How do I convert a DOCX file to the old DOC format?
To convert DOCX to DOC, upload your Word file, or an ODT or RTF file, to FixDoks's DOCX to DOC tool and click Convert to DOC. Text, fonts, tables and images convert cleanly, though newer features like SmartArt may be simplified. Your file is uploaded over HTTPS and deleted after the DOC is returned.
DOCX to DOC at a glance
| Input | DOCX, ODT, RTF |
|---|---|
| Output | DOC |
| Processing | On our server over HTTPS; files are deleted right after conversion |
| Max file size | 50 MB per file |
| Price | Free, no watermark |
| Download | Free Google sign-in |
| Works on | Chrome, Edge, Safari and Firefox on Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone |
How to use DOCX to DOC Converter
- Click Select DOCX files and choose the documents to convert.
- Click Convert to DOC.
- Download the .doc files.
When you still need DOC
DOCX has been the default Word format since 2007, but the older DOC format has not disappeared. You may need it when:
- A job portal, government form or company system only accepts
.docuploads. - The recipient uses Word 2003 or older, or an old office computer that cannot open DOCX.
- Legacy software such as a court filing system, a billing tool or a mail-merge template expects DOC.
What converts well
Text, fonts, paragraph styles, headings, lists, tables, images, headers and footers, page numbers and page setup convert cleanly, so typical letters, CVs and reports look the same.
Features that may change
DOC is a much older format, so some newer Word features have no exact equivalent:
- Modern charts and SmartArt may become static pictures.
- New text effects (glow, reflection) and some advanced typography are simplified.
- Content controls and newer form fields become plain text or legacy fields.
- Equations built with the modern equation editor may be converted to images.
Open the DOC file and check it before sending, especially for complex documents.
Consider PDF instead
If the recipient only needs to read or print the document, a PDF is usually a better choice than DOC: it looks exactly the same on every device. Use Word to PDF. If they need to edit it and have a modern Word, keep it as DOCX.
Also accepts ODT and RTF
LibreOffice ODT and RTF files can also be converted to DOC here. To go the other way, from old DOC to DOCX, use DOC to DOCX.
Checking compatibility before you send
After converting, open the DOC file in the same program the recipient uses if you can, or at least in Word or LibreOffice, and scroll through every page. Look closely at charts, equations, text boxes and page breaks, since these are the parts most likely to change. If something important is simplified, a PDF alongside the DOC ensures the recipient can still see the intended layout.
Some older mail-merge templates and document management systems also expect specific fonts. Stick to classic fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial or Verdana in documents meant for these systems.
File size
DOC files are uncompressed, so the converted file is often larger than the DOCX. If an upload form has a strict size limit as well as requiring DOC, reduce large pictures in Word (Picture Format > Compress Pictures) before converting.
Your files are deleted from our server as soon as the DOC is returned.