Full MathML mode

Reference describing how MathType stores and displays formulas in Full MathML mode.

Summary

Full MathML mode is the default operating mode for MathType integrations version 3.50 and later. In this mode, formulas are stored as MathML and delivered to the browser in the same format. The WIRISplugins.js viewer is then responsible for rendering the formulas for display.

How Full MathML mode works

In Full MathML mode:

• The editor produces MathML.
• The MathML is stored with the content.
• The MathML is delivered to the browser unchanged.
• WIRISplugins.js renders the MathML for display.

This approach preserves the original mathematical semantics while providing high-quality rendering across browsers.

Rendering flow

Requirements

Full MathML mode requires:

• MathType integrations version 3.50 or later.
• Formulas stored as MathML (wiriseditorsavemode=xml).
• WIRISplugins.js loaded when displaying formulas.

Accessibility

Because the original MathML is preserved, Full MathML mode provides better accessibility than legacy image-based storage. When formulas are rendered as images, WIRISplugins.js automatically generates accessible alternative text for the rendered output.

Legacy image mode

Before version 3.50, MathType integrations typically stored formulas as image elements. In image mode:

• Formulas are stored as <img> elements.
• MathML is embedded inside the image using the data-mathml attribute.
• Rendering is performed before the content reaches the browser.

Image mode is still supported for compatibility with existing deployments, but is not recommended for new integrations.

Version compatibility

Older integrations required explicit configuration to enable Full MathML mode. Current integrations use it by default.

Notes

• Full MathML mode is the recommended operating mode for all new deployments.
• Existing image-based content can be migrated without losing the embedded MathML.
• The rendering format (SVG, PNG, and others) is independent of the formula storage mode.

Related articles

• Configure rendering output.
• Configure WIRISplugins.js.
• Migrate MathType image formulas to MathML.
• Modified XML encoding for MathML.
• Supported rendering formats.