Enter the 25-character product key. If you have lost your key, Design Science/Wiris no longer provides support for 6.9b, so treat your backup carefully.
As of the writing of this report, MathType 6.9b is considered End of Life (EOL).
Even stable software has issues. Here are fixes for the most frequent problems:
Unlike modern web-based tools, MathType 6.9b embeds directly into Microsoft Word and PowerPoint as a fully native COM add-in. This meant users could click a button on the ribbon (or legacy toolbar) to launch the editor, and equations would be inserted as OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) objects. Double-clicking any equation allowed for instant editing.
As operating systems evolve, legacy software often breaks. MathType 6.9b was optimized for Windows 10. It resolved various memory leak issues and crashes that plagued earlier versions (like 6.8) when running on modern Windows architectures. For users who rely on this tool for hours of daily thesis writing, this stability was a lifesaver.
MathType 6.9b is a classic—a robust, no-subscription workhorse that still runs admirably on legacy Windows setups. If you have a 32-bit version of Office and a valid license key from the early 2010s, it remains a perfectly capable equation editor.
However, for new installations, modern hardware, or collaborative cloud workflows, it’s time to move on. The lack of 64-bit support, security patches, and high-DPI compatibility makes it a security and productivity risk in professional environments.
Use it for nostalgia and offline simplicity. Upgrade for the future.
Have a copy of MathType 6.9b collecting dust on an old CD? Or still using it daily? Share your memories in the comments below.
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.
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:
MathType 6.9b: A Comprehensive Guide to the Legacy Equation Editor
MathType 6.9b remains a significant version of the world's leading interactive equation editor, widely recognized for its ability to bridge the gap between complex manual calculations and professional digital presentations. Released as a pivotal update by Design Science (now Wiris), version 6.9b introduced critical compatibility fixes and features that cemented its place in academic and professional workflows. Key Features and Enhancements
MathType 6.9b is designed to make writing mathematical notation as easy as typing standard text, offering over 500 specialized characters for matrices, multiline equations, and chemistry symbols.
Expanded Compatibility: This version supports over 700 applications and websites, including Microsoft Office, Adobe InDesign, and Apple iWork.
Office 2016 Support: A major highlight of the "b" release was its specific support for Microsoft Office 2016 (Windows only), ensuring the MathType tab and commands functioned correctly within Word and PowerPoint.
MathPage with MathJax: The MathPage technology in this version allows users to publish Word documents as web pages, using MathJax to display MathML equations accurately across different browsers.
Operating System Support: It is compatible with Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP. For Mac users, legacy versions like 6.9 support macOS up to Mojave (10.14), though newer versions are required for 64-bit systems like Catalina and beyond. Integrating MathType 6.9b with Microsoft Office
One of the most common uses for MathType 6.9b is as a plugin for Microsoft Word. If the MathType tab disappears, users can often restore it through the following steps: mathtype 6.9b
Check Add-ins: In Word, navigate to File > Options > Add-ins.
Manage Word Add-ins: Select "Word Add-ins" from the dropdown and click Go.
Enable Commands: Ensure MathType Commands 6 for Word 2016.dotm and WordCmds.dot are checked.
Manual Installation: If missing, users can manually add these templates from the MathType installation folder, typically located at C:\Program Files (x86)\MathType\Office Support\64 (for 64-bit Office). MathType 6.9b vs. MathType 7
While 6.9b is a robust legacy tool, the transition to MathType 7 brought several modernization efforts: MathType 7 - missing toolbar in Word
MathType 6.9b is an older version of the popular equation editor designed for Windows, released primarily to ensure compatibility with Microsoft Office 2016 Office 365 Key Product Details
: An interactive editor for creating mathematical notation in word processors, web pages, and presentation software. Compatibility : It supports PowerPoint 2016
. For users on modern versions of Office, MathType 6.9b often requires manual configuration to enable its toolbar, involving the addition of the "MathType Commands 6 for Word 2016.dotm" file to the Global Templates and add-ins list. Current Status : This version is largely superseded by MathType 7
, which offers better support for modern document formats like OMML and advanced conversion features. Known Technical Issues Conversion Limitations : Users have reported issues when converting
(Office Math Markup Language) equations to MathType 6.9b, particularly where specific characters like bullet points fail to convert correctly. Installation Paths Enter the 25-character product key
: For optimal stability with Office 2016, it is recommended to install the software using its default path rather than a custom directory. PDF Conversion
: Corruption of formulas can occasionally occur during Word-to-PDF conversion in this version; a common workaround is manually opening and reloading the formula within MathType before exporting. Microsoft Learn