What is a .DOC file?
Discover what a DOC file is and its role in your daily document needs.
If you have worked in an office setting at any point, you are likely familiar with DOC files. Easy to edit, this file type, alongside PDFs, is one of the most commonly used today. Read on to learn “What is a doc file?” and the differences between a DOC file and other document file types.
What does .DOC mean?
.DOC is the extension name for Microsoft Word documents, DOC being short for document. A DOC file can contain text, images, various formatting, and other elements that can be edited in the Word platform. DOC files were primarily used in versions of Word before 2007. Now that you know “What is a .DOC file?” let’s dive into DOC vs DOCX files.
What is a .DOC or .DOCX file?
Both .DOC and .DOCX files can contain text, images, formatting, and other elements and originate from the Microsoft Word platform. While the two look similar at a quick glance, consider some functional differences before saving your document as one or the other. Let’s break down some important differences between a .DOC vs .DOCX.
DOC (Word Document)
The Microsoft Word document has existed since 1983 and includes versions before 2007. Word documents allow many edits and adjustments, including storing text and formatting data, images, tables, and more.
By the 1990s, other competing software could support Word documents, but the formatting needed compatibility. In 2008, Microsoft presented an updated version of the format that other software supported with few formatting limits.
DOCX (Office Open XML document)
The DOCX file came onto the scene in the early 2000s. As competition increased, including from Open Office, a free, open-source suite with document software called Open Document Format (ODF), Microsoft knew it needed to step up its game.
These changes were called Office Open XML and were formed from Extensible Markup Language instead of the more limiting binary-based format.
The DOCX file format allowed for smaller file sizes and presented less risk of file corruption. DOCX stores the file in an open XML format archived as a compressed zip file format, allowing for this smaller file size and more storage space.
Is a PDF a .DOC file?
No, a PDF is not a .DOC file. PDF stands for Portable Document Format, and it originates from Adobe. DOC files can be opened using word processing software, while PDFs can be opened using a PDF viewer like Acrobat or any web browser. DOC files are great for editing, while PDF files are ideal for presenting and sharing, as they look the same across any device and are less generally available to edit. Once you’re finished editing, converting Word to PDF ensures your work looks the same on any device. You can always convert PDF to Word to quickly edit your document.
Is DOC the same as Word DOC?
Yes, a DOC file is the same as a Word DOC. DOC stands for document, and the .DOC extension originated in the Word platform. A DOC refers to any document that originates from the Word platform.
Transform your DOC files.
DOC files are great for editing, but once you’re done, you’ll want to save your work as a file that can’t be easily adjusted when you share and present your document. The Acrobat PDF converter can help you transform your documents to be presentation-ready.
Discover all that you can do with Acrobat today.
Keep exploring