Convert MathType 7 equations to MathType for Microsoft 365

Convert equations created with MathType 7 to the MathType for Microsoft 365 so you can continue editing them in Microsoft Word.

After completing this guide, your MathType 7 equations will be converted to the MathType for Microsoft 365 format and ready to edit.

Before you begin

Requirements

Before converting your equations, make sure that:

• You are using the Microsoft Word desktop application. Conversion is not available in Word for the web or Word for iPadOS/iOS.
• The MathType for Microsoft 365 is installed. See Install the MathType for Microsoft 365.
• MathType is activated. See Activate the MathType for Microsoft 365.
• Your Word document contains equations created with MathType 7.

Important considerations

We recommend making a copy of your document before starting the conversion. Although the mathematical content and most structural properties are preserved, some formatting and style information may change or be lost during conversion.

Steps

Start the conversion

1. Open the document containing the MathType 7 equations in the Microsoft Word desktop application.
2. Open the "MathType Add-in" tab.
3. Select Convert from MT7.

MathType scans the document for equations that can be converted.

Confirm the conversion

When MathType detects MathType 7 equations, a message warns you that the conversion cannot be reversed for the converted equations.

1. Review the conversion warning.
2. Confirm that you want to continue.

Choose the equation format

Before converting the equations, choose the formatting that MathType will apply to them.

1. Select the font for the converted equations.
2. Select the font size.
3. Select Convert.

MathType starts converting the MathType 7 equations in the document.

Complete the conversion

1. Wait for MathType to finish processing the equations in the document.
2. When the process is complete, MathType displays a confirmation message.

Verify it worked

To verify the conversion:

1. Select one of the converted equations.
2. Open MathType.
3. Confirm that the equation opens in the MathType for Microsoft 365 and can be edited.

If the equation opens and can be edited, the conversion was successful.

What to expect after conversion

The conversion preserves the mathematical content and most structural properties of MathType 7 equations. However, some visual formatting and custom styling may change.

Conversion examples

The appearance of a converted equation depends partly on the font and size you select during conversion.

MathType 7 (Times New Roman, size 12) vs MathType for Microsoft 365 (Classic, size 16 [default])

MathType 7 vs MathType for Microsoft 365 (both Times New Roman 16)

Review the converted equations after the process is complete, particularly if the original document uses custom MathType 7 formatting.

What is preserved

The conversion preserves the mathematical content and structure of the equations, including:

• Symbols and formula layout.
• Normal slant for functions.
• Normal and bold formatting for vectors and matrices.
• Italic variables.
• Normal text.
• Greek characters.
• Fraktur and double-struck characters.
• Horizontal alignment in multiline expressions.
• Column alignment in matrices and tables.

What may change or be lost

Some formatting and custom MathType 7 properties are not preserved during conversion, including:

• Original font and size (which are replaced by the values selected during conversion).
• Equation color.
• Manual nudges.
• Custom spacing.
• Custom styles.
• Custom vertical alignment.
• Custom fence alignment.
• Custom row alignment in tables and matrices.
• Matrix separators.

Some formatting properties can be reapplied after conversion using the options available in the MathType for Microsoft 365.

Troubleshooting

The converted equations do not look as expected

Some MathType 7 formatting and styling properties are not preserved during conversion. If you have just completed the conversion and the result is not suitable, undo the conversion:

• On Windows, press Ctrl+Z.
• On macOS, press ⌘+Z.

You can then repeat the conversion using different font and size settings. If necessary, restore the copy of the original document you created before starting the conversion.

Convert from MT7 does not appear

Make sure you are using the Microsoft Word desktop application. MathType 7 equation conversion is not available in Word for the web or Word for iPadOS/iOS.

Also, make sure that the MathType for Microsoft 365 is installed and activated.

A converted equation cannot be edited with MathType 7

This is expected behavior. Conversion to the MathType for Microsoft 365 format is one-way.

Use the MathType for Microsoft 365 to edit the converted equation. If you need to edit the original equation with MathType 7, use a copy of the document saved before conversion.

Related

• MathType for Microsoft 365: Overview.
• Get started with MathType in Microsoft Word.
• Microsoft Word and Google Docs compatibility.