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.

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