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8 Difference Between DOC And DOCX

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What is DOC?

DOC is a filename extension for word processing documents, most commonly in the proprietary Microsoft Word Binary File Format. The DOC format has been used since the first release of Microsoft word for MS-DOS until 2003 version of word. In DOC, the document is stored in a binary file that also contains the related formatting and other relevant information.

The DOC format has been used by Microsoft for quite some time, but its proprietary nature meant that other software makers were not able to use the format for their own applications.  Even other word processing applications have difficulties in accurately reading DOC files.

With introduction of DOCX and other XML based formats, it is almost certain that the DOC format is slowly being phase out in favor of the new formats. The only reason to use the older DOC file format now would be to recover some older files than ten years or to work with a very much outdated word processor. In either case, it would be best to resave the file in DOCX or some other modern standard like ODF for an easy conversion.

What You Need To Know About DOC

  • The DOC format has been used since the first release of Microsoft word for MS-DOS until 2003 version of word.
  • In DOC, the document is stored in a binary file that also contains the related formatting and other relevant information.
  • DOC is proprietary.
  • There were minimal options in the text and design in the DOC.
  • The size of a file in the DOC format is greater than the file size in the newer DOCX.
  • DOC extension can be opened in the newer version in the form of compatible mode.
  • DOC is only necessary if the file will be used by pre-2007 versions of word.
  • DOCX is not supported by third-party office applications.

    • What is DOCX?

    DOCX is a relatively newer version of file type which contains more features than DOC. Microsoft introduced DOCX as the new standard for word processing and also because of the rising competition from free and open-source formats like Open Office and ODF.

    DOCX is a better choice for just about every situation. The format creates smaller, lighter files that are easier to read and transfer. The Open nature of the Office Open XML standard mean that it can be read by just about any full-featured word processor, including online tools like Google Docs.  

    What You Need To Know About DOCX

  • DOCX is the default extension of word 2007 and later.
  • A DOCX file is basically a zip file that contains all the XML files pertaining to the document.
  • DOCX is an open standard.
  • There are many new innovative options available in the DOCX.
  • The size of a file in the DOCX format is smaller than a file size in the older DOC.
  • DOCX files can be opened in the older versions easily.
  • DOCX is necessary if the file will be used by post-2007 versions of word.
  • DOCX is supported by majority of third-party office applications and can be opened easily.

    • Similarities

    • Both are extensions of Microsoft word files and can be used to store images, tables, formatted texts, charts and more.

    Also Read: Difference Between XLSX And XLS

    Difference Between DOC And DOCX In Tabular Form

    BASIS OF COMPARISONDOCDOCX
    DescriptionThe DOC format has been used since the first release of Microsoft word for MS-DOS until 2003 version of word.  DOCX is the default extension of word 2007 and later.  
    Document StorageIn DOC, the document is stored in a binary file that also contains the related formatting and other relevant information.  A DOCX file is basically a zip file that contains all the XML files pertaining to the document.  
    NatureDOC is proprietary.  DOCX is an open standard.  
    OptionsThere were minimal options in the text and design in the DOC.  There are many new innovative options available in the DOCX.  
    File SizeThe size of a file in the DOC format is greater than the file size in the newer DOCX.  The size of a file in the DOCX format is smaller than a file size in the older DOC.  
    OpeningDOC extension can be opened in the newer version in the form of compatible mode.  DOCX files can be opened in the older versions easily.  
    SuitabilityDOC is only necessary if the file will be used by pre-2007 versions of word.  DOCX is necessary if the file will be used by post-2007 versions of word.  
    SupportDOCX is