Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsEnable MediaWiki’s official Math extension, then verify both the installation and its rendering components. On MediaWiki 1.38 and later, Math is bundled with the software; you still have to load it in LocalSettings.php. On versions before 1.42, run the database update after loading the extension. Editors then write TeX inside <math>...</math>, for example <math>E=mc^2</math>.
Need a server to try this on? Antihost offers Linux VPS plans with NVMe storage, full root access and a 14-day free trial.
What MediaWiki’s Math extension does
MediaWiki does not interpret an equation merely because a wiki administrator enables a single configuration flag. Mathematical notation is provided by the Math extension. The extension accepts a supported subset of TeX, along with selected LaTeX and AMS-LaTeX commands, and turns that source into output a reader’s browser can display.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Depending on the configured rendering mode and the viewing environment, the result may be MathML, SVG, or PNG. That flexibility matters because browser and assistive-technology support is not uniform. A formula that looks correct in one browser may be exposed differently to a screen reader or may use a different fallback format for another visitor.
There are three separate jobs in a working installation:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Load the Math extension in the wiki configuration.
- Complete any database update required by the MediaWiki version.
- Confirm that the rendering components, not just the extension registration, are healthy.
Check your MediaWiki version first
Your version determines whether the extension is already present and whether the database migration step is needed. Open Special:Version on the wiki and note the MediaWiki version before changing configuration.
| MediaWiki version | Math extension availability | Database update after enabling |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1.38 | Place the Math extension in the installation’s extensions/ directory, using the extension package appropriate for that installation. |
Run update.php after loading the extension. |
| 1.38 through 1.41 | Math is bundled with MediaWiki; no separate download is required. | Run update.php after loading the extension. |
| 1.42 and later | Math is bundled with MediaWiki; no separate download is required. | The Math documentation says this step is no longer necessary for these versions. |
The bundle status does not remove the configuration step. Even on a current release, the extension must be loaded from LocalSettings.php before editors can use the <math> tag.
Enable Math in LocalSettings.php
1. Put the extension in place when your version requires it
For a pre-1.38 installation, copy the Math extension into the wiki’s extensions/ directory. A 1.38-or-newer installation already contains the extension, so do not download a second copy over the bundled files.
2. Load the extension
Add the following line at the bottom of LocalSettings.php:
wfLoadExtension( 'Math' );Keep the statement outside another PHP block or conditional unless your configuration deliberately requires one. Save the file, deploy it using the same ownership and permissions as the rest of your MediaWiki configuration, and reload a wiki page.
3. Apply the schema update where required
If the wiki is running MediaWiki before 1.42, run the installation’s update.php maintenance script after adding the load statement. A typical command-line invocation from the MediaWiki directory is:
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
php maintenance/update.phpThe exact PHP binary, user account, and working directory depend on how the wiki is hosted. Use the same account and deployment method normally used for MediaWiki maintenance. Do not skip the update simply because the extension files are already present: the older supported versions create Math extension tables during this step.
For MediaWiki 1.42 and later, the Math documentation states that this Math-specific database-update step is no longer necessary. You should still follow any other upgrade or deployment migrations required by your MediaWiki release.
Verify the installation and renderer
Check Special:Version
Open Special:Version and look for Math in the list of installed extensions. This confirms that MediaWiki loaded the extension named in LocalSettings.php. If Math is absent, check the spelling and placement of the wfLoadExtension( 'Math' ) line, then inspect the web server’s PHP error log for configuration errors.
Check Special:MathStatus
Next, visit Special:MathStatus. This page checks whether the components used to render formulas are functioning. A listed extension is not proof that every renderer or service is available; MathStatus is the health check for that second layer.
Test a formula in a safe page
Create a private test page or a sandbox and enter:
<math>E=mc^2</math>Save the page and confirm that the expression appears as mathematical output rather than literal tag text or an error message. Test at least one expression that uses the TeX commands your editors actually need, because a successful basic equation does not prove that every LaTeX or AMS-LaTeX command is supported.
How editors write equations
Once Math is active, formula source goes between an opening and closing <math> tag. The source is TeX markup, not ordinary wiki text:
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
<math>E=mc^2</math>Math supports a subset of TeX and selected LaTeX and AMS-LaTeX commands. That wording is important: it is not a promise that every command accepted by a full LaTeX installation will work in MediaWiki. If a command fails, reduce the expression to a small known-good formula and add commands back one at a time.
Keep source and surrounding prose separate
Put explanatory text outside the math tag when it is prose, and keep the formula itself inside the tag. This makes the source easier to edit and gives the renderer a clear expression to process. For a page with several equations, test each new formula in the sandbox before publishing so a syntax error does not affect a heavily visited article.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Plan for different output formats
Math may produce MathML, SVG, or PNG depending on the selected mode and what the client can use. Do not assume that an image-looking result means the extension is misconfigured; it can be the expected fallback for that browser or viewing context.
