Documents · .doc
What Is a DOC File?
A .doc file is a document in the older Microsoft Word format, used before 2007.
- Extension
- .doc
- Full name
- Microsoft Word 97–2003 document
- Type
- Document
- MIME type
- application/msword
- Developed by
- Microsoft
About DOC Files
DOC was Microsoft Word's default format until Word 2007 replaced it with DOCX. It is a binary format, so unlike DOCX it isn't a ZIP of XML files. Many older documents, templates and forms are still DOC files, and every current version of Word, LibreOffice, Google Docs and Pages can open them. Older DOC files can contain macros, which is a common way malware spreads, so Word opens downloaded documents in Protected View and you should only enable editing when you trust the source.
How to Open a DOC File
- Windows & Mac
- Open it in Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer or Apple Pages. Word shows 'Compatibility Mode' in the title bar.
- Any device
- Upload it to Google Drive and open it with Google Docs.
- iPhone & Android
- Open it in the Word, Google Docs or Pages app.
DOC File Questions
How do I convert DOC to DOCX?
Open the file in Word and choose File, then Info, then Convert. Or use File, Save As and choose Word Document (.docx).
Is a DOC file safe to open?
DOC files can contain macros, which can be malicious. Don't enable macros or editing in files from senders you don't trust.