PowerPoint.

Related concepts

• Improve the readability of MathType equations with NVDA.
• Use a screen reader to select and read text boxes and images in Word.
• VPAT for MathType for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
• MathType for Microsoft 365: Overview.