Install MathType for Moodle

Install MathType for Moodle to enable mathematical and chemical equation editing across your Moodle site.

After completing this guide, MathType will be installed and ready for configuration.

See it in action

Watch this short video to see how to install MathType in Moodle:

Before you begin

Requirements

• Moodle administrator permissions.
• Permission to install Moodle plugins.
• A supported Moodle version.

Components

MathType for Moodle consists of two types of components that work together to provide equation editing and rendering.

MathType filter

The MathType filter is responsible for rendering mathematical expressions throughout your Moodle site. This component is required for every installation.

Editor plugin (required)

The editor plugin adds the MathType and ChemType buttons to Moodle's text editor, allowing users to create and edit mathematical and chemical notation. Install the plugin that matches the editor used by your Moodle site.

Which editor plugin should I install?

• Install the TinyMCE plugin if your Moodle site uses the TinyMCE editor.
• Install the Atto plugin if your Moodle site uses the Atto editor.
• If both editors are enabled, install both plugins.

Steps

Download the required plugins

MathType components are available from the Moodle Marketplace, the official catalog of Moodle plugins and integrations. Open the MathType page in Moodle Marketplace and download the following plugin packages compatible with your Moodle version:

• The MathType filter (required).
• The MathType TinyMCE plugin, if your site uses TinyMCE.
• The MathType Atto plugin, if your site uses Atto.

Install the MathType filter

Choose the installation method that best matches your Moodle administration workflow.

Install from the Moodle administration interface (recommended)

1. Go to Site administration → Plugins → Install plugins.
2. Upload the downloaded plugin package.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Complete the Moodle upgrade process.

Install manually

If you manage your Moodle installation manually:

1. Download the plugin package from Moodle Marketplace.
2. Copy the plugin files to the appropriate Moodle plugin directory.
3. Open the Moodle Notifications page.
4. Complete the Moodle upgrade process.

Install the editor plugin

Repeat the same installation procedure for the editor plugin that matches your Moodle editor.

TinyMCE

Install the MathType TinyMCE plugin using either the Moodle administration interface or a manual installation.

Atto

Install the MathType Atto plugin using either the Moodle administration interface or a manual installation.

Complete the installation

Once the Moodle upgrade process finishes, all required components are installed automatically. Repeat the upgrade process if you install more than one plugin. No additional configuration is required at this stage.

Enable the MathType filter

1. Go to Site administration → Plugins → Filters → Manage filters.
2. Locate the MathType filter.
3. Enable the filter.

For best compatibility, the MathType filter must be the first in the list. For sure, it must be placed before Convert URLs into links and images

Verify it worked

To verify that the installation completed successfully:

1. Open any Moodle page that contains a supported text editor.
2. Confirm that the MathType button appears in the editor toolbar.
3. Insert a simple equation.
4. Save the content.
5. Verify that the equation is displayed correctly.

A more comprehensive validation, including the built-in diagnostic pages, is covered in Verify your installation.

Common errors

The plugin cannot be installed

Ensure that:

• Your Moodle version is supported.
• The downloaded package is complete.
• Moodle has permission to write to the plugin directories.

The Moodle upgrade does not complete

Review the Moodle upgrade logs and verify that all plugin files were copied correctly before running the upgrade again.

The MathType button does not appear

Ensure that:

• The correct editor plugin is installed.
• The plugin matches the editor configured in your Moodle site.
• The Moodle upgrade completed successfully.

Related

• MathType for Moodle: Overview.
• Configure MathType for Moodle.
• Verify your MathType for Moodle installation.
• MathType for Moodle settings reference.