How to Convert Word to SCORM: 5 Quick Methods

💡 In this article, I’ll explain what SCORM is, why SCORM packages are better than courses made in Word, and share five ways to convert Word files to SCORM, including a free method. I’ll also share tips and resources that will help you with SCORM-compliant eLearning creation.

What is SCORM, and Why Convert Word Documents? 

SCORM is a set of technical standards that specifies how interactive learning materials need to be built in order to fit with most modern learning management systems. SCORM standards make eLearning content reusable, interoperable, and trackable.

Microsoft Word files (.docx) are not natively compatible with LMS platforms; they cannot offer interactive opportunities and function differently on different devices. Also, an average training usually consists of dozens of Word files, which sometimes makes it almost impossible to manage them all.

Converting Word files to the SCORM format is easy and usually quick, and it results in creating a single comprehensive online course out of all your docs. Let’s see which approaches you can take to create perfect training projects with your Word materials.

Method 1: Convert Word Documents to SCORM Files with iSpring

Here, I will describe how to make a .doc file SCORM compliant using the iSpring Suite authoring tool. To show you how you can convert a Word document to SCORM in iSpring Suite, I copied our blog post about the best computer-based training tools to Word, converted the file to SCORM in iSpring Suite, and voila… this is what I got — an interactive course with a page-flip effect:

Now, let’s dive into more details about how I did it.

What you’ll need

• A free trial of iSpring Suite, no credit card required, just PowerPoint.

A step-by-step guide

Here is a detailed guide on how to make an interactive book out of your plain Word document.

Step 1. Open iSpring Suite and select the Books tab. Choose MS Word, or hit the Open… tab to open your document.

Step 2. Click on Preview to see how your SCORM course will look on a computer, a smartphone, and a tablet. Select a device and screen orientation to check it out; you can amend it later if something looks wrong.

Step 3. Click on the Publish tab. You have several destination tabs in the window. To convert Word documents to the SCORM course, choose the LMS tab. Now, you can customize your publishing options.

Rename your file, if necessary, and specify a folder where it will be saved. Then, you can set up the quality options. You can select one of the ready-made presets, from high-quality to low-quality, or create a custom preset by choosing the image compression you need or adjusting the quality slider. 

To protect your SCORM course and make it accessible only to specified people, you can set a password.

There’s another option that’s useful for visually challenged learners: we added this feature in the Accessibility mode tab to make your courses compatible with WCAG 2.0 recommendations.

Just click on the Accessibility mode tab and select the language, and your course will come in two formats: for regular learners by default or for the visually challenged if you click on the glasses icon.

Step 4. In the Properties window, click on the Standard dropdown menu to select the SCORM compliance standard that your learning platform supports (SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004), which is shown in the LMS profile menu. 

Note: iSpring Suite allows you to publish courses that are SCORM training materials, as well as those of other eLearning standards, including AICC, Experience API (Tin Can), and cmi5. 

In the same window, you can fine-tune the course settings. You can change the title, add a course description, and enter keywords. 

Step 5. Save the settings and hit the Publish button. iSpring Suite will create a zip file with the course. Uploading it to a SCORM-compliant LMS will allow you to track your learners’ progress.

An example of a SCORM course report

iSpring Suite is not just a Word-to-SCORM converter. It’s a fully stocked eLearning authoring tool that allows you to create PowerPoint-based courses, interactive quizzes, conversation simulations, drag-and-drop exercises, interactions, and screencasts and publish them to SCORM and other online learning formats.

Here’s what you’ll get with iSpring Suite

Pricing

iSpring Suite starts at $470 per author/year (an option for freelance or academic purposes), which includes an eLearning authoring tool and 24/7 technical support. However, the best option is the iSpring Suite Max package, which includes both a desktop and a web-based tools to create comprehensive training courses in different formats:

• Video
• Role-plays
• Quizzes
• 24/7 technical support
• Text-to-speech
• Content Library with templates, backgrounds, and characters
• iSpring Cloud for making scrollable courses and quizzes right in a web browser.

Method 2: Using Adobe Captivate to Build a SCORM course

Adobe Captivate is another eLearning authoring tool and Word-to-SCORM converter that offers interactive SCORM content, simulations, and more. It’s tailored to create a wide range of courses, from simple educational ones to professional corporate courses. Let’s take a closer look.

What you’ll need

• A tool for separating the Word content into eLearning elements like images, videos, and text
• An Adobe Captivate subscription

Step-by-step process

Step 1. Make it as simple as possible.

You’ll need to convert your Word materials into plain text and simple images. To do this, you can either use Adobe Acrobat (it can convert PDFs as well) or perform this conversion manually. 

For example, try using Microsoft Word where your existing courses were created: save your document as plain text. But please note: you’ll have to extract images in advance because they will be lost in the conversion process.

Step 2. Import your plain text and images into Adobe Captivate in the right order and add some multimedia elements. You can enhance your course at this step, as Adobe Captivate offers various features for course creation, like adding audio, animations, or widgets.

Step 3. Set up your SCORM project.

The course material publishing process is easy. Navigate to the Publish Settings menu and customize your training with SCORM settings. Finally, click on Publish, and you’ll be ready to go!

