When all else fails, most applications that handle embedded content of any kind in documents can handle equations as images. MathType has extensive support for saving equations as high quality images in many formats.

In general, MathType can save equations in several graphics formats, and by storing private equation data in the images files, MathType can reopen image files it has created for editing. You can also use the Web and GIF Preferences dialog to specify that HTML image tags or any other markup you need be copied to the clipboard each time you save an image. These features make MathType very convenient to use with applications that use images.

Since support for images is so widespread, treating equations as images may be your only option for including math formulas in many applications. However, images are a somewhat primitive way to handle equations in general. It is often difficult to align the equations with the surrounding text, and it can be tricky matching the font size to the size of the equation image. Details on the best way to tackle those problems vary widely from application. You best resource for how to control sizing and position of images in a given application will be its own documentation.

Below are some general tips on using MathType to import and export images to other applications.

Creating Equation Images with MathType

To save an equation image from MathType, go to the File menu and choose the Save As command. Use the Save type as pull down to select an Image type. The choices are:

Encapsulated PostScript/none
Encapsulated PostScript/WMF
Encapsulated PostScript/TIFF
Windows Metafile (WMF)
Graphics Interchange Format (GIF)

For working with desktop publishing applications, Encapsulated PostScript format (EPS) is handy. For putting equations on web pages or working with web-based applications, the GIF format is best. WMF works will in many Windows applications.

Automatic File Numbering

If you intend to create many equation files for use in another application, it can be handy to give them numbered file names, like "eqn003.eps". MathType can help you do this by automatically filling in the File name box in the Save As dialog with a name that follows a pattern you supply.

To enable this feature, check the Automatic file numbering option, and edit the pattern in the File name pattern box and the number in the Next number box. For example, if you enter a pattern of "eqn#" and a next number of 8, the next 3 equations you save will have names of "eqn8", "eqn9", and "eqn10".

Editing Equation Images In MathType

Equation Images created by MathType can be reopened for editing in MathType. When you need to edit an equation, use MathType's Open command on the File menu to open the file. Once you have made your edits, close the window and save changes when asked.

Technically this is accomplished by embedding structure data in the image files as comments. For details, consult the MathType SDK.

Web and GIF Preferences

Several additional useful settings and preferences for working with images in MathType are accessible from the Web and GIF Preferences option under the Preferences menu. This dialog allows you to:

Set the resolution, dots-per-inch (dpi), of the GIF equation files you save;
Set the background color for GIF files;
Adjust GIF options such as transparency and smoothing.
Set HTML/text to be copied to the clipboard when a GIF is saved.

For consult the MathType Help system for detailed information about each of the controls and options in this dialog.

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