InDesign and Equations : Adobe Indesign

I have searched this forum and found several references to third party applications that provide mathematical equation capability for InDesign. One application in particular is MathType by Decision Science, which is recommended in several of the postings on this topic. Because of those recommendations, I am considering purchasing the product.

However, when I checked the Decision Science website I discovered:

a. MathType is a version of the Microsoft Equation Editor (not necessarily a negative).
b. MathType is designed for applications that make use of the Windows feature “Insert Object” (possibly a problem).

I have a Dell Inspiron 6000 with a 1.5 Ghz Pentium M processor, 2 GB of RAM, and Win XP/Pro SP 2 and I just upgraded from PageMaker 6.5 to InDesign CS3. I discovered that InDesign does not have the Insert Object feature, but has instead the “Place” command, with different functionality. My search of the InDesign Help file has not provided me with any clues as to how one would access MathType.

When using the most current version of MathType to create an equation for use in InDesign, does one create the equation in MathType, save it in a graphic format (such as a jpg, or some other format), THEN use the Place command? That suggests that the equation cannot be edited in InDesign. Therefore, if I understand the process, one would need to right click on the equation and select “Edit Original” and, if the jpg format is used, modify file associations so that the object opens in MathType.

Have I correctly understood the process or am I on the wrong track? I would appreciate any help or suggestions. I am familiar with the Microsoft Equation Editor (have used it in Word), and have some—but minimal—experience with the equations palette in FrameMaker.

Does MathType work with InDesign CS3 (I have noticed a number of problems in this forum related to CS2)?

Thank you.

Notice that when you use the Place command, a box pops up and allows you to choose to import "Files of Type:" where you can import text, images, etc.
I would try importing as text first to see if it works and if you can edit it in InDesign.

Professional applications of MathType by
Design Science are based on this workflow:

a) edit in MathType
b) save as EPS (scalable) without TIFF preview
or with TIFF preview
c) place in ID

For ID or PageMaker 7.0, the TIFF preview
isn't helpful. Both programs can interpret
the EPS files immediately.

The EPS cannot be edited in PM or ID.
One has to go back to MathType.
Concerning the layout: difficult, because
it's only possible to scale and to move
the formulas by translation.

Insert object is not reliable. Should not
be used.
MathType is at present still limited,
concerning the length of formula blocks
(number of lines).

Design Science wasn't ever able to clarify
the confusion about all these Symbol fonts.
TT Symbol, Type 1 Symbol, Euclid Symbol.

Nevertheless it's possible to create readable
pages (concerning the glyphs) ...
<http://www.fho-emden.de/~hoffmann/project18032004.pdf>

Best regards --Gernot Hoffmann

M_Ly_Morris@adobeforums.com wrote:

> a. MathType is a version of the Microsoft Equation Editor

Other way around. MS Equation Editor is a limited version of Mathtype.

> b. MathType is designed for applications
> that make use of the Windows feature “Insert Object”


It works that way with Word, but you can also save your equations as EPS
files (which can be placed in Indesign and later edited in Mathtype).
But if I do books with a lot of equations, I usually use a program that
does its own equations (like Framemaker).

Just for the record, it's Design Science.

--
Kenneth Benson
Pegasus Type, Inc.
www.pegtype.com

There is a pro equation plugin for ID which works similar to MathType. I know it's from a German firm but I can't remember the name -- stumbled upon it browsing the Adobe plugin repository.

pro equation plugin for ID




It's called InMath, and it's produced by i.t.i.p. in Stuttgart. My need for equation typesetting tools is not extensive, but ever since I got access to InMath, I haven't opened up LaTeX once.

Geez. I got all excited about InMath, but it's $719!

I mentioned this in another thread (I think in the Illustrator forum). If you have Word you can use that to access any program that requires "insert object" or what use to be know as OLE.
Anyways I have confirmed that the Equation Editor will copy from Word and Paste into Illustrator as editable text. I just did a quick test and even though I could paste the object into InDesign I wasn't able to edit the text.
As a side note: A just got pop up add in word when I started the equation editor for mathtype.
Silk

MathMagic Pro for InDesign is exactly what you would like to try.

MathMagic offers a similar interface with MathType but more features and better equation quality for DTP users.

It comes with InDesign plug-ins (CS ~ CS4). MathMagic plug-in offers a menu under InDesign menu bar, letting you create a "New Equation" or "Edit Equation", or from right-button click.
You can also simply double-click on any equation to re-edit it. So you don't have to go thru the tedious Export - Place(import) process.

Moreover, inserted equations in a text box(as Inline object) automatically align to the baseline of the line. This is very useful.

All equations are inserted in EPS format so the output quality is not a question.

They have fully working trials so you can download and try to see if it works for you.