Method 3: How to Convert a Word Document to SCORM with Articulate Storyline

Articulate Storyline is another popular desktop application for eLearning course creation and Word-to-SCORM conversion. This authoring tool permits the integration of simple multimedia components and is tailored to accommodate all levels of technical skills: you can create smaller short courses or larger comprehensive ones.

What you’ll need

• Any tool for converting your Word-based eLearning content to the simple pieces of learning content like images and plain text 
• The latest version of Articulate Storyline 

Step-by-step process

The process is basically the same as the one used in Adobe Captivate.

Step 1. Convert it all into simple elements — separate plain text and media, such as images of software templates or explanation recordings.

Step 2. Enhance the course content with some SCORM components: add multimedia elements and navigation if needed.

Step 3. Set it up and publish.

Your SCORM file is now ready. Upload it to your LMS and see how it works.

Method 4: Online Converters

There are plenty of online converters that offer quick and easy conversion to SCORM. Let’s see why they can work for your purposes and what risks are present when converting your Word files this way.

Method 5: Manual Conversion (Free Option) 

If you don’t want to pay for a Word to SCORM converter right now, there is always the manual option. Yes, its major advantage is that it’s free, but it comes with some challenges. Let’s see how to make a SCORM package from a Word document manually.

What you’ll need

This method requires some time and technical skills, such as knowing how SCORM works and what it’s composed of, but all you’ll need is:

• Microsoft Word or a Google Docs account
• Ready-made files from the SCORM website
• At least a basic knowledge of how to create an online course
• Your courses in DOC format
• Some of your time

Step-by-step process

Step 1. Convert your Word document to HTML.

Or do this using Microsoft Word. Please pay attention to the HTML version: choosing between the web page and filtered web page options, rely on what you want to get as a result. 

Step 2. Arrange your HTML files into folders and bookmarks. This will affect how your LMS will use these HTML resource links.

Step 3. Add SCORM files and components.

This includes specific SCORM files. Download them straight from the SCORM website, unpack the archive, and exchange sample HTML files for yours.

Don’t forget to include the imsmanifest.xml document! This very important doc is needed to guide your future course on how to use your HTML data: what materials to show, how to import them into your learning management system, and more. You can also get this file on the SCORM website.

Step 4. Create a ZIP archive (SCORM package) with all the components collected.

That’s all! You can now use your course with your favorite LMS.

Comparison Table: Which Method is Right for You?

Now let’s compare the capabilities, pros, and cons of each method.

Typical Challenges of Word-to-SCORM Document Conversion

Compliance and SCORM version compatibility

One of the biggest hurdles encountered when converting Word to a SCORM package is ensuring compliance and version compatibility, as different LMS platforms support varying SCORM standards (like SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004).

What to do? Regularly test the module’s functionality and compatibility with different LMSs. Additionally, file and metadata management must be precise — poorly structured eLearning content or missing metadata can disrupt LMS integration, making proper naming conventions and packaging essential.

Maintaining consistent HTML course design

Converting static Word documents into interactive SCORM courses often disrupts design consistency, as text-heavy layouts don’t always adapt well to eLearning formats. Reformatting content for responsiveness while maintaining branding and readability requires careful planning.

What to do? Optimize file sizes and formats in advance: reduce file sizes to ensure efficient loading and prevent performance issues. Avoid large images and videos or embedded assets that can slow loading times. Compressing media and using web-friendly formats (like MP4 or SVG) is crucial for smooth performance.

SCORM’s limitations with Word-based content

Since Word documents are inherently static, converting them to the SCORM package often results in limited interactivity and engagement. This makes it challenging to go beyond text-heavy slides or basic assessments without significant redesigning.

What to do? Developers must manually enhance the content by adding interactive elements — such as clickable menus, embedded quizzes, or multimedia — to make it more engaging, which increases development time and complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which eLearning authoring tool can help when transforming Word files to SCORM?

Among the great variety of eLearning authoring tools, iSpring Suite excels as the perfect tool to traverse the entire journey: from Word conversion to the creation, management, seamless integration, and assessment of a comprehensive online course.

How do I convert a complex Word file to SCORM?

First, you need to split it into smaller, simple pieces — images, videos, audio files, text, etc. Then, you’ll need to collect it all together again in the online course authoring tool or simply in the folder on your laptop, if you use a manual approach.

What files can be converted to SCORM format?

Basically, any simple file that’s used in eLearning: PDFs, documents, videos, PowerPoint presentations, and plain text. The important part to remember is that you have to select the files that are not encrypted, protected, etc. The file should be able to be fragmented as deeply as possible.

Additional Resources

Check out more articles on how iSpring Suite can help you turn your legacy content into full-fledged SCORM courses.

• How to Create SCORM Content for Your LMS
• SCORM Wrapper
• How to Convert an MP4 Video to SCORM Format
• How to Convert a PDF File to a SCORM Package
• How to Convert PowerPoint Presentations to MP4 Videos

Now that you know how easy it is to create an interactive digital course out of a simple Word document, it’s time to choose the right eLearning authoring tool and the learning management system that will meet your goals.

Consider the family of iSpring tools: from Word-to-SCORM conversion, course amendment or creation, to increasing learners’ engagement and tracking their results — all in the same place and with a user-friendly interface. Sounds great, right? So, try it out to see if it’s the tool set you’re looking for.