How to export a Word document to Kindle

If you have a word document you'd love to analyze on your Kindle, there's a handy export tool for the job. Whether you're looking to go over a work document, or you'd like to have a comfortable read of your novel's latest chapters, here's how to export a Word document to Kindle.

Use Word's 'Send to Kindle' function

The easiest way to export a Word document to your Kindle is to use Word's built-in "Sent to Kindle" function.

Step 1: Open the Word document that you want to send to your Kindle in Either Word for Windows or Word for Mac. The Send to Kindle function isn't available on the web-app version of Word just yet, but Microsoft is planning to roll that out in the future.

Step 2: Select File > Export > Send to Kindle.

Step 3: You'll then be prompted to sign in to your Amazon account. This is so that Word can link up with your Kindle. You'll also be asked to authorize sending from your computer to the Kindle.

Step 4: Next, decide how you want the file to be sent to your Kindle. Your options include sending it "Like a Kindle book," where the font sizes and page layouts will be adjustable, just as they would be with a native Kindle ebook. It also supports handwritten notes with Kindle Scribe.

Alternatively, you can send it "Like a printed document," which keeps the layout and formatting the same as it was in the Word document. You can use this to write directly onto the page using Kindle Scribe.

When you've decided which, toggle the appropriate box and select Send.

Note: However, any time you make alterations to the document on Kindle, if you send it back to your PC, those changes will not be recorded. Microsoft plans to add support for this additional layer of interaction in the future.

Step 5: Wait a few minutes and your Word document should then be available in your Kindle library. If it seems to be taking a while, visit Amazon.com/sendtokindle to view the file's status.

Why can't I use the 'Send to Kindle' command?

Microsoft released the Send to Kindle feature for Microsoft Word in April 2023. It began the roll out of the feature with its Insiders on its beta channel. It's possible that the feature just hasn't been added to your version of Word for Windows or Word for Mac, yet. Try updating your Windows install and Microsoft 365 to see if that adds the option.

How else can you send Word files to your Kindle?

If you can't, or don't want to use the Send to Kindle function to get a Word file (or any other document) on your Kindle, there are some alternative methods you can use.

Not convinced this is the method for you? Google Docs is pretty great for sending files to Kindle too. Check out our Google Docs vs. Word head to head.

Editors' Recommendations

Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to…