Download Word Documents Without Losing Formatting

If your Word document formatting changes after downloading, it is usually because it is opened in the wrong application (such as Google Docs or Apple Pages). Word is accessed online through your Student Portal. To keep your formatting the same, download your file correctly and always open it using OneDrive via the Student Portal — not by double-clicking the file on your computer.

What this guide helps you with

This guide helps you:

• Download your Word document correctly
• Keep your formatting unchanged
• Open your file using OneDrive

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Common issue

“My formatting changed after downloading my Word document.”

This usually happens when the file is opened using:

• Google Docs
• Apple Pages
• Another application on your computer

These applications may not display Word documents the same way.

What you should do

Follow this process to keep your formatting correct:

1. Save your document
2. Download it correctly
3. Do not double-click the file
4. Open it using Student Portal → OneDrive

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1 — Save your work

Wait until you see “Saved” at the top of the page.

Then press:

• Ctrl + S (Windows)
• Cmd + S (Mac)

Step 2 — Download correctly

In Word Online:

• Click File → Save As → Download a Copy
• Make sure the file type is .docx

Step 3 — Do not double-click the file

Do not open the file from your computer.

This will open the file in the wrong application and may change your formatting.

Step 4 — Open your file using the Student Portal

1. Go to the Student Portal
2. Log in using your student email and password
3. Select the OneDrive tile
4. If your file is saved on your computer:
   • Click Upload → Files
   • Select your .docx file
5. Click the file to open it

Your document will open in Word Online, and your formatting will remain the same.

Before you submit your assessment

Check your document:

• Headings are correct
• Spacing and margins are consistent
• Page breaks are in the right place
• Tables and images have not moved
• Fonts look the same

Important

• Do not double-click downloaded Word files
• Always open your file using Student Portal → OneDrive

Still need clarification or help? 
Simply reach out to our friendly Student Experience Team by submitting a Request or use the Help widget.