Mathtype 6.9b
As of the writing of this report, MathType 6.9b is considered End of Life (EOL).
Rating: 7.5/10 (Excellent for legacy use; poor for modern workflows)
MathType 6.9b is a masterpiece of software engineering from the pre-SaaS era. It is fast, reliable, and gets the job done. However, it is not future-proof.
If you run Windows 10 with Office 2016, this is your perfect tool. If you use Office 365 or a Mac, you must upgrade to MathType 7 or learn to love Word’s native equation editor.
Have you tried using MathType 6.9b on Windows 11? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
Why 6.9b? The “b” indicates a maintenance release, but it was significant. It fixed several critical bugs from 6.9 and 6.9a, particularly:
For users burned by earlier updates, 6.9b became the trusted “don’t upgrade past this” version.
MathType 6.9b functions primarily as an OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) object and a COM Add-in.
MathType 6.9b is more than obsolete software—it is a testament to the era when tools were designed to last. It does not require a login, does not phone home for validation every 30 days, and does not hold your documents hostage if you miss a subscription payment.
For the user running Windows 7, 8, or 10 with 32-bit Office, there is no better equation editor. Even on modern systems, with a few tweaks, it continues to function admirably.
That said, the future is 64-bit, cloud-first, and collaborative. While 6.9b will always have a place in our hearts (and on our old laptops), new users should weigh the compatibility trade-offs carefully. But for the dedicated writer of technical documents who values control, permanence, and raw speed, MathType 6.9b remains the undisputed champion.
Have questions about migrating your old MathType equations to a new system? Or tips for keeping 6.9b alive on Windows 11? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Review: MathType 6.9b — The Reliable Workhorse for Academic Publishing
MathType 6.9b, released in 2015, remains a pivotal version for many professionals in academic publishing and technical writing. While newer versions like MathType 7 have introduced subscription models and broader cloud integration, version 6.9b is often cited for its stability and essential compatibility with older desktop environments. Key Features and Functionalities
Comprehensive Symbol Library: The software includes over 500 specialized symbols and templates for algebra, matrices, sets, and geometry. mathtype 6.9b
High-Quality Output: It generates professional-grade equations that can be exported as high-resolution images (EPS, SVG, PDF, and PNG) suitable for desktop publishing.
Multilingual Support: This version supports various languages, including English, German, and Arabic, including right-to-left notation and mirrored symbols.
ChemType Integration: Includes a specialized toolbar for inorganic chemistry notation, allowing users to create chemical formulas as easily as math equations. Compatibility and Integration
MathType 6.9b is specifically notable for its bridge between legacy and modern office suites:
Microsoft Office: It provides essential support for Word 2013 and Word 2016, including Office 365 desktop versions.
Third-Party Publishing Tools: Many users continue to use 6.9b for its reliable integration with Adobe InDesign, where equations are imported as editable EPS files.
Legacy Systems: It remains compatible with older operating systems like Windows Vista and Windows 7, making it a "forever" tool for users on stable, older hardware. User Experience: Pros and Cons
Reviewers from platforms like TrustRadius and Softonic highlight the following: Pros Cons Intuitive Interface: Easy for beginners to learn quickly.
Aesthetic: The desktop interface can feel dated compared to modern web apps.
Speed: Significantly faster for typing long, complex equations than standard Word editors.
Learning Curve: Advanced features and alignment rendering can be tricky for new users.
Accessibility: Strong compliance with WCAG 2.0 standards for screen readers.
Font Glitches: Occasional issues when importing equations into design software like InDesign. Final Verdict
For users who prefer a perpetual license over a subscription or those working in highly specific publishing workflows (like InDesign or legacy Office), MathType 6.9b is an indispensable tool. While it lacks the "modern" look and some of the AI handwriting improvements of the newest MathType releases, its reliability and output quality remain the industry standard. Installation: MathFlow for Arbortext - Wiris As of the writing of this report, MathType 6
MathType 6.9b Product Report MathType 6.9b is a legacy version of the professional equation editor used for creating mathematical notation in word processors, presentations, and e-learning platforms. While it has largely been succeeded by subscription-based models, it remains a common requirement in specific academic and publishing workflows. Product Overview
Purpose: An interactive editor for Windows and Mac that generates equations for Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, TeX, LaTeX, and MathML.
Developer: Originally developed by Design Science, the software is now part of the Wiris product suite.
Compliance: Supports keyboard navigation and screen readers, maintaining compliance with WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards. Version 6.9b Specifics
Security Update (6.9c): Version 6.9b was famously succeeded by a security patch labeled 6.9c. Users should note that even after updating to 6.9c, the "About" screen in the Microsoft Word tab may still incorrectly report the version as 6.9b, while the standalone MathType application will correctly show 6.9c.
Publishing Requirements: Major publishers like Springer Nature specifically mandate the use of MathType 6.9b or higher for equation submission to ensure compatibility with their layout processes. Common Issues & Solutions
Clipboard & Rendering: Users transitioning to new hardware often face issues where equations are pasted as uneditable images. This is typically resolved by re-installing the truetype.exe font package included with the official MathType 6.9b installer.
Symbol Conversion: Some users report difficulty converting specific bullet characters from Microsoft's native OMML format into MathType 6.9b format, which may require manual adjustment. Current Availability
MathType has transitioned to a cross-platform subscription model. You can find current versions for modern workflows at the following locations:
Google Workspace: Available as an add-in for Docs and Slides via the Google Workspace Marketplace.
Microsoft Office: Modern versions (Office 2019/365) integrate MathType via the Office Store under "Add-ins".
MathType 6.9b Review
Overview
MathType 6.9b is a popular equation editor developed by Wolters Kluwer. It is designed to help users create and edit mathematical equations, formulas, and notations for various applications, including academic papers, presentations, and digital content. In this review, we'll examine the features, performance, and overall value of MathType 6.9b. Have you tried using MathType 6
Key Features
Performance
During our testing, MathType 6.9b performed smoothly and efficiently. The software responded quickly to user input, and equation rendering was accurate and crisp. We experienced no crashes or stability issues during our testing period.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion
MathType 6.9b is a powerful equation editor that offers a comprehensive set of tools for creating and editing mathematical expressions. Its intuitive interface, extensive symbol library, and compatibility with popular platforms make it a valuable asset for academics, researchers, and professionals. While the software comes with a cost, its features and performance make it a worthwhile investment for those who regularly work with mathematical notation.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation: MathType 6.9b is suitable for:
System Requirements:
In an era where the current version of MathType has transitioned into a subscription-based model with a heavier focus on online integration, MathType 6.9b is often viewed as the "last great standalone" version by many power users.
While 6.9b is excellent, time marches on. If you cannot get it running, consider these alternatives:
Long before Canva or Overleaf became popular, MathType 6.9b allowed users to export equations as GIF, EPS, or WMF files for websites. It could also generate HTML code with embedded MathML for use in browsers that supported it.