[BlindMath] The state of math equations across solutions

Sat Mar 16 02:31:03 UTC 2024

I don’t believe exporting from word will give you mathML. I tried it on the word version of Mac two years ago and it wasn’t possible, although I don’t quite remember if the math was formatted as   planetext or if it appeared at all.

Diego

> On Mar 15, 2024, at 9:57 PM, Jonathan Godfrey via BlindMath <blindmath at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Yes and no.
> 
> HTML with MathML is a subset of HTML with MathJax, and the added benefit of MathJax coupling the LaTeX source alongside is that even if some obscure LaTeX is used we have a chance to unpack it.
> 
> The challenge is that an immediately useful conversion from LaTeX to HTML is not within reach of most LaTeX users. If they know enough to bring in add-on packages, and use the command line to process  their documents, then the ability to use MathJax is feasible. A GUI user of LaTeX may not see how readily they can convert to HTML with MathML or MathJax.
> 
> There are (at least) two options for LaTeX to HTML. I've used TeX4ht in the past and have a few legacy documents that are processed this way. I went that way because it provide the math in MathJax. I must admit though that I now create most content from markdown so the pandoc processing gives me MathJax (and therefore MathML)
> 
> The question of what the output content should be delivered in ought to recognise the author's natural input methodology. Asking someone to deliver MS Word if they are primarily a LaTeX user is asking for resistance. The opposite is also true.
> 
> There are nowhere nearly as many authors who start in markdown as either LaTeX or MS Word, but we have the benefit of converting to either end-product.
> 
> Someone else will need to tell us (including me) if the MS Word ability to convert a docx file to HTML is sufficiently reliable. I haven't initiated a Word document in so long and I have no capability to create math content in MS Word anymore. I doubt this leads to HTML with MathJax, but if it does lead to HTML with MathML equations then that's going to be quite acceptable most of the time.
> 
> Another issue I would raise for the conversation with respect to MS Word is that the version of MS Word matters. There are plenty of legacy workflows that did not lead to accessible math content in the docx file let alone any other format. A legacy MS Word file may not successfully convert to what we see in a current docx file. This matters for copying and pasting content from legacy material as compared to creating content from scratch.
> 
> Jonathan
> 
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: BlindMath <blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Diego Vicioso via BlindMath
> Sent: Saturday, March 16, 2024 4:06 AM
> To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics <blindmath at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Diego Vicioso <viciosodiego at icloud.com>
> Subject: Re: [BlindMath] The state of math equations across solutions
> 
> 
> Hey Jeff, if you want the best support possible  for equations, HTML with MathML is still the best option Diego
> 
>> On Mar 15, 2024, at 10:52 AM, Jeff Bishop via BlindMath <blindmath at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hello Everyone,
>> 
>> If you were to offer advice to a math professor on which solution to utilize for accessible math solutions, which would you choose? Would you stick to a HTML-based solution, use Microsoft Word's Equation Editor or another solution for the widest support for math equations with both JAWS and NVDA? I have been away from this space for a while so wanting to get opinions on this as it relates to the current state of accessibility and tooling that is in market now.
>> 
>> Thanks for any advice ...
>> 
>> Jeff
>> 
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