Teachers · Exams

Import an exam from Word, Excel or a text-based PDF

Upload an existing exam file (Word .docx, Excel .xlsx or a text-based PDF, up to 20MB). Bút Nghiên separates the questions, answers and explanations, then opens the advanced editor so you can check everything before saving.

Published August 29, 2026 · Last updated October 15, 2026

Steps

  1. Go to “Exams” → “Create exam”, then choose “Import from Word (.docx)”, “Import from Excel (.xlsx)” or “Import from PDF”. The dashboard also has an “Import exam” shortcut.
  2. On the “Upload exam document” page, drag your file into the “Choose or drag and drop your exam file here” area, or click “Choose file from computer”.
  3. Wait while Bút Nghiên analyzes the file. When it's done, the advanced editor opens with the separated questions: the preview on the left, the editable content on the right.
  4. Check each question: the correct answer (* mark), points and explanation. Make changes directly in the right-hand panel.
  5. Click “Save draft” to save a draft exam, or “Switch to basic editor” to choose the subject, class and time, then publish.

Common errors and how to fix them

  • “Upload or analysis error” with a reason → check that the file is in the right format, under 20MB and not a scan.
  • A scanned or image-only PDF produces no questions → Bút Nghiên can't read text inside images; use a PDF with selectable text, or move the content into Word.
  • Word files are recognized best when they follow the format: Question 1., a * before the correct answer, EXPLANATION: (see the Text syntax guide). Excel files need columns for the question, options, answer and explanation.
  • If you start from a class page, the imported exam is linked to that class.
  • Once you've picked a specific import method (Word, Excel or PDF), the page only accepts that file type and shows tips for it; to change, click “Import another file type”. Below the upload area there's an “Up to 20 MB” line and a “See the formatting guide” link. A file of the wrong type or over 20 MB is rejected right away, before it's uploaded: “The file "…" is not a supported type. Accepted: ….” or “The file "…" is larger than 20 MB. Make it smaller and upload it again.” Once you've fixed it, you can pick that same file again.
  • Formulas made with Equation or MathType in a Word file aren't imported: Equation formulas are skipped, and MathType formulas are treated as images, so they aren't imported either. Type the formulas again between two $ signs (see the Text syntax guide).

Open the import page (sign-in required)

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