The most reliable free way to convert LaTeX to Word is Pandoc, a command-line converter: run pandoc paper.tex -o paper.docx and it produces a Word document with headings, lists, tables, and editable Word equations. For individual equations, you don’t need to convert a whole file: in Word, insert an equation, switch the equation tool to LaTeX mode, paste the LaTeX code, and convert it to a formatted equation. Online converters also work for simple documents, but avoid uploading unpublished or confidential papers.
Below are the methods step by step, what converts cleanly, and how to fix common problems after conversion.
Method 1: Convert a whole document with Pandoc
- Download and install Pandoc from the official Pandoc site.
- Open Command Prompt, Terminal, or PowerShell in the folder that contains your .tex file.
- Run:
pandoc paper.tex -o paper.docx- Open paper.docx in Word and review the result.
Include citations
If you use a BibTeX file, add it so citations and the reference list are generated:
pandoc paper.tex --citeproc --bibliography=refs.bib -o paper.docxAdd --csl=style.csl with a citation style file to match a journal’s format.
Match a Word template
Pandoc can apply the styles from an existing Word document, such as a journal template. Save the template as reference.docx, then add --reference-doc=reference.docx to the command. Headings and body text use that document’s fonts and spacing.
Method 2: Convert individual equations in Word
- In Word, place your cursor where the equation should go and press Alt + = (or Insert > Equation).
- On the Equation tab, select LaTeX in the Conversions group.
- Paste or type the LaTeX code, for example
\frac{a}{b} = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2}. - Click Convert > Current – Professional, or press Enter and use the equation’s menu to switch to Professional format.
This gives you a native, editable Word equation. It’s ideal when a collaborator sends you a few formulas in LaTeX.
Method 3: Online converters
Several websites convert .tex files or zipped Overleaf projects to .docx in the browser. They’re convenient for short, simple documents. Check each site’s privacy policy, and don’t upload manuscripts under review, student work you’re grading, or anything confidential.
Method 4: Go through PDF (last resort)
You can compile your LaTeX to PDF and open the PDF in Word (File > Open). Word converts it to an editable document, but equations usually become images or garbled text, and layout often shifts. Use this only when you need the text and don’t care about equations.
What converts well and what needs fixing
| Element | Pandoc result |
|---|---|
| Sections and headings | Converted to Word heading styles |
| Inline and display math | Editable Word equations |
| Lists, bold, italics | Converted cleanly |
| Simple tables | Converted; complex multi-row cells may need fixing |
| Figures | Included if the image files are in a supported format (PNG, JPG); PDF figures may need converting first |
| Citations | Converted with –citeproc and a .bib file |
| Custom macros and packages | Often ignored; expand macros before converting |
| Cross-references | May show as plain text; recheck figure and equation numbers |
Troubleshooting Pandoc
- “pandoc is not recognized”: Close and reopen your terminal after installing so the PATH update takes effect.
- Missing sections: If your document uses
\inputor\includeto pull in chapter files, run Pandoc from the main project folder so it can find them, or combine the files first. - Images missing: Make sure image paths in the .tex file are correct relative to where you run the command, and convert PDF or EPS figures to PNG.
- Odd symbols in equations: Replace custom macros defined with
\newcommandby their full LaTeX, or keep the definitions in the same file so Pandoc can expand them.
Working with collaborators who use Word
Converting back and forth repeatedly tends to introduce small errors each time. If you’re co-writing with people who only use Word, it’s usually best to convert once, agree that the Word file is now the master copy, and use Word’s Track Changes and comments for edits. If you need to stay in LaTeX, share a PDF for review and collect comments there, then apply the changes to your .tex source yourself. Either way, keep a backup of the original LaTeX project before converting so you can always regenerate a clean copy.
Clean up after converting
- Check every equation, especially ones using custom commands or uncommon packages.
- Re-insert or resize figures that didn’t come through.
- Rebuild captions and cross-references with References > Insert Caption and Cross-reference if your target journal requires live fields.
- Apply your template’s styles so fonts and spacing match.
Related: How to insert an equation in Word.
Related: How to number equations in Word.
Frequently asked questions
Can Overleaf export to Word?
Overleaf focuses on PDF output. Download the project source as a ZIP and convert it with Pandoc or a converter.
Can I convert Word back to LaTeX?
Yes. Pandoc also works in reverse: pandoc paper.docx -o paper.tex.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.