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MathType

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MathType
DeveloperWiris
Initial release1987 (as MathType by Design Science)
Stable release
7.10.1.458 / 4th of November of 2025
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows, macOS, ChromeOS (via web)
PlatformDesktop; Web
Available inMultilingual
TypeEquation editor
LicenseProprietary commercial software
Websitewww.wiris.com/en/mathtype/

MathType is a proprietary equation editor used to create mathematical notation and scientific expressions for digital documents, web pages, and learning environments. It is developed and maintained by the educational technology company Wiris, based in Barcelona, Spain.[1] MathType allows users to compose and edit formulas visually or using markup languages such as LaTeX, MathML, and AsciiMath. It is widely adopted by educators, researchers, and publishers for writing equations in word processors, presentation tools, and learning management systems (LMS). MathType is available as both a desktop and a cloud-based application, integrating with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Moodle, Canvas, and Schoology.[2]

Overview

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MathType provides a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface for writing and editing mathematical notation. It supports a wide range of symbols and structures, including algebra, calculus, matrices, statistics, and logic. Users can create equations using visual palettes, handwriting input, or markup code. The software can import and export LaTeX and MathML, ensuring compatibility with publishing tools and web standards.[3]

History

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MathType was originally developed by the U.S.-based company Design Science and first released in 1987.[4] During the 1990s and 2000s, it became widely known for its integration with Microsoft Office, where it was bundled as the default equation editor in Word and PowerPoint. In 2017, the technology and brand were acquired by Wiris, which subsequently developed modern, cross-platform versions including web and cloud-based editors compatible with online productivity suites.[5][6][7]

Features

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  • Visual editing: toolbar palettes and dialogs for symbols, templates, and structures.
  • Markup support: editing and conversion using LaTeX, MathML, and AsciiMath.
  • Handwriting input: web-based handwriting recognition for touchscreens and styluses.
  • Interoperability: export/import to common formats for publishing and web use.
  • Accessibility: generation of accessible MathML compatible with screen readers and assistive technologies.[8]

Integrations

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MathType integrates with major office suites and LMS platforms through add-ins and plugins:

Technical description

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MathType for Office Tools is a suite of equation-editing solutions designed to support mathematical and chemical notation across multiple productivity platforms.[12]

Supported technologies and platforms

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MathType supports desktop applications such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint via the MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365, which works on Windows, macOS, Word for the web, and iPad. It also supports cloud tools such as Google Docs and Google Slides via the MathType for Google Workspace add-on, accessible across operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS. MathType supports both mathematical and chemical notation and integrates directly into the Office ribbon or the Google Workspace menu.[13]

Editing modes and markup support

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Users can insert equations using a visual WYSIWYG editor or through handwriting input on touch-enabled devices, which MathType converts into formatted notation. It also supports markup languages such as LaTeX, MathML, and AsciiMath for equation import and export. The desktop version allows users to toggle between TeX code and MathML representations within Microsoft Word documents.[14]

Compatibility and interoperability

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Equations created in one platform (for example, Google Docs) are compatible with other environments (such as Microsoft Word) when using MathType’s standardized encoding formats. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft Office and maintains cross-platform interoperability between macOS and Windows installations.[15]

System requirements and installation

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The desktop version requires approximately 35 MB of free disk space and supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and macOS from El Capitan onward. The Microsoft 365 add-in requires Office version 16.0.13628 or later and is installed via the Office Add-ins interface. Both the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace integrations share the same user license.[16]

Workflow and usage

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In Word or PowerPoint, the MathType button appears on the ribbon; clicking “Open MathType” launches the equation editor, where users compose formulas and then insert them into the document. The add-in supports both classic and handwriting modes. On Google Workspace, MathType is launched from the Extensions menu in Docs or Slides.[17]

Licensing and limitations

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MathType offers a free 30-day trial with full editing features. After the trial expires, users can view and print equations but cannot edit or create new ones without a license. A single subscription covers multiple environments including Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace integrations.[18]

Technology

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MathType employs a proprietary rendering engine and supports MathML and LaTeX for interoperability with web and publishing platforms. The web-based version operates through JavaScript and API-based add-ins, allowing real-time editing and synchronization across browsers and devices.

Accessibility and standards

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MathType supports accessibility standards such as MathML and ARIA roles, enabling assistive technologies to interpret mathematical content semantically. Formulas can be embedded into HTML5 documents or exported in accessible PDF formats. Its commitment to MathML ensures compatibility with W3C web standards.[19]

Reception

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MathType has been reviewed by independent technology and education outlets for its ease of use and integration with Microsoft and Google platforms. *eLearn Magazine* highlighted the acquisition of Design Science by Wiris as a major step in consolidating equation editing tools across platforms,[20] while *G2* user reviews frequently cite its flexibility and compatibility as key advantages.[21]

Licensing

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MathType is distributed under a commercial license, with subscriptions available for individuals, schools, and institutions. A free trial version is typically offered for evaluation. The licensing model includes MathType for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and LMS integrations.[22]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "About Wiris". Wiris. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  2. ^ "What is MathType?". Wiris. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  3. ^ "MathType features". Wiris. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  4. ^ "Design Science: Company history". Design Science (archived). Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  5. ^ "Wiris acquires MathType". Wiris. 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  6. ^ "WIRIS Acquires Design Science To Rule The Multiplatform Math Equation Editing Market". eLearn Magazine. 25 September 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  7. ^ "MathType y WIRIS unen sus fuerzas con el apoyo de Inveready". Capital-Riesgo.es. 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  8. ^ "Accessibility in MathType". Wiris. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  9. ^ "MathType for Microsoft 365". Microsoft. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  10. ^ "MathType for Google Docs". Google. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  11. ^ "MathType for LMS". Wiris. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  12. ^ "MathType Office Tools documentation". Wiris. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  13. ^ "MathType Add-in for Microsoft 365". Wiris. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  14. ^ "MathType 7 for Windows and Mac". Wiris. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  15. ^ "MathType for Office Tools FAQ". Wiris. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  16. ^ "Installation and requirements". Wiris. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  17. ^ "Using MathType in Microsoft 365". Wiris. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  18. ^ "MathType licensing". Wiris. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  19. ^ "MathML and accessibility". W3C. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  20. ^ "WIRIS Acquires Design Science To Rule The Multiplatform Math Equation Editing Market". eLearn Magazine. 25 September 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  21. ^ "MathType Reviews 2025: Details, Pricing, & Features". G2. 17 June 2025. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  22. ^ "MathType licensing". Wiris. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
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