How to Convert From Word Perfect to Microsoft Word

WordPerfect and Word are two types of word processing software. WordPerfect is currently owned by Corel, while Word is a Microsoft product. Though WordPerfect is far less common than Word, it is still in use, meaning a Word user may, on occasion, come across a WordPerfect file that needs to be opened. Fortunately, Microsoft has included a WorldPerfect file format converter that allows WordPerfect files to be opened in and converted to Word.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Word. Go to the File menu (Word 2003) or the Microsoft Office Button (Word 2007), and click "Open."

2. 
   Opening various WordPerfect files in Word 2007.

   Navigate to the folder where your WordPerfect document is saved. Choose "WordPefect 5.x" or "WordPerfect 6.x" from the "Open file type" menu. If you aren't sure what type of file you have, choosing "All file types" will let you see all the files in the folder. Most current WordPerfect files will open as 6.x, as WordPerfect files from version 6 through the current X4 are the same type, with the extension .wpd. Earlier versions may show up with the file extension .wp. See the image for examples.

3. Click "Open." Microsoft Word should open the file. If the converter is not already installed, however, a dialogue box will pop up asking if you want to install it. If this happens, choosing "yes" will install the converter from the Office installation files stored on your computer. Complete the installation, and then resume opening the file.

4. Check the converted file for any formatting errors. Some items, such as bullets or tables, may lose formatting or be slightly altered and need to be reformatted in Word. The bulk of the text, however, should convert with little alteration.

5. Go to the File menu (Word 2003) or the Microsoft Office Button (Word 2007), and choose "Save as" to save the file as a Word document. If you simply hit "Save," the file will be saved as a WordPerfect document and the conversion will be incomplete. By saving as a .doc or .docx file, you have successfully converted the WordPerfect document to a Word document.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have access to a copy of WordPerfect, you can simply save files as Word files. These steps also apply to Office XP, but have not been tested.
• Security updates were released for Office XP, 2000 and 2003 WordPerfect conversion files. If you are using one of those Office versions, be sure you have the security updates as well.

References

• Microsoft Office Online
• Corel Web site

Resources

• Office 2003 Office File Conversion Pack
• Security Update for Office 2003 WordPerfect 5.x converter