Mathtype 6.8 [2021] May 2026

MathType 6.8 is a legacy version of the professional equation editor developed by Design Science

, now a part of Wiris. Released as an upgrade to the default "Equation Editor" in Microsoft Office, version 6.8 specifically addressed critical compatibility needs for then-modern computing environments. www.wiris.com Core Evolution and Compatibility The standout feature of MathType 6.8 was its support for 64-bit Microsoft Office 2010

. Before this release, users migrating to 64-bit Office lacked a fully integrated version of MathType. Scientific Computing World Application Synergy : It maintains compatibility with over 600 applications and websites , including platforms like , Mathematica, and Apple iWork. Windows Integration

: It was designed to run seamlessly on Windows 7, 8, and legacy XP/Vista systems. Case Western Reserve University Key Features of Version 6.8 Matrix Creation from Tables

: A major workflow improvement allowed users to copy a table from Excel or Word and paste it directly into MathType as a pre-formatted matrix. MathPage Technology

: This version enhanced the conversion of Word documents into web pages, ensuring that mathematical symbols displayed correctly and remained accessible to users with print disabilities Handwritten Input

: Users could write math equations by hand using a tablet or mouse, which the software then converted into digital notation. Shortcut Customization

: It offered customizable keyboard shortcuts for nearly every symbol and template, significantly speeding up the typing of complicated equations in fields like robotics and dynamics. The MathType Workflow

MathType follows professional typesetting rules, automatically adjusting spacing based on the mathematical context. Chartwell-Yorke Smart Spacing

: The software uses six different space widths to ensure "textbook-quality" results. Because of this, the standard spacebar is disabled by default mathtype 6.8

to prevent incorrect manual spacing, only becoming active when switched to "Text Mode". Formatting Control

: Users can format all equations in a document simultaneously via the "Format Equations" menu in Word. This allows for global changes to font sizes or styles without affecting the rest of the document's regular text Modern Context

While version 6.8 was a milestone for 64-bit Office 2010, it is now considered an older release. Current users of Word for Office 365 or Word 2016+ generally require MathType 7.x

MathType 6.8, released in May 2012 , is a powerful tool for creating professional mathematical equations. While it has been superseded by newer versions (like MathType 7), it remains highly effective for users on older Windows systems or those using legacy versions of Microsoft Office. 1. Installation and Setup To install MathType 6.8, you must have a valid product key. Run the Installer

: Double-click the installer file and agree to the license terms. Activation

: Select "Unlock MathType with a valid product key." Enter your name and organizational details as required. Integration

: Once installed, MathType typically appears as a dedicated tab in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. 2. Core Features of Version 6.8

MathType 6.8 introduced several key improvements specifically for document production: 64-bit Office Support

: It was the first version to fully support the 64-bit version of Microsoft Office 2010. Paste from Spreadsheet MathType 6

: A major feature is the ability to copy a table from Excel (or a web page) and paste it directly into MathType as a formatted matrix. Handwriting Recognition

: You can draw equations by hand using a stylus or mouse, and MathType will convert them into editable formulas. TeX/LaTeX Integration

: You can type TeX code directly into a Word document and convert it into a MathType equation. www.wiris.com Installation Guide MathType 6.8 ÷ - KTH

2. Seamless Integration with Older Office (2007-2016)

If you are using Microsoft Word 2010, 2013, or 2016, MathType 6.8 integrates flawlessly.

The Ribbon: It adds a native tab to the Word ribbon.
No Lag: Unlike some newer versions that rely on web-based rendering, 6.8 uses native Windows fonts (like MT Extra) and rendering, resulting in instant insertion speeds.
OLE Objects: It handles Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) perfectly, meaning your equations stay as editable objects rather than flat images.

Common Issues and Fixes for MathType 6.8

Even the best legacy software has quirks. Here are the most common problems:

"MathType cannot find access to a required library."
Fix: Reinstall using Administrator mode. Ensure C:\Program Files\MathType has full read/write permissions.

Equations look blurry in Word.
Fix: Turn off "Use vector graphics" in MathType preferences. Switch to "Enhanced Metafile (EMF)" export.

The ribbon tab disappeared after Windows update.
Fix: Run the MathType installer again, select "Modify," and recheck the Office integration boxes.

Can't open MathType 6.8 on macOS Catalina or newer.
Fix: The 32-bit code will not run. You must use a virtual machine (Parallels with Windows 7) or upgrade to MathType 7+. The Ribbon: It adds a native tab to the Word ribbon

1. The Last of the "Perpetual" Era

If you dislike software subscriptions, MathType 6.8 represents the end of an era. It was the last version widely distributed under a perpetual license. You bought it once, you owned it. There is no "Software as a Service" (SaaS) model, no mandatory cloud storage, and no monthly fee. For a one-time installation on a lab computer or a personal laptop, this is a massive win.

What Exactly is MathType 6.8?

MathType is a powerful interactive equation editor developed by Design Science (now part of Wiris). It allows users to create mathematical notations for word processing, web pages, desktop publishing, and e-learning. Version 6.8, launched in the early 2010s, was a maintenance and feature update to the version 6 line.

Unlike the stripped-down Equation Editor included with Microsoft Office, MathType 6.8 offers professional-grade features: automatic numbering, cross-referencing, multiple output formats (TeX, LaTeX, MathML), and a vast library of symbols and templates.

The "Hidden" Killer Feature: Batch Equation Conversion

For any institution migrating from old Word documents (.doc) to new formats, MathType 6.8’s batch converter was a lifesaver. You could point the software to a folder containing 500 Word documents. It would:

Open each file automatically.
Find every Microsoft Equation 3.0 object.
Convert it to a MathType object (higher resolution, better scaling).
Close and save the file.

No other free tool at the time could do this. This is why archivists still keep a MathType 6.8 VM (Virtual Machine) running.

How to Install MathType 6.8 on Modern Windows (The Right Way)

Legal Disclaimer: You must own a valid license key. Wiris no longer sells version 6 licenses. This guide is for existing license holders.

If you have your original installer (e.g., MathType6.8_Setup.exe) and your 25-character product key, follow this safe method:

Run in Compatibility Mode: Right-click the installer → Properties → Compatibility → Run this program in compatibility mode for Windows 7.
Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Old activation code generation can trigger false positives. Disable real-time scanning (and re-enable after).
Install to Default Path: Do NOT attempt to install to Program Files (x86) manually. Let it default.
Patch Office Integration: After install, open Word → File → Options → Add-ins. Ensure MathType Commands 6 and MathType Add-in are enabled.
Avoid 64-bit Office: If possible, use 32-bit Office 2016. 64-bit Office has known "can't load DLL" errors with 6.8.

2. Handwriting Recognition (Ink Entry)

Before touchscreens were ubiquitous, MathType 6.8 introduced a revolutionary feature: ink input. Using a mouse or stylus, you could write a symbol (like an integral or a complex fraction), and the software would convert it to typeset math. This dramatically sped up equation creation for users who disliked palettes.