Get started with MathType in Microsoft PowerPoint

By the end of this guide, you will have created, edited, and reused equations using MathType in Microsoft PowerPoint.

Before you begin

Prerequisites

• Basic familiarity with creating and editing presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint.

Requirements

• MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365 is installed. See Install the MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365.
• MathType is activated. See Activate the MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365.
• Access to a supported version of Microsoft Word. See MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365: Overview.

Steps

Step 1: Open MathType in PowerPoint

Why: You need to open the MathType editor before you can create and insert equations in your presentation.

1. Open a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint.
2. Open the MathType Add-in from the PowerPoint interface.
3. Select Open MathType.

Checkpoint: You should see the MathType editor open and ready to create an equation.

Step 2: Create an equation

Why: This step shows you how to create and insert a new equation in a PowerPoint slide.

1. Open MathType.
2. Create a simple equation using the available symbols and templates.
3. Insert the equation into your slide.
4. Move or resize the equation in PowerPoint as needed.

Checkpoint: You should see the MathType equation inserted in your slide.

Step 3: Edit an equation

Why: You can reopen an existing MathType equation to modify it without creating it again.

1. Select the MathType equation you want to edit.
2. Open MathType.
3. Make your changes in the editor.
4. Insert the updated equation into the presentation.

Checkpoint: You should see the updated equation in your PowerPoint slide.

Step 4: Create an equation with handwriting

Why: Handwriting input lets you create an equation by writing the expression instead of selecting symbols and templates.

1. Open MathType.
2. Switch to the handwriting interface.
3. Write a simple mathematical expression using your mouse, trackpad, touchscreen, or stylus.
4. Review the recognized expression.
5. Insert the equation into PowerPoint.

Checkpoint: You should see the handwritten expression converted into an equation and inserted in your slide.

Step 5: Edit an equation using LaTeX or MathML

Why: You can use LaTeX or MathML to edit the source of an existing MathType equation instead of using the visual editor.

1. Select the MathType equation you want to edit.
2. Use the corresponding keyboard shortcut to open the equation as LaTeX or MathML.
3. Edit the LaTeX or MathML source.
4. Apply your changes to update the equation.

Checkpoint: You should see the equation updated according to the LaTeX or MathML source you edited.

Use the following keyboard shortcuts:

Step 6: Save and reuse an equation with My Equations

Why: My Equations lets you save equations you use frequently and insert them again without recreating them.

1. Select or create the equation you want to save.
2. Add the equation to My Equations.
3. Open the slide where you want to reuse the equation.
4. Open My Equations.
5. Select the saved equation and insert it into the slide.

Checkpoint: You should see the saved equation inserted into another location in your presentation.

You can also use My Equations as an alternative way to access and work with previously saved equations.

You're done

You have now created, edited, and reused equations using MathType in Microsoft PowerPoint. Next, you can explore:

• Get started with MathType in Microsoft Word.
• Try the new MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365.
• Using MathType Web.
• MathType Web introductory tutorials.

Troubleshooting

The MathType Add-in does not appear in PowerPoint

Make sure MathType is installed and that you are using a supported version of Microsoft PowerPoint.

See Install MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365 for installation troubleshooting.

MathType opens, but I cannot use the editor

Make sure MathType is activated and that you are signed in with an account associated with a valid subscription, Community Subscription, trial, or product key.

See Activate MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365.

I cannot edit an existing equation

Select the equation in your PowerPoint slide before opening MathType. You do not need to add the equation to My Equations before editing it.

Related

• MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365: Overview.
• Install MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365
• Activate MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365.
• Get started with MathType in Microsoft Word.
• Try the new MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365.