Free online DOC to WORD converter

Current word processors and document systems may require the newer .docx format when an older .doc file must be edited, shared, or archived. Conversion keeps the document editable and avoids compatibility warnings in recent software.

What the DOC format is

.doc is Microsoft Word's binary document format, used mainly by Word versions released before 2007. It can store formatted text, tables, images, headers, footers, fields, comments, macros, and embedded objects. Older business archives, email attachments, and files from older Windows computers commonly use this format.

What the WORD format is

“WORD” is not a separate filename extension. It usually means a Microsoft Word document, and the current standard extension is .docx. DOCX uses Office Open XML: a ZIP package containing structured XML files, relationships, and media.

DOCX is the normal format for current Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer, document-management systems, and most modern editing workflows. It often produces smaller files than DOC and is more interoperable with current office software. A standard .docx file cannot store traditional VBA macro projects; documents that must retain VBA macros should use .docm instead.

How to convert a DOC file

Microsoft Word

1. Open the .doc file in Microsoft Word.
2. Check the layout for missing fonts, changed spacing, damaged tables, misplaced images, headers, and footers.
3. Choose File → Save As or File → Save a Copy.
4. Select Word Document (*.docx) as the file type.
5. Choose a new filename and destination, then select Save.
6. If Word shows a compatibility warning, choose the DOCX option. Close and reopen the saved file to verify it.

Saving a copy rather than overwriting the original preserves the source file if formatting or unsupported content changes.

LibreOffice Writer

1. Open the DOC file in LibreOffice Writer.
2. Choose File → Save As.
3. Set the file type to Word 2007–365 (*.docx).
4. Enable automatic file-name extensions if that option appears, then save.
5. Confirm the format warning and inspect the resulting file in the software that will be used to edit or share it.

101convert.com

You can convert the file for free on 101convert.com without installing software: upload the DOC file, select DOCX or the site’s WORD output, start the conversion, and download the result. Do not upload confidential, personal, or regulated documents unless the service’s retention, deletion, and security terms are acceptable.

LibreOffice command line

For local batch conversion with LibreOffice installed, run:

soffice --headless --convert-to docx --outdir output input.doc

Replace input.doc with the source path and output with an existing destination directory. Review batch results manually when files contain macros, embedded objects, or complex layouts.

Quality and compatibility limits

DOC and DOCX implement some layout features differently, so conversion may not be visually identical. Check page breaks, line wrapping, numbered lists, footnotes, text boxes, equations, tracked changes, section settings, hyperlinks, and embedded objects. Missing fonts can change line breaks and pagination even when the conversion itself succeeds.

VBA macros are not retained as active macros in ordinary .docx output. If macro functionality is required, use .docm and verify the macros before enabling them. A password-protected, encrypted, or damaged DOC file may need to be opened with the original password or repaired in Word before it can be converted. Files with digital signatures may lose signature validity after conversion because saving creates a new document.