Advanced features

Learn how to inspect and edit the code behind a MathType equation using the MathML and LaTeX debug windows.

Before you begin

• Requirements: Familiarity with MathML or LaTeX and access to the MathType editor using a physical keyboard.
• Applies to: MathType Web on Windows and macOS.

Inspect or edit an equation using MathML

The MathML debug window displays the MathML representation of the current equation. You can inspect the code, edit it directly, or replace it with MathML copied from another source.

Steps

1. Open or create the equation you want to inspect.
2. Press Ctrl+Shift+X to open the MathML debug window. The shortcut is the same on Windows and macOS.
3. Review or edit the MathML displayed in the window. You can also replace it with MathML copied from another document.
4. Select Submit Query to apply the code.
5. Review the equation in the MathType editing area.

Verify it worked

• The MathType editing area updates after you select Submit Query.
• The rendered equation reflects the changes made to the MathML.
• You can continue editing the resulting equation using the MathType toolbar.

Options and variations

• To inspect the code without changing the equation: Open the debug window, review the MathML, and close it without selecting Submit Query.
• To replace the complete equation: Replace all the existing code with valid MathML and select Submit Query.
• To edit only part of the equation: Modify the corresponding MathML elements without replacing the rest of the code.
• To report an equation issue: Copy the MathML from the debug window and include it in the information provided to WIRIS Technical Support.

Inspect or edit an equation using LaTeX

The LaTeX debug window displays a LaTeX representation of the current equation. You can edit the code directly or replace it with LaTeX copied from another source.

Steps

1. Open or create the equation you want to inspect.
2. Press Ctrl+Shift+L to open the LaTeX debug window. The shortcut is the same on Windows and macOS.
3. Review or edit the LaTeX displayed in the window. You can also replace it with LaTeX copied from another document.
4. Select Submit Query to apply the code.
5. Review the equation in the MathType editing area.

Verify it worked

• The MathType editing area updates after you select Submit Query.
• The rendered equation reflects the changes made to the LaTeX.
• The resulting equation remains editable using the MathType toolbar.

Options and variations

• To inspect the code without changing the equation: Open the debug window, review the LaTeX, and close it without selecting Submit Query.
• To replace the complete equation: Replace all the existing code with supported LaTeX and select Submit Query.
• To edit only part of the equation: Modify the corresponding LaTeX commands without replacing the rest of the code.
• To report an equation issue: Copy the LaTeX from the debug window and include it in the information provided to WIRIS Technical Support.

Choose between MathML and LaTeX

• Use the MathML debug window when you need to inspect MathType’s internal equation structure, investigate supported elements and attributes, or exchange MathML with another application.
• Use the LaTeX debug window when the source content is LaTeX or when editing the equation is easier using LaTeX commands.
• Use the visual editor when the required change can be made using the MathType toolbar. Direct code editing is intended for advanced use and troubleshooting.

Common errors

• The debug window does not open: Confirm that the MathType editing area is active before pressing the shortcut.
• The browser performs another action: The browser, operating system, or surrounding application may be intercepting the shortcut. Return focus to the MathType editing area and try again.
• The equation does not change: Select Submit Query after editing the code.
• The equation renders incorrectly: The submitted code may be invalid or may contain unsupported MathML elements, attributes, or LaTeX commands. Correct the code and submit it again.
• Some MathML information disappears: MathType converts the submitted MathML into its internal model. Unsupported elements and attributes may be ignored or converted.
• The LaTeX result differs from the source: MathType supports a defined subset of LaTeX and may normalize the expression during conversion.

Related

• Reference: MathML coverage
• Reference: LaTeX support
• How to copy and exchange equations