Troubleshooting Aspose.Words FOSS for Python

This page covers common issues encountered when using Aspose.Words FOSS for Python and their solutions.

Installation Issues

Package not found

If pip install aspose-words-foss fails with a “not found” error, ensure you are using a supported Python version and that your pip is up to date:

pip install --upgrade pip
pip install aspose-words-foss

Import errors after install

Verify the package installed correctly:

import aspose.words_foss as aw
print(aw.__version__)

Loading Issues

PackageStructureException on DOCX load

The file may be corrupt or not a valid DOCX (ZIP-based OPC package). Verify the file:

python -c "import zipfile; zipfile.ZipFile('file.docx')"

If this fails, the file is not a valid OPC package (DOCX files use the ZIP-based Open Packaging Convention).

MissingPartException

A required XML part is absent from the DOCX package. The file may be truncated or incomplete. Re-create the file from the source application to ensure the package is intact.

Garbled text from DOC files

Ensure the file is a genuine Word 97-2003 binary (.doc), not a renamed .docx or .rtf file. The DOC reader expects OLE2 binary format.

Conversion Issues

Fonts differ in PDF output

The PDF writer uses system fonts. If a font used in the source document is not installed, a substitute is used. Install the required fonts on the system running the conversion.

Missing images in PDF

Images must be embedded in the source document, not linked externally. Check the source DOCX for external image references.

Tables misaligned in PDF

Complex nested table structures may not render identically. Simplify table nesting in the source document if possible.