Creating Accessible Math Content in Microsoft Word

Determine which editor to use

When preparing math content for accessibility, start with a Microsoft Word document. Word allows conversion to multiple accessible formats, including braille, large print, audio, EPUB, and HTML. A Word Document allows you to convert to any alternative format for braille, large print, audio, ePub, and HTML files. This step greatly depends on what the student is requesting for accommodation.

  • MathType is recommended for creating accessible math content because it supports MathML, which is required for properly rendering equations in HTML and ensuring compatibility with screen readers.

Microsoft Equation Editor (OML)

  1. Select the Insert button
  2. Select Equation
  3. Select insert new equation or choose from templates

Entering an equation using MS word equation editor

MathType (MathML)

  1. Select MathType on the toolbar
  2. Select Inline
  3. Enter the equation using the editor
  4. Close the window to insert the equation

entering equations using mathtype

Updated 4.22.2025