Choose and understand rendering modes
The server controls permitted modes with $wgMathValidModes. The documented default is:
$wgMathValidModes = [ 'source', 'native', 'mathjax' ];This setting is an allow-list: it determines which modes the installation permits, rather than forcing every visitor to use one output. If more than one mode is enabled, logged-in users can choose a personal preference in the appearance settings.
| Configuration item | Documented behavior | Operational question |
|---|---|---|
$wgMathValidModes |
Defaults to source, native, and mathjax. |
Which modes should this wiki allow for its audience and deployment? |
| Output formats | Math can render as MathML, SVG, or PNG when the viewing environment requires it. | Will your target browsers and assistive technologies receive a usable representation? |
| Logged-in user preference | Available when multiple modes are enabled. | Should users be allowed to select their preferred appearance mode? |
$wgMathDisableTexFilter |
The documented default is 'new'. |
Do not change filtering policy without understanding the effect on your installation and its supported syntax. |
Math also documents REST-related configuration, including $wgMathFullRestbaseURL. Whether you need to set a REST endpoint depends on the rendering architecture you deploy. If MathStatus reports a service or endpoint problem, review the URL and the corresponding service configuration instead of changing editor markup.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Browser and screen-reader compatibility
Rendering and accessibility are related but separate checks. Browser support for MathML varies, and assistive technologies expose formulas differently. The Math documentation discusses behavior across Firefox, Safari, and Chrome, and with NVDA, VoiceOver, Orca, and MathPlayer.
- Test the wiki in the browsers your readers actually use.
- Test with the screen reader combinations used by your accessibility program, not only with a visual browser.
- When a mode produces unreadable or missing output for a target group, enable an alternate permitted mode rather than rewriting every formula.
- Keep the TeX source intact so a different renderer can process the same equation later.
A visually correct equation is therefore only one acceptance criterion. A deployment is ready when the formula is also exposed in a usable way to the supported browser and assistive-technology combinations.
VisualEditor is optional
VisualEditor is an editing interface choice, not a prerequisite for the Math extension. A wiki can enable Math and allow editors to type <math> markup without enabling VisualEditor.
VisualEditor has its own configuration in LocalSettings.php. Its documentation lists optional settings for enabling the editor and explains that extensions providing VisualEditor plugins may load before or after VisualEditor. Treat those settings as a separate project:
- First get Math loading and rendering correctly in source editing.
- Then decide whether your editors need VisualEditor integration.
- Configure VisualEditor according to its own requirements and test both editing interfaces.
Do not diagnose a Math renderer failure by changing VisualEditor settings; the two layers solve different problems.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot a formula that does not render
The <math> tag appears as text
- Check Special:Version for Math. If it is missing, MediaWiki did not load the extension.
- Confirm the exact load statement:
wfLoadExtension( 'Math' );. - On installations that manage extensions separately, verify that the Math directory is actually under
extensions/. - Review the PHP error log for a syntax error or an unreadable extension path.
The extension is listed, but output is broken
- Open Special:MathStatus; it is specifically intended to reveal renderer-component failures.
- Check which values are allowed by
$wgMathValidModesand whether the selected user preference is one of those values. - If the status page identifies a REST or Mathoid-related dependency, verify the endpoint configuration, including
$wgMathFullRestbaseURLwhere applicable.
Only some commands fail
Start with the smallest possible TeX expression and add syntax incrementally. Math supports a subset of TeX plus selected LaTeX and AMS-LaTeX commands, so a command that works in a desktop LaTeX tool may not be included in MediaWiki’s supported subset. Replace unsupported constructs with commands documented for the Math extension or simplify the expression.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Older wiki reports missing tables
On a MediaWiki release before 1.42, confirm that the post-installation update.php migration was completed successfully. Inspect the maintenance-script output and database logs for the underlying failure before trying the page again.
One browser works while another does not
Compare the active rendering mode and the browser’s MathML or image support. If multiple modes are allowed, select another mode in the logged-in appearance preferences and repeat the test. Also test with the relevant screen reader, because visual output and spoken output can diverge.
Deployment checklist
- Record the MediaWiki version from Special:Version.
- For pre-1.38 installations, place Math in
extensions/; for 1.38 and later, use the bundled copy. - Add
wfLoadExtension( 'Math' );toLocalSettings.php. - Run
update.phpwhen the installation is older than MediaWiki 1.42. - Reload the wiki and confirm Math appears on Special:Version.
- Open Special:MathStatus and resolve any component failures.
- Publish a test equation such as
<math>E=mc^2</math>. - Test the formulas and modes in supported browsers and with the screen readers used by your audience.
- If VisualEditor is desired, configure and test it separately after source-mode Math works.
What a successful setup looks like
A correctly enabled wiki shows Math in Special:Version, reports healthy rendering components in Special:MathStatus, and converts TeX inside <math> tags into usable mathematical output. The server’s permitted modes come from $wgMathValidModes; the client may receive MathML, SVG, or PNG according to that configuration and its own capabilities. Keeping those responsibilities distinct makes failures easier to isolate: configuration determines whether Math is loaded, the maintenance step supplies required schema on older releases, and MathStatus identifies renderer health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to download Math on MediaWiki 1.38 or newer?
No. Math is bundled with MediaWiki 1.38 and later. Add wfLoadExtension( 'Math' ); to LocalSettings.php and complete the version-appropriate setup.
Which MediaWiki versions require update.php for Math?
MediaWiki versions before 1.42 require the Math database update after the extension is loaded. The Math documentation says this step is no longer necessary for MediaWiki 1.42 and later.
How do editors enter a formula?
Use TeX markup inside the <math> tag, such as <math>E=mc^2</math>. Math supports a subset of TeX and selected LaTeX and AMS-LaTeX commands.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Why does MathStatus matter if Math appears in Special:Version?
Special:Version confirms that MediaWiki loaded the extension. Special:MathStatus checks whether the rendering components are working, so both checks are needed.
Is VisualEditor required for mathematical formulas?
No. VisualEditor is optional and configured separately. Editors can enter Math formulas directly with <math> markup.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
