Using MathType on mobile devices

Learn how to create and edit equations on a mobile device using touch controls, position the insertion point, select mathematical content, copy and paste equations, and use a magnified MathType toolbar.

Before you begin

• Requirements: A touchscreen device with access to a webpage or application containing MathType.
• Applies to: MathType Web on smartphones and tablets. Available gestures and clipboard options may vary depending on the device, operating system, browser, and MathType integration.

Open MathType on a mobile device

Steps

1. Double-tap the MathType editor to adjust it to the screen, if supported by your device.
2. Tap the editing area to activate it.
3. Use the virtual keyboard and toolbar to create or edit the equation.

Verify it worked

• The MathType editing area is active.
• The virtual keyboard appears.
• The insertion point appears within the equation.

Position the insertion point

On mobile devices, the insertion point includes a handle that lets you move it without using a mouse or arrow keys.

Steps

1. Tap the equation near the position you want to edit.
2. Drag the insertion point handle horizontally or vertically until the insertion point reaches the required position.
3. Release the handle.

Verify it worked

• The insertion point appears in the intended part of the equation.
• New content appears at the selected position.

Options and variations

• If you cannot reach a specific position: Move the handle vertically before moving it horizontally. Mathematical structures may prevent direct horizontal movement between some positions.

Select part of an equation

Steps

1. Double-tap inside the equation. MathType selects the complete equation or the template placeholder containing the selected position.
2. Drag the selection handles to expand or reduce the selection.
3. Release the handles when the required content is selected.

For example, double-tapping inside a square root may select its radicand, while double-tapping inside a fraction denominator may select the denominator.

Verify it worked

• The required part of the equation is highlighted.
• Selection handles appear around the selected content.

Options and variations

• To select the complete equation: Double-tap the equation and expand the selection using the handles if MathType initially selects only a template placeholder.
• To select a smaller expression: Drag the handles inward until only the required content is highlighted.

Copy and paste an equation

Mobile operating systems restrict direct clipboard access. MathType may therefore use a clipboard dialog when you copy or paste content.

The following example creates a second equation by copying the first equation and changing part of the copy:

Steps

1. Tap the MathType editing area to display the virtual keyboard.
2. Create the first equation.

1. Double-tap the equation to select it. If necessary, adjust the selection using the handles.

1. Select the Copy button in the General tab.

1. Tap the end of the selected equation to clear the selection and place the insertion point at the end.
2. Press Return on the virtual keyboard to create a new line.
3. Select the Paste button in the General tab.

1. Tap inside the text area of the clipboard dialog.
2. Select Paste from the operating system menu.

1. Select OK if the clipboard dialog does not close automatically.
2. Edit the pasted equation. Use the insertion point handle to reach the content you need to change.

Verify it worked

• A copy of the selected equation appears at the insertion point.
• The pasted equation remains editable.
• Changes to the copied equation do not alter the original equation.

Options and variations

• If the operating system menu contains different options: Select the option corresponding to Paste. The available menu items vary by operating system.
• To copy only part of an equation: Adjust the selection handles before selecting Copy.
• To move content instead of copying it: Use the Cut button and then follow the same paste procedure.

Use the magnified toolbar

MathType can display the toolbar at its default size or magnify it to 1.5 or 2 times its normal size. A larger toolbar can make symbols and controls easier to select on a touchscreen.

Steps

1. Ask your MathType administrator to configure the toolbar magnification.
2. Open MathType again after the configuration has been updated.
3. Use the enlarged toolbar to select symbols, templates, and editing controls.

Verify it worked

• The toolbar controls appear larger than the default size.
• The selected size is applied whenever MathType opens in that integration.

Options and variations

• For moderate magnification: Use the 1.5× toolbar.
• For maximum magnification: Use the 2× toolbar.
• If the toolbar occupies too much of the screen: Ask the administrator to use a smaller toolbar size.

Common errors

• The virtual keyboard does not appear: The editing area is not active. Tap inside the MathType editing area.
• The insertion point will not move to the required position: A mathematical structure is restricting horizontal movement. Drag the handle vertically before moving it horizontally.
• Double-tapping selects only part of the equation: MathType has selected the current template placeholder. Expand the selection using the handles.
• The pasted equation does not appear: Open the clipboard dialog again, tap its text area, and select the operating system’s Paste option.
• The clipboard dialog remains open: Select OK after pasting the content.
• The Copy or Paste button does not access the clipboard directly: The mobile operating system is restricting clipboard access. Complete the action through the clipboard dialog.
• The toolbar is too small: Toolbar magnification must be configured by the MathType administrator.

Related

• Reference: Toolbar and icons
• How to copy and exchange equations
• MathType Web