MathType

Name: MathType
Availability: InStock
Author: Design Science, Inc.

MathType is an equation editor that integrates with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs, and other applications to let you create mathematical notation ranging from simple fractions to multi-line differential equations. It provides both a visual point and click interface and direct LaTeX input for building formulas.

What it does

The editor opens as a dedicated window with toolbars organized by symbol category: Greek letters, operators, arrows, set theory, matrices, and common templates for fractions, roots, integrals, and summations. You build an equation by clicking symbols and typing values into placeholder slots, and MathType renders the result in properly formatted mathematical typography. When you close the editor window, the finished equation is inserted into your document as an object that you can resize and reposition.

For users comfortable with LaTeX, a toggle switches the editor to a text input mode where you type raw LaTeX code and see it rendered in real time. MathType can also convert between LaTeX and MathML, which is useful when equations need to appear both in printed documents and on web pages. Automatic equation numbering in Word documents keeps references consistent when you add or remove equations, without the need to renumber manually.

Advantages

Deep integration with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint through a dedicated ribbon tab
Supports both visual WYSIWYG editing and direct LaTeX input in the same editor
Converts equations between LaTeX, MathML, plain text, and image formats for use across platforms
Handles notation from basic algebra through advanced calculus, linear algebra, and statistics

Drawbacks

Requires a subscription after the trial period, which adds up for occasional users
Equations inserted as objects in Word can sometimes shift position when the document layout changes
Google Docs integration works through a sidebar panel that is slower than the native Word plugin
Pure LaTeX users may find the visual editor unnecessary since Overleaf and similar tools are free

Who it is for

I started using MathType during university when Word's built in equation editor could not handle the notation I needed for my coursework, and I still use it whenever a document requires properly typeset formulas. The visual editor is fast for building equations when you know what you want but do not remember the LaTeX syntax, and the LaTeX toggle is there for when you do. If you write academic papers, prepare teaching materials, or create technical documentation that includes mathematical notation, MathType saves real time compared to fighting with Word's native tools. Students and researchers who already work entirely in LaTeX through Overleaf will not need it, but for anyone whose workflow centers on Word or PowerPoint, it fills a gap that nothing else covers as smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MathType free?

MathType offers a trial period. After the trial, a subscription is required. There is also a lite version with limited features available through the MathType add-in for Word.

Does MathType work with Google Docs?

Yes. MathType integrates with Google Docs through a sidebar add-on. The workflow is slower than the native Word plugin because equations are built in the sidebar rather than inline.

Can MathType accept LaTeX input?

Yes. A toggle switches the editor between visual mode and LaTeX input mode. You can type raw LaTeX and see it rendered in real time, or use the visual toolbar for point-and-click equation building.

What is the difference between MathType and Word's built-in equation editor?

Word's equation editor handles basic formulas. MathType adds a larger symbol library, LaTeX input, automatic equation numbering, MathML export, and better formatting control for complex expressions.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Equation insertion into Microsoft Word	MathType tab in Word › Inline or Display › Opens editor › Build equation › Close › Equation inserted into the document.
2	LaTeX equation creation	In the MathType editor › Toggle TeX › Enter LaTeX code › Equation renders live in the preview window.
3	Fraction and square root creation	Templates toolbar › Fractions › Select fraction style › Click in the fields and type numerator/denominator. Similarly Radicals for roots.
4	Equation editing in Google Docs	Google Docs › Add-ons › MathType › Open editor in the side panel › Build equation › Insert › Inserted into the document.
5	Equation editing in PowerPoint	MathType tab in PowerPoint › Insert Equation › Build formula › Close › Equation appears as an object on the slide.
6	Mathematical symbol insertion	Toolbars in the editor › Tabs: Greek, Operators, Arrows, Sets › Click a symbol › Inserted at the cursor position.
7	Equation export as images	In the MathType editor › File › Save Copy As › Select format (PNG/GIF/EPS) › Saves the equation as a graphics file.
8	Matrix and array creation	Templates toolbar › Matrices › Select size (e.g. 3x3) › Fill in cells › Option to add square or round brackets.
9	Automatic equation numbering	In Word › MathType › Insert Number › Right-numbered Display › Equation with a number in parentheses on the right.
10	LaTeX to MathML conversion	In the editor › Toggle TeX › Type LaTeX › MathType converts it to MathML (and vice versa) › Useful for web publications.