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How to type Urdu in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word handles Urdu well once it is set up. The trick is enabling the language and right to left layout, then choosing a good font.

Step 1: Enable an Urdu keyboard

First make sure you can type Urdu in Windows. If you have not done this, follow how to install an Urdu keyboard on Windows.

Step 2: Turn on right to left in Word

Word usually switches direction automatically when you type Urdu. If a paragraph stays left aligned, use the right to left paragraph button on the Home tab, or press Ctrl + Right Shift.

Step 3: Pick a Nastaleeq font

Select your Urdu text and choose a Nastaleeq font such as Jameel Noori or Noto Nastaliq Urdu for a proper Urdu look. The default Word font will display Urdu, but rarely beautifully. See the fonts guide.

Step 4: Mixed Urdu and English

For documents with both scripts, let Word switch direction per paragraph. Keep English terms and numbers in a left to right run, and they will sit correctly inside right to left text.

Step 5: Moving to InPage

Word stores Urdu as Unicode. To typeset your Word draft in classic InPage, copy it into the Unicode to InPage converter, convert, then paste into InPage with a Nastaleeq font. This Word to InPage path is one of the most common reasons people use the tool.

Tip: draft and proofread in Word, where editing is comfortable, then convert to InPage only for final layout. You keep a clean, searchable Unicode master copy.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my Urdu typing left aligned in Word?
The paragraph direction is set to left to right. Switch it with the right to left button on the Home tab or Ctrl + Right Shift.
Which font should I use for Urdu in Word?
A Nastaleeq font like Jameel Noori or Noto Nastaliq Urdu gives proper Urdu shaping and good readability.
How do I move Urdu from Word to InPage?
Copy the Word text, convert it with a Unicode to InPage tool, then paste into InPage and apply an InPage Nastaleeq font.

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