Move MathType equations between Microsoft Word and Google Docs

Move documents containing MathType equations between Microsoft Word and Google Docs while keeping the equations editable with MathType.

After completing this guide, you will be able to edit MathType equations after moving a document from Microsoft Word to Google Docs or from Google Docs to Microsoft Word.

Before you begin

Requirements

Before moving your document, make sure that:

• MathType for Microsoft 365 is installed and activated if you need to work with equations in Microsoft Word.
• MathType for Google Workspace is installed and activated if you need to work with equations in Google Docs.
• You have access to the document in both the source and destination applications.

Compatibility considerations

MathType supports bidirectional compatibility between equations created with the MathType for Microsoft 365 in Word and the MathType for Google Docs. When you move a document between applications, the equations must be opened and reinserted with MathType in the destination application before they are converted to the destination format.

Steps

Move equations from Microsoft Word to Google Docs

Prepare Google Chrome

If you use the Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides Chrome extension, it can prevent the Word document from opening in the required Google Docs format. Before continuing, disable or remove the extension, depending on your Chrome configuration.

Convert the Word document to Google Docs

1. Upload the Word document to Google Drive.
2. Open the document with Google Docs.
3. Select File > Save as Google Docs.

Convert an equation to Google Docs format

1. Open the MathType add-on.
2. Select the equation you want to convert.
3. Select Open MathType or Open ChemType, depending on the type of notation.
4. Review or edit the equation if needed.
5. Insert the equation into the document again.

Repeat this process for the equations you want to edit with MathType in Google Docs.

Move equations from Google Docs to Microsoft Word

Download the document as a Word file

1. In Google Docs, select File > Download > Microsoft Word (.docx).
2. Open the downloaded document in Microsoft Word.

Convert an equation to the MathType for Microsoft 365 format

1. Open the MathType add-in in Microsoft Word.
2. Select the equation you want to convert.
3. Select Insert and edit math or Insert and edit chemistry, depending on the type of notation.
4. Review or edit the equation if needed.
5. Insert the equation into the document again.

Repeat this process for the equations you want to edit with the MathType in Microsoft Word.

Verify it worked

To verify that an equation was successfully converted to the destination format:

1. Select one of the converted equations.
2. Open it with MathType.
3. Make a small change to the equation.
4. Insert it into the document again.

If the equation opens, can be edited, and is correctly reinserted, the transfer was successful.

Accessibility considerations

Moving MathType equations between Microsoft Word and Google Docs changes the format used to store the equation. The converted equation may therefore differ in how screen readers process the information included in its Accessible Text.

The mathematical content of the equation remains available after conversion.

Troubleshooting

The MathType for Google Workspace does not appear after opening a Word document in Google Docs

Make sure the document has been converted to native Google Docs format. In Google Docs, select File > Save as Google Docs. The MathType add-on becomes available after the document is converted from Microsoft Word (.docx) format to Google Docs format.

The Word document does not open correctly in Google Docs

If you use the Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides Chrome extension, it may interfere with the conversion workflow. Disable or remove the extension, then reopen the document in Google Docs.

I cannot edit a MathType 7 equation in Google Docs

Equations created with MathType 7 must first be converted to the MathType for Microsoft 365 format in Microsoft Word. See Convert MathType 7 equations to MathType for Microsoft 365.

I cannot edit a Microsoft Word equation in Google Docs

Equations created with Microsoft Word's native equation editor cannot be edited with the MathType for Google Workspace. This workflow applies to equations created or converted to the MathType for Microsoft 365 format.

I can see an equation, but cannot edit it after moving the document

The equation may not yet have been converted to the destination MathType format. Select the equation, open it with MathType, and insert it into the document again. Reinserting the equation converts it to the format used by the destination application.

Related

• MathType for Microsoft 365: Overview.
• MathType for Google Workspace: Overview.
• Convert MathType 7 equations to MathType for Microsoft 365.
• Get started with MathType in Microsoft Word.
• Get started with MathType for Google Wrokspace.