Softonic

DOC to DOCX Converter

Step 1 / 4 File converter

Convert your file in a few clicks. It is processed securely on our servers and ready to download in seconds.

Accepted input
DOC
Next: how it works

DOC is the old binary Word format that Microsoft used through Word 2003. DOCX, introduced with Word 2007, is the modern Open XML format every current word processor expects. Converting DOC to DOCX gives you a smaller, more reliable file that opens cleanly in modern Word, Google Docs and LibreOffice, and unlocks today’s editing features.

How to convert DOC to DOCX

  1. 1

    Upload your DOC file

    Drop a legacy `.doc` document into the converter.

  2. 2

    The document is parsed

    Text, formatting, tables and images are read from the old binary format.

  3. 3

    Rebuilt as DOCX

    The content is re-saved in the modern Open XML (DOCX) structure.

  4. 4

    Download the DOCX

    A modern Word file ready to edit anywhere.

DOCX has been the default Word format since 2007. Moving old DOC files over keeps your documents future-proof.

DOC vs DOCX

Property DOC (legacy) DOCX (modern)
Format type Binary Open XML (zipped)
Introduced Word 97-2003 Word 2007+
File size Larger Smaller (compressed)
Recovery / repair Harder Easier (XML inside)
Modern features Limited Full support

Why convert to DOCX

  • Compatibility, Google Docs and modern Word handle DOCX best; DOC may trigger compatibility-mode warnings.
  • Smaller files, DOCX is zipped XML, so documents take less space.
  • Future-proofing, the binary DOC format is steadily being phased out.

A note on formatting

Most layout, styles, tables and images carry over cleanly. Very old documents with macros or unusual legacy formatting may need a quick visual check after converting.

Frequently Asked Questions

DOC is the older binary Word format (Word 2003 and earlier). DOCX is the modern Open XML format (Word 2007 onward), smaller, more robust and the default in every current word processor.

Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Text, styles, tables and images transfer cleanly. Documents with old macros or unusual legacy formatting are worth a quick review afterwards.

For better compatibility with modern Word and Google Docs, smaller file sizes, and access to current editing features. The aging DOC format is gradually being retired.

Word 2007 and later open DOCX natively. For Word 2003, you’d need Microsoft’s compatibility pack, or you can convert the other way to DOC instead.

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