How to Convert Docx to Doc

Discover how to convert .docx files to .doc format with ease. We’ll guide you through a quick and complete walkthrough on how to resolve the compatibility gap while working between different versions of Word.

When it comes to digital documents, compatibility is key. And with MS Word, you can’t afford to waste time struggling with different format versions and file sharing issues.

This is especially true when collaborating with others, whether you’re a student finalizing an assignment or a business professional pulling together a report.

To help, we’ll show you how to turn your Docx to Word .doc format and even how to edit docx online as an alternative.

Let’s start streamlining your workflow with Word documents with a quick look at the docx vs. doc issue first.

Why convert docx to doc?

The simple answer? Backward compatibility. With Office 2007, Microsoft changed the default format for saving Word documents to .docx instead of .doc.

However, the .docx format isn’t compatible with versions before Office 2007. So if you or your collaborators are still using an older version of Microsoft Office, the MS Word application won’t be able to open or recognize .docx files.

If you’ve experienced this issue, our guide below shows you a quick workaround on how to turn docx to doc files you can work with.

How to convert docx to doc

Here’s the quickest way to change your Docx to Doc:

1. Open your docx file in MS Word.

2. Go to the File > Save As

3. In the file format drop down menu, select Word 97 – 2003 (*.doc).

4. Enter a file name and click on Save.

Access and edit DOCX online

If you’re in a tight spot, though, with a DOCX file you need to work with, you can use our online DOCX editor to make revisions or add textual content. Here’s how:

1. Go to Xodo's DOCX Editor.

2. Open your DOCX document.

3. Then click on the page to start editing the document.

You’ll be able to customize your formatting as you edit to match the existing content as much as possible. You can select your font settings, text formatting, headings, spacings, text alignment and more.

3. Once finished, click on Download to save your newly edited DOCX file to your device or save a copy to your cloud drive.

Expert Tip: If you’re a Xodo Pro user, you can share a link to the copy of your edited DOCX document with others. Perfect if you need to collaborate and make additional changes and don’t have a newer version of Office installed.

Work seamlessly with Word documents and Xodo

By using MS Word as a docx to doc converter by re-saving your document, you can eliminate any compatibility headaches and transition between different versions of Word anytime! 

And if you don’t have Word installed, we've got you covered there, as well, with Xodo’s online Docx editor.

If you’re looking to do more with your Word documents? Check out our other Xodo guides to navigate around your Word documents like a pro:

• How to Open a DOCX File
• How to Sign a Word Document
• How to Clear Formatting in Word
• 10 Tips for Writing and Editing in Microsoft Word
• 5 Tips for Recovering an Unsaved Word Document

Xodo can do more than just convert documents and PDFs online and help you take the next step in your digital document workflow! Discover how else Xodo can help with a free 7-day trial.