How to Convert LaTeX to Word — 3 Methods, Only One Produces MathType

Updated 09/03/2026

You've got a LaTeX equation (from ChatGPT, a .tex document, or typed by hand) and need it in Word — there are three ways to do that, and they produce three different results. This post compares all three so you can pick the right one for what you need, instead of finding out after the fact that it isn't editable.

Method 1: Type it directly with Word's built-in LaTeX mode

From Word 2016/365 onward, the equation box (Equation) has a mode that accepts LaTeX syntax: type or paste syntax like \frac{a}{b} into the equation box, and Word rebuilds it as soon as you hit space or Enter. It's free and nothing extra to install.

The result is a Word Equation (Word's default OMML format) — editable, double-click to edit, but it's a different standard from MathType. If your document needs proper MathType formatting (submitting a paper, a thesis, or an older document that's already all MathType), this method doesn't solve that problem.

Method 2: Use MathType

MathType (a paid Word add-in) has a Toggle TeX feature that lets you type LaTeX and converts it into a real MathType equation. The proper format you need, but it requires knowing LaTeX syntax and working through a few steps in its own dialog.

Method 3: Paste it directly with MathCopy

Copy the LaTeX equation (or a whole reply with text and equations mixed together) from ChatGPT, Gemini, or anywhere else, put your cursor in Word, and paste with Ctrl + Alt + V. The equation is instantly rebuilt as a proper MathType object — no retyping syntax, no need to know what LaTeX even is. Everything runs locally on your machine — nothing is sent to any server.

So which one should you use?

• Just one simple equation, and it doesn't matter whether it's MathType → method 1, free and already built into Word.
• You already have MathType, know LaTeX syntax, and don't mind a few extra steps → method 2.
• You need proper MathType formatting, have a lot of equations to handle, or don't want to retype syntax → method 3.

See a more detailed breakdown of the different “equation in Word” formats in converting LaTeX to MathType, or the full comparison of LaTeX-to-Word converters.

See the full user guide, or download MathCopy for Windows for a free 7-day trial.