# MathType

> Software for Type And Design Formulas and numerical expressions

**Wikidata**: [Q1191074](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1191074)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MathType)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mathtype

## Summary
MathType is proprietary software developed by Design Science for typing and designing formulas and numerical expressions. First released in 1987, it functions as a formula editor compatible with Microsoft Windows and integrates specifically with applications like Microsoft Word.

## Key Facts
- **Developer:** Design Science.
- **Category:** Proprietary software (Formula editor).
- **Initial Release:** 1987 (Version 1.0).
- **Operating System:** Microsoft Windows.
- **Primary Use:** Integration with Microsoft Word.
- **Industry Classification:** Prepackaged Software (SIC code 7372).
- **Latest Referenced Version:** 6.9 (released in 2013).
- **License Status:** Copyrighted, proprietary license.
- **Official Website:** https://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathtype (Available in English, Spanish, and Italian).

## FAQs
### Q: What is MathType used for?
A: MathType is a formula editor used to type and design mathematical formulas and numerical expressions. It is primarily utilized to integrate complex mathematical notation into documents like Microsoft Word.

### Q: Who developed MathType?
A: MathType was developed by the company Design Science.

### Q: What operating systems does MathType run on?
A: Based on provided data, MathType runs on Microsoft Windows.

### Q: Is MathType free to use?
A: No, MathType is proprietary software released under a license that restricts use, study, or redistribution. It is classified as copyrighted commercial software.

## Why It Matters
MathType plays a critical role in the fields of education, scientific research, and technical publishing by bridging the gap between standard text processing and complex mathematical notation. Before the widespread adoption of native equation editors in word processors, MathType provided an essential, dedicated environment for creating high-quality, printer-friendly formulas. Its long development history—spanning from 1987 to at least 2013—demonstrates its sustained utility in the "Prepackaged Software" industry.

By allowing users to design formulas visually rather than via command-line coding (like early LaTeX), it made mathematical typesetting accessible to a wider audience, including those without a background in computer programming. Its specific integration with Microsoft Word solidified its place as a standard tool in academic and professional workflows where technical accuracy in documentation is paramount.

## Notable For
- **Longevity:** A development history spanning decades, with Version 1.0 released in 1987 and updates continuing through Version 6.9 in 2013.
- **Ecosystem Integration:** Specifically recognized for its "use" value with Microsoft Word, embedding directly into the word processing workflow.
- **Global Accessibility:** Its official website and documentation support multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Italian, with Wikipedia entries available in over 10 languages (including Japanese, Korean, and French).
- **Proprietary Standard:** Distinguished as a copyrighted, proprietary solution in a market segment that includes various open-source alternatives.

## Body
### Overview and Classification
MathType is a software application classified as a "formula editor" and "proprietary software." It falls under the industry of Prepackaged Software (SIC code 7372). The software is copyrighted and distributed under a proprietary license, restricting unauthorized redistribution. It is known by the alias "数学类型" in Chinese contexts.

### Development and Version History
Developed by Design Science, MathType has a well-documented release timeline dating back to the late 1980s.
- **1987:** Version 1.0 is published.
- **1997:** Version 3.5 is released.
- **1999:** Version 4.0 is released.
- **2001:** Version 5.0 is released.
- **2007:** Version 6.0 is released.
- **2008–2013:** Rapid updates occurred during this window, including versions 6.5 (2008), 6.6 (2009), 6.7 (2010), 6.8 (2012), and 6.9 (2013).

### Technical Platform and Usage
MathType is designed to operate on **Microsoft Windows**, the operating system family developed by Microsoft (inception 1985). The primary utility of the software is its ability to generate formulas for use within **Microsoft Word**.

Technical identifiers for the software include:
- **Wine AppDB ID:** 5593
- **Freebase ID:** /m/08tqj0
- **Zhihu Topic ID:** 19664965

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora