Open LaTeX input window in MathType for Microsoft 365

MathType's LaTeX input/output window lets you move between LaTeX code and visually editable equations in Microsoft Word. You can use it to create an equation from existing LaTeX code or retrieve the code of an equation already created with MathType.

After converting the code, you can review and edit the resulting equation in the MathType editor before inserting it into your document.

Before you begin

Requirements

The MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365 must be installed and activated.

Applies to

Microsoft Word desktop for Windows and macOS.

See it in action

Watch this video to see how to work with LaTeX code using the MathType Add-in:

Steps

Create an equation from LaTeX code

The LaTeX input/output window lets you use existing LaTeX code to create an equation in MathType.

1. Open a document in the Microsoft Word desktop application.
2. Open the MathType Add-in tab in the Word ribbon.
3. Select Open LaTeX.
4. Locate the empty braces at the end of the code displayed in the LaTeX input/output window. The surrounding code reflects your current default font and size settings and may differ depending on the options you have selected.
5. Enter or paste your LaTeX code inside the empty braces. For example:

   \style{font-family:'Times New Roman'}{\style{font-size:11px}{YOUR LATEX CODE}}

6. Select Submit.
7. Review the resulting equation in the MathType editor.
8. Select Insert to add the equation to the document.

Checkpoint: The LaTeX code should appear as an equation in the MathType editor and then in your Word document.

Get the LaTeX code of an equation

Retrieving the LaTeX code lets you reuse the mathematical content of an existing MathType equation in another LaTeX-compatible application or environment.

1. Select the MathType equation in the Word document.
2. Open the MathType Add-in tab.
3. Select Open LaTeX.
4. Review the LaTeX code displayed in the input/output window.
5. Copy the code if you want to reuse it elsewhere.

Checkpoint: The LaTeX input/output window should display the code corresponding to the selected equation.

Verify it worked

• When entering LaTeX code, selecting Submit displays the corresponding equation in the MathType editor.
• When opening an existing equation with Open LaTeX, the input/output window displays its LaTeX code.

Options and variations

Open LaTeX from the MathType editor

When the MathType editor is already open, press Ctrl+Shift+L on Windows or macOS to access the LaTeX code of the equation currently displayed in the editor. You can then replace or modify the code to update the equation, or copy it for use elsewhere.

Paste LaTeX directly into the editor

If you already have LaTeX code, you can paste it directly into the MathType visual editor. MathType converts supported LaTeX code into a visually editable equation without requiring you to open the LaTeX input/output window.

Edit before inserting

After submitting or pasting the LaTeX code, you can continue editing the resulting equation in the MathType editor before inserting it into Word.

Common errors

The Open LaTeX option does not appear

This option is only available in the Microsoft Word desktop application for Windows and macOS. It is not available in Word Online or Word for iPad.

The code of an existing equation does not appear

Select the MathType equation in the document before selecting Open LaTeX. If you are using the keyboard shortcut, first open the selected equation in the MathType editor and then press Ctrl+Shift+L.

The equation does not appear in the MathType editor

Make sure the LaTeX code is inside the empty braces at the end of the code displayed in the input/output window, and then select Submit.

If the code is not converted as expected, check its syntax and consult the LaTeX coverage reference to confirm that its commands and structures are supported.

Related

• Get started with MathType in Microsoft Word.
• Use MathML code with MathType in Microsoft Word.
• LaTeX coverage reference.
• Use handwritten input in MathType.