Convert Docx to Doc
If you're trying to open a DOCX Word file in an older version of Word, you may find that all of the characters are jumbled and replaced. This is because the DOCX format was introduced in Word 2007, and older versions of Word can't read it properly. Luckily, converting these files is a very simple process regardless of your operating system.
Contents
Steps
Opening a DOCX File in Word XP and 2003 (Windows)
- Download the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack. If you're using an older version of Microsoft Office, you can use this free update from Microsoft to enable Word to open DOCX files created in newer version of Word.
- You can download it from microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=3.
- Make sure that Windows and Office have all of the latest updates installed.
- Run the downloaded EXE file to install the update. Follow the prompts in the installer to install the compatibility pack.
- Double-click the DOCX file to open it in Word. After installing the pack, you should be able to open the DOCX file as if it was a regular DOC file.
- Save the file as a DOC file. After opening the file, you can save it as a regular DOC file if you need to open it on more computers that don't have the compatibility pack installed.
- Click File and select "Save as". In the "Type of file" drop-down menu, select "DOC".
Converting a DOCX File on Macs
- Open the Terminal utility. You can find this in the Utilities subfolder of your Applications folder.
- Type .textutil -convert doc into the command line. Do not press ⏎ Return yet.
- Drag the DOCX file that you want to convert into the Terminal window. The file path will be added to the command you entered.
- Press .⏎ Return to convert the file. This may take a moment. The new DOC version will be saved into the same location as the original DOCX file.
Using an Online Conversion Tool
- Find an online conversion service. If you'd rather not install anything or use the Terminal, you can use an online service that will handle the conversion process for you. Note: This isn't recommended for sensitive information, as you'll be uploading the document to a remote server for conversion. Popular services include:
- Zamzar - zamzar.com/convert/docx-to-doc/
- Free File Converter - freefileconvert.com/
- Upload the DOCX file that you want to convert. The process varies depending on the service, but generally you can browse your computer for the file or drag and drop it into the browser window.
- Select "DOC" as your output format. This will convert the file to the DOC format for you.
- Enter your email address and start the conversion. It will likely take a few minutes for the file to be converted and delivered to your inbox.
- Download and open the file. Use the download link in the email you receive to download the converted file to your computer. You can then open it as a DOC file in any version of Word.
Using Word 2007 or Later
- Open the DOCX file in Word 2007 or later. This method is useful if you have a later version of Word but the person you are sending the file to doesn't.
- Click the File menu. If you're using Word 2007, click the Office button.
- Select "Save As". This will allow you to give the file a new name and change the format.
- Click the "Save as type" drop-down menu and select "Word 97-2003 Document". This will save the file in DOC format.
