You have a Word document or Excel spreadsheet that needs to be submitted as a “scanned copy.” Maybe it’s a signed contract, an expense report, or an application form. The problem? You don’t have a scanner, and you don’t want to print, sign, and scan just to create a scanned-looking document.
Good news: you can convert Word and Excel files directly to realistic scanned PDFs — in your browser, for free, without uploading your files anywhere.
Quick Answer: Convert Word/Excel to Scanned PDF
- Open Look Scanned
- Drag and drop your Word (.docx) or Excel (.xlsx) file
- Adjust scan settings (rotation, noise, contrast) for a realistic look
- Download your scanned-looking PDF — done in seconds
No installation. No file uploads. 100% private.
Why Convert Office Files to Scanned PDFs?
Meet Submission Requirements
Many organizations still require “scanned copies” of documents, even when the original is digital. Banks, government agencies, HR departments, and universities often ask for scanned documents as proof of authenticity.
Prevent Editing and Copying
A scanned PDF converts text into images, making it much harder to edit or copy content. This adds a layer of protection for contracts, agreements, and confidential reports.
Add Authenticity
Scanned documents carry an inherent sense of authenticity. They look like they’ve been physically handled, signed, and processed — which can be important for official submissions.
Archive and Record Keeping
For long-term archival, scanned-style PDFs provide a consistent, tamper-evident format that’s widely accepted across industries.
Supported Office Formats
Look Scanned directly supports Microsoft Office files without requiring any conversion:
| Format | Extensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Word | .docx, .doc | Documents, letters, contracts |
| Excel | .xlsx, .xls | Spreadsheets, reports, tables |
| PowerPoint | .pptx, .ppt | Presentations, slides |
Simply upload your Office file directly — no need to export to PDF first.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open Look Scanned
Visit lookscanned.io in any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge). The tool works on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Step 2: Upload Your Office File
Drag and drop your Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file into the upload area. You can also click to browse and select files from your device.
Look Scanned processes files entirely in your browser — your documents never leave your device.
Step 3: Adjust Scan Settings
Customize the scanned appearance with these options:
- Colorspace: Choose grayscale for a classic scan look, or keep color
- Rotation & Variance: Add slight tilts to mimic scanner imperfections
- Border: Add subtle edges for an authentic scanned border
- Brightness & Contrast: Adjust for optimal readability
- Blur: Apply gentle softening to reduce digital sharpness
- Noise: Add paper-like grain for realism
- Resolution: Balance quality and file size
Step 4: Preview and Download
Use the real-time preview to see exactly how your document will look. When satisfied, click download to save your scanned-looking PDF.
Tips for Best Results with Office Files
Font Display Issues
If fonts appear different after conversion, the original fonts may not be available in the browser. Solutions:
- Embed fonts in your Word document before uploading (File → Options → Save → Embed fonts)
- Export to PDF first from Word/Excel, then upload the PDF to Look Scanned
Excel Spreadsheets
For wide Excel spreadsheets:
- Adjust the print area in Excel before uploading (Page Layout → Print Area)
- Consider using landscape orientation
- For very large tables, split into multiple sheets or pages
Complex Formatting
If your document has complex layouts, charts, or special formatting:
- Export to PDF from the original Office application first
- Then upload the PDF to Look Scanned for the scan effect
Recommended Settings by Document Type
| Document Type | Colorspace | Rotation | Noise | Blur |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contracts & Forms | Grayscale | 0.5-1° | Low | Low |
| Reports & Letters | Grayscale | 0.3-0.5° | Medium | Low |
| Spreadsheets | Color | 0.3° | Low | Very Low |
| Presentations | Color | 0.5° | Low | Low |
FAQ
Will my fonts display correctly?
Look Scanned uses system fonts available in your browser. For best results with custom fonts, export your document to PDF first, then apply the scan effect.
How do I handle wide Excel tables?
Set a print area in Excel before uploading, or export to PDF with landscape orientation. Look Scanned will process each page as configured in the source document.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Look Scanned processes everything locally in your browser. Your files never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy for sensitive documents.
Can I convert multiple Office files at once?
Yes. Simply drag and drop multiple files, and Look Scanned will process them all with your chosen settings. See our batch conversion guide for details.
Does it work offline?
Yes. After your first visit, Look Scanned works completely offline — perfect for use on flights or in areas without internet access.
Related Reading
- How to Convert Digital Files into Realistic Scanned Copies
- Batch Convert PDFs and Documents into Scanned-Looking PDFs
- Easily Create Uncopyable & Uneditable Scanned PDFs
- How to Add an Undeletable Watermark to Your PDF
Ready to convert your Word or Excel files? Try Look Scanned now — free, private, and no installation required.