How to Type Urdu in Microsoft Word (Windows & Mac)

Microsoft Word is the most widely used word processor in the world. While many users assume that Urdu document composing requires dedicated third-party software, MS Word offers built-in support for Right-to-Left (RTL) languages and high-definition Urdu fonts.

In this guide, we walk through configuring Urdu language packs, RTL formatting, and Nastaliq fonts in MS Word.

Step 1: Install Urdu Language Pack on Windows

Before typing in MS Word, add the Urdu language pack to your operating system:

1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings -> Time & Language -> Language & Region.
2. Click Add a language, search for Urdu (Pakistan), and click Install.
3. Under language options, select the Urdu Phonetic Keyboard layout.

Step 2: Configure Right-to-Left (RTL) Paragraph Alignment

Urdu is written from Right to Left. Adjust paragraph settings in MS Word as follows:

• Open MS Word and navigate to the Home Tab.
• In the Paragraph group, click the Right-to-Left Text Direction (¶⯇) button.
• Press Ctrl + R to align the cursor to the right margin.

Step 3: Install and Apply Jameel Noori Nastaliq Fonts

The default font assigned by MS Word for RTL text is often Arial or Calibri Arabic. For traditional Nastaliq styling:

1. Download the Jameel Noori Nastaliq or Noto Nastaliq Urdu font file (.ttf).
2. Right-click the font file and select Install for all users.
3. Restart MS Word and select Jameel Noori Nastaliq from the Font dropdown menu.

Alternative: Copy-Pasting from Muneeb Composing

For quick drafting without changing system keyboard settings:

• Open MuneebComposing.com.
• Type your content in Roman Urdu (e.g., "main kal islamabad jaon ga").
• Click Copy and paste the formatted Urdu script ("میں کل اسلام آباد جاؤں گا") into your Word document.

Conclusion

Microsoft Word provides robust tools for Urdu document formatting, spellchecking, and PDF export. Configuring language packs and Nastaliq fonts transforms MS Word into a powerful Urdu composing suite.