2.2 MathType

MathType is an equation editor which works with Microsoft Word. It provides functionality to style equations to the requirements of the reader, can provide a larger print interface than the standard Word equation editor, can be used with keyboard alone, mouse alone and can provide larger target click areas for users who have mobility difficulties.

We use Word and MathType to transform the output from LibreOffice to a Word document which is flexible for the end user and can be edited in these modes.

We will also use MathType to enhance the accessibility of documents written directly in Word and to produce XHTML and MathML output from this format suitable for use with text-to-speech and screenreading technology.

Installation

MathType is available from http://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathtype/. Information regarding accessibility features can be found at http://www.dessci.com/en/support/mathplayer/tsn/tsn112.htm.

For Word 2010 the most recent version of MathType (6.8) is required for output of XHTML and MathML.

Usage

To import carry out the final step in the conversion from L^aT_eX  to Word and MathType format (see sections 1.2 and 2.1 for earlier steps in this process):

1. Open the output file.docx from LibreOffice.

2. Click on the MathType ribbon tab.

3. Click on Convert Equations, a pop-up window opens:

   • Equation types to convert: tick all boxes..

   • Range: Whole document.

   • Convert equations to: MathType equations (OLE objects).

   • Click Convert: If the file contains a substantial number of equations this step may take a long time to complete and it may appear that Word is not responding or displaying correctly. It will eventually finish if left!

The same process can be used to convert equations in documents written using the Word equation editor.

To export an XHTML and MathML version of a document written in Word:

1. Click on the MathType ribbon tab.

2. Click on Publish to MathPage. In the pop up window:

   • Title: enter the title of the document.

   • Equations: Select MathML using (drop down box): XHTML+MathML.

   • Click OK: If the file contains a substantial number of equations this step may take a long time to complete and it may appear that Word is not responding or displaying correctly. It will eventually finish if left!