LaTeX support

Reference describing how MathType detects, stores, renders, and edits LaTeX expressions.

Summary

MathType supports LaTeX expressions by converting them into MathML while preserving the original LaTeX source. This allows formulas to be edited visually in MathType while keeping the original LaTeX available for future editing or interoperability.

Supported behaviour

Delimiters

MathType recognizes LaTeX expressions enclosed in double dollar signs.

Storage model

When MathType encounters a supported LaTeX expression:

• The LaTeX expression is parsed.
• It is converted into MathML.
• The original LaTeX is preserved inside the MathML using a <semantics> / <annotation> element.
• The resulting MathML becomes the formula's stored representation.

For example:

<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">
  <semantics>
    <mfrac>
      <mn>1</mn>
      <mn>2</mn>
    </mfrac>
    <annotation encoding="LaTeX">\frac12</annotation>
  </semantics>
</math>

When the content is edited again, MathType retrieves the original LaTeX from the annotation.

Supported LaTeX

MathType supports LaTeX constructs that can be translated to and from MathML. Support, therefore, depends on the compatibility between both formats. Typical supported constructs include:

• Fractions.
• Roots.
• Superscripts and subscripts.
• Matrices.
• Greek letters.
• Operators.
• Integrals.
• Summations.
• Most standard mathematical notation

Limitations

MathType does not support every possible LaTeX construct. Limitations include:

• Custom commands defined by LaTeX packages.
• Document formatting commands.
• Package-specific extensions.
• Expressions that have no equivalent MathML representation.

MathType focuses on mathematical notation that can be represented in MathML.

Configuration

The server-side parameter wiriseditorparselatex controls whether LaTeX expressions are converted to MathML during processing.

When disabled, LaTeX expressions remain unchanged and must be processed by another LaTeX renderer.

Compatibility

If another LaTeX renderer is active, both renderers may attempt to process the same expression. For example, in Moodle, the TeX Filter should be disabled if MathType is expected to process LaTeX expressions.

Example

wiriseditorparselatex = true

LaTeX is parsed and stored as MathML with a LaTeX annotation.

<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">
  <semantics>
    <mn>1</mn>
    <mo>+</mo>
    <mn>2</mn>
    <annotation encoding="LaTeX">1+2</annotation>
  </semantics>
</math>

MathType renders this MathML as a formula image.

wiriseditorparselatex = false

LaTeX is not parsed or stored as MathML.

$$1+2$$

MathType does not render this LaTeX code as a formula image. A separate LaTeX renderer must be used.

Notes

• LaTeX support is intended for mathematical notation.
• MathML remains the canonical storage format used by MathType.
• The original LaTeX source is preserved whenever possible.

Related articles

• Configure MathType Integration Services.
• MathType Integration Services parameters.
• LaTeX coverage reference.
• MathML coverage reference.
• Full MathML mode.
• Content MathML.