Handwritten input

Handwritten input lets you create mathematical expressions by writing naturally with a finger, stylus, digital pen, or mouse. As you write, MathType recognizes your handwriting and converts it into a formatted mathematical expression.

Handwritten input is especially useful on touch-enabled devices, although it can also be used with a mouse.

For examples of supported handwriting patterns, see the handwriting gallery.

The handwriting interface

As you write, MathType continuously recognizes handwritten strokes and displays a preview of the interpreted mathematical expression in the lower-right corner of the workspace.

The recognition engine is optimized for mathematical notation. When a handwritten expression could represent either text or mathematics, MathType assumes the mathematical interpretation.

For example, the handwritten expression by is interpreted as the variables b and y, rather than the English word.

Correct handwritten input

Handwriting recognition is designed to adapt as you write, but you can easily correct strokes whenever necessary.

Erase a stroke

The quickest way to remove part of an expression is to scribble over the unwanted stroke until it turns red.

You can also use the Undo and Clear buttons described later in this article.

Context-aware recognition

MathType uses the surrounding mathematical context to improve recognition accuracy.

In the final example of the animation above, the handwritten differential symbol d closely resembles the digit zero. Even so, MathType correctly recognizes it as a differential because of the mathematical context.

Handwriting toolbar

The handwriting workspace includes a small toolbar that provides the most common editing actions.

Button	Purpose
	Undo the last action.
	Redo the last undone action.
	Remove all handwritten strokes from the workspace.
	Open the handwriting help.
	Switch to the classic visual editor.

Switching between handwriting and classic input

You can switch between handwriting input and the classic visual editor at any time while editing the same expression.

Switch to the classic editor

Click the Classic input button in the handwriting toolbar.

Edit the expression

The expression opens in the classic MathType editor, where you can use all formatting and editing tools.

Return to handwriting mode

Switch back to handwriting mode whenever you want to continue writing naturally.

When to use the classic editor

Handwritten input supports most mathematical notation, but some formatting options are only available in the classic editor.

For example, if you need to apply bold non-italic formatting to a variable, switch to the classic editor, apply the formatting, and continue editing there.

Related resources

• Getting started with MathType
• Using MathType
• Toolbar and keyboard shortcuts