Why InPage text turns into symbols in Word
Every letter on a computer is stored as a number. Modern software agrees on one numbering system, Unicode, where ب always has the same code everywhere. InPage 2000 and InPage 2009 were built before Urdu Unicode support was common, so they use their own numbers for Urdu letters. When Word receives those numbers, it reads them as Western symbols such as ‚, ¢ and ˜.
So the fix is not retyping. It is translating each InPage code into its matching Unicode letter. Once that is done, Word, Google Docs, WhatsApp and websites all show the text correctly.
Step 0: check which InPage version you have
Open InPage and look at Help → About, or check the version name when the program starts.
- InPage 3 and later can work with Unicode. Try copying a paragraph into Word first. If it shows as proper Urdu, you only need the Word setup steps further down.
- InPage 2000 or 2009 will give you symbols. Use Method 1.
Method 1: copy from InPage, convert, paste into Word
This is the most reliable way, because you control exactly which text is moved.
- Open the file in InPage and click inside the text. Press Ctrl + A to select all text in that text box, then Ctrl + C to copy.
- Open the converter and paste the text into the left box with Ctrl + V. It will look like random symbols. That is normal.
- Check the Urdu on the right. Keep “Fix reversed numbers” ticked so dates and figures come out in the right order.
- Copy the result and paste it into Word with Ctrl + V.
- Repeat for each text box. InPage pages often have separate boxes for headings, columns and captions. Ctrl + A only selects the box you are in.
Method 2: convert an .inp file without InPage
If you only have the file, for example an old question paper or an article a composer sent you, you can still get the text out.
- Open the InPage to Unicode converter and click the upload area.
- Choose your
.inpfile. It is read inside your browser and is not uploaded to any server. - Copy the converted Urdu and paste it into Word.
An InPage file also stores layout and styling data, so a line can occasionally come out of order with this method. If a section looks wrong, ask someone with InPage to copy that part for you and use Method 1.
Set up MS Word so Urdu looks right
1. Use a proper Urdu font
After pasting, Word may show Urdu in a plain Arabic-style font. Select all text with Ctrl + A and choose a Nastaliq font from the font list. Common free choices are Jameel Noori Nastaleeq, Noto Nastaliq Urdu and Alvi Nastaleeq. Install the font on Windows first if it is not in the list: right-click the font file and choose Install.
2. Set right-to-left direction
Select the text and use the Right-to-Left Text Direction button in the Paragraph group on the Home tab, then align right. If you cannot see that button, add Urdu as an editing language in File → Options → Language and restart Word.
3. Increase line spacing
Nastaliq letters stack vertically, so lines can touch. Set line spacing to 1.5 or more in Paragraph → Line spacing for comfortable reading.
Fixing common problems after conversion
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers backwards, e.g. ۶۲۰۲ | InPage stores Urdu digits reversed | Keep “Fix reversed numbers” on in the converter |
| Empty boxes instead of letters | Font has no Urdu letters | Switch to a Nastaliq or Urdu font |
| Words joined after ں | InPage often omits the space | The converter adds it back automatically |
| Double spaces between words | Justified layout spacing | Tick “Remove double spaces”, or use the Urdu text cleaner |
| Stretched lines (ـــ) | Kashida used for justification | Tick “Remove kashida” |
| Text aligned left | Paragraph is left-to-right | Apply right-to-left direction and right alignment |
Tables, images and decorative headings made as graphics will not come across as text. Recreate tables in Word with Insert → Table, and copy captions one box at a time.
Saving the final document
Once the Urdu looks right, save a normal .docx copy for editing. If you are sharing or printing, also use File → Save As → PDF. The PDF keeps your Nastaliq font even on computers that do not have it installed.
The character mapping used in free InPage converters follows the InPage 2000/2009 encoding that has been documented publicly, including through work at the Center for Language Engineering, UET Lahore. Always proofread one page before converting a whole book.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open an InPage file directly in MS Word?
No. Word cannot read the .inp format. You need to copy the text from InPage or extract it with a converter, then paste it into Word.
Why does my Urdu look different in Word than in InPage?
InPage uses its own Noori Nastaliq rendering. In Word, the look depends on the Unicode font you choose. Jameel Noori Nastaleeq gives the closest look to InPage.
Will the converter keep bold text and headings?
No. Only the text is converted. Apply bold, headings and sizes again in Word after pasting.
Can I convert Word Urdu back into InPage?
Yes. In the converter, choose Unicode → InPage, paste the Urdu from Word, copy the result and paste it into InPage 2000 or 2009.
Is converting InPage files online safe?
With our converter, yes. Pasted text and uploaded .inp files are processed inside your browser and are not sent to a server.
Adnan works on SEO, WordPress development and digital marketing, and builds the free tools on Store Online Digital. His guides come from hands-on website and content work.