MathJax for Accessible Math and Chemistry

MathJax renders math and chemistry notation in the browser so you don’t have to ship screenshots or PDFs. Authors can write in LaTeX or MathML, and MathJax turns that into crisp, accessible HTML/SVG that works across devices and screen readers.

What it solves

• No more rasterized equations or copy‑proof images; content stays searchable and scalable
• Better accessibility by design; assistive tech can interpret the math rather than guessing
• Consistent rendering across browsers without extra plugins

How authors write

• Use familiar LaTeX (inline or display) or author directly in MathML
• MathJax parses the source and renders semantic, navigable math on page load
• Degrades gracefully: if JavaScript is off, the original LaTeX/MathML is still readable

Accessibility perks that matter

• Screen reader support with semantic navigation (move by symbol, term, fraction, etc.)
• Copy as MathML or LaTeX from the context menu for reuse in other tools
• Magnification and line‑breaking for long expressions; respects high‑contrast modes and keyboard use

Chemistry support

• With the mhchem extension, you can render chemical equations and units using LaTeX‑style input (e.g., \ce{H2O}, \ce{Na+}, \pu{mol L^-1})

Where it fits

• Great for LMS content, documentation, and any CMS where you need live, editable math/chemistry
• Plays nicely with static sites and SPAs; you can render at load time or on demand

Why I’ve used it

• I built a live‑preview demo that updated MathJax as you typed LaTeX—a handy way to check syntax and see accessible output without extra software
• The big win: authors keep using the formats they know (LaTeX/MathML), and readers get accessible, high‑quality rendering on the web

If you’re evaluating options for math on the web, MathJax hits the right balance of authoring ergonomics, accessibility, and deployment simplicity.