Comparison
DOCX vs DOC: what is the difference and which should you use?
The short answer
Use DOCX. It is the modern format: smaller, more reliable and readable by far more programs. DOC is the older Word format from before 2007. If you have a DOC file, open it in a program that supports it and choose Save As, then DOCX.
You have two files, one ending in .doc and one in .docx, and you are wondering whether it matters. It does, a little. Here is the plain comparison.
The differences at a glance
| DOCX | DOC | |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 2007 | Before 2007 |
| Built on | Zipped XML | A single binary file |
| File size | Smaller | Larger |
| If it gets damaged | Often recoverable | More likely lost |
| Other programs | Widely supported | Supported, but less well |
| Macros | Not in DOCX (DOCM only) | Possible in any DOC |
Why DOCX is the better choice
- Smaller. The zip inside a DOCX makes files noticeably smaller, which helps with email limits.
- More robust. The parts are separate, so one damaged part does not always ruin the whole file.
- Safer. An ordinary DOCX cannot carry macros. A DOC can.
- Open. Its design is published, so many free programs read and write it well.
When you might still meet a DOC file
Old archives, school and office files that have been around for years, and some forms from organisations that never updated their templates. They still open in most programs, but a few online tools, Wrdio included, work with DOCX only.
How to convert a DOC to DOCX
- Open the DOC file in Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer or Google Docs.
- Choose File, then Save As (or Download in Google Docs).
- Pick Word Document (.docx) as the type.
- Open the new file and scroll through it. Old files sometimes have odd spacing or fonts that shift.
Then you can open it in Wrdio and edit it in your browser.
If an old DOC will not open at all
Try LibreOffice, which has the widest support for old formats. If the file came by email, ask for it again, and read how to fix a document that will not open.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between DOC and DOCX?
DOC is the older binary format used before 2007. DOCX is a newer format built on XML that is smaller, less prone to damage and easier for other programs to read.
Can I open a DOC file without Word?
Yes. LibreOffice and Google Docs open DOC files. Wrdio opens DOCX only, so convert a DOC to DOCX first.
How do I convert DOC to DOCX?
Open the DOC file in Word, LibreOffice or Google Docs and save or download it as DOCX. Check the layout afterwards.
Should I send DOC or DOCX to other people?
Send DOCX unless someone specifically needs DOC. Almost every current program opens DOCX, and it is the safer default.