Writing Urdu in MS Word works well once three things are set up: a way to type Urdu, right-to-left paragraph direction, and a good Urdu font. This guide shows how to write Urdu in MS Word step by step, and how to fix the problems people meet most often.
Step 1: Get Urdu text into Word
Method A: Add the Urdu keyboard in Windows
- Open Settings and go to Time & language, then Language & region.
- Click Add a language, search for Urdu, and install it.
- Switch between English and Urdu typing with Windows key + Space.
The Windows Urdu keyboard uses its own layout, so it takes practice. Printing a keyboard map or using the on-screen keyboard helps at the start.
Method B: No keyboard needed
Type your text in Roman Urdu, convert it with our Roman Urdu to Urdu converter, and paste it into Word. For old documents, use the InPage to Unicode converter, and for printed pages, Urdu image to text.
Step 2: Set right-to-left direction
Urdu is read from right to left. If Word treats it as left-to-right, punctuation jumps to the wrong end of the line.
- Select your Urdu paragraphs.
- On the Home tab, click the Right-to-Left Text Direction button in the Paragraph group. If you don’t see it, the keyboard shortcut is Ctrl + Right Shift.
- Align the text to the right if it isn’t already.
Step 3: Choose an Urdu font in Word
Word’s default fonts can draw Urdu letters, but they look plain and disconnected. For proper Urdu, choose a Nastaliq or Naskh font:
- Noto Nastaliq Urdu: a free, well-made Nastaliq font from Google, suitable for documents and printing.
- Urdu Typesetting: included with recent versions of Windows.
- Jameel Noori Nastaleeq: very popular in Pakistan. Check its terms before using it commercially.
See our guide to free Urdu fonts for more options.
Step 4: Increase the line spacing
Nastaliq letters are tall and slanted, so lines can overlap at normal spacing. Set line spacing to 1.5 or more, or use a font size about 2 points larger than you would for English.
Common problems with Urdu in MS Word
The full stop appears at the start of the line
The paragraph is set to left-to-right. Apply right-to-left direction (Step 2).
Letters appear separated instead of joined
The font does not support Urdu properly. Choose one of the Urdu fonts above.
English words inside Urdu sentences jump around
This is normal behaviour for mixed-direction text. Keep English words short, or put them at the start or end of a sentence.
Urdu typing in Word on a phone or in Word Online
The Word app on Android and iPhone accepts Urdu from your phone’s Urdu keyboard, and Word Online in a browser accepts pasted Urdu text. Both show Unicode Urdu correctly. The right-to-left button is under the paragraph options on the Home tab. If you cannot find an Urdu font in the mobile app, type the document there and set the font later on a computer.
Bringing old Urdu documents into Word
- From InPage: convert the .inp file with the InPage to Unicode converter, then paste the text into Word.
- From a printed page or a picture: use Urdu image to text on a clear screenshot or scan, correct the result, and paste it.
- From speech: dictate with Urdu voice typing and paste the text.
Saving and sharing an Urdu Word document
If you send a .docx file to someone who does not have your Urdu font, Word shows the text in a different font and the layout can change. To keep the look, either embed the font (File, Options, Save, “Embed fonts in the file”) or save a copy as PDF with File, Save As, PDF. A PDF looks the same on every computer and phone.
Frequently asked questions
Which Urdu font is best in MS Word?
For a traditional look, use a Nastaliq font such as Noto Nastaliq Urdu or Jameel Noori Nastaleeq. For forms and small text, a Naskh font such as Noto Naskh Arabic is easier to read.
How do I switch between English and Urdu typing in Word?
Press the Windows key and Space together. The language shown next to the clock changes between ENG and Urdu.
Can I write Urdu in Word without an Urdu keyboard?
Yes. Type in Roman Urdu, convert it to Urdu script in the browser, and paste the result into Word.
Why are Urdu numbers shown as English digits?
Word chooses digits from a setting. Go to File, Options, Advanced, and under “Show document content” set Numeral to Context or Hindi to get Arabic-style digits in right-to-left text. You can also type Urdu digits directly from the Urdu keyboard.