Overview
Workiro provides a streamlined workflow for converting Word or Excel documents to PDFs that integrates seamlessly with your existing Microsoft tools. By combining Microsoft's export functionality with Workiro's intelligent hot folder feature, you can convert and file documents in seconds without manual downloads or drag-and-drop steps.
Prerequisites
To use Workiro's optimized document conversion workflow, you'll need:
- Workiro desktop app installed: This provides access to the hot folder feature, which streamlines the process of saving converted documents back into Workiro. You can install it here: Download Workiro Desktop App
Step-by-step instructions
- Open your Word or Excel document in Microsoft Word or Excel for the Web by navigating to the three dots and selecting 'Open In... Word for Web' (or 'Excel for Web'):
- Navigate to File → Export and select "Download as PDF"
- When prompted to save, select the Workiro hot folder as your destination
- Click Save and close the Word or Excel web document
- Workiro automatically detects the new PDF and prompts you to file it into the appropriate connection or workspace unit, and add any necessary tags
The entire process takes just seconds.
Browser-only alternative
If you're working in the browser version without the desktop app:
- Open your Word or Excel document using Word or Excel for Web and use Microsoft's "Download as PDF" function
- Download the PDF to your local desktop
- Drag and drop the downloaded PDF file into Workiro
Use cases and benefits
For users who convert documents frequently, the efficiency gains are substantial. As one user noted: "When you're just doing it like 20 times a day, it all adds up like, do you know what I mean? The extra time and stuff? I know it sounds so trivial but because we're doing it so many times a day."
Tips and best practices
Use the hot folder feature
Install the Workiro desktop app to access the hot folder functionality. This eliminates the need to save files to your computer and drag them back into Workiro, making the splitting process much more efficient
File documents promptly:
When Workiro prompts you to file the converted PDF, take a moment to organize it into the correct connection or case for easy retrieval later
Important considerations
- The hot folder feature requires the Workiro desktop application to be installed and running
- Converted PDFs are automatically detected within seconds of being saved to the hot folder
- Workiro's filing prompt helps you organize documents into the appropriate connections or cases
- The workflow integrates with your existing Microsoft Word environment without requiring new tools or platforms