How-to

How to Convert Word to LaTeX

The fix

The reliable way to convert Word to LaTeX is Pandoc: run pandoc input.docx -o output.tex. Pandoc maps Word headings, lists, tables, footnotes, and images to LaTeX. Add --extract-media=. to pull out embedded images. Expect to refine layout and equations afterwards, then compile.

Example

# Convert a Word file to LaTeX source:
pandoc report.docx -o report.tex --extract-media=.

# Or straight to PDF:
pandoc report.docx -o report.pdf

Frequently asked questions

What is the best tool to convert Word to LaTeX?

Pandoc is the standard free tool: pandoc file.docx -o file.tex. It converts structure, tables, and images faithfully; you then refine formatting and check equations in a LaTeX editor.

Do Word equations convert to LaTeX?

Pandoc converts Word (OMML) equations to LaTeX math in most cases, but complex equations may need manual fixing. Review each one after conversion.

How do I keep images when converting?

Add --extract-media=. so Pandoc saves embedded images to a folder and links them with \includegraphics in the output.

Related LaTeX fixes

Browse all LaTeX problems & fixes, or start with the LaTeX guide.

Learn the topic properly

Writing the LaTeX is the part we help with

The conversion above runs in Pandoc, which is free and not ours. What LetX gives you is somewhere to write and compile the LaTeX in the first place, with no install.

Browse LaTeX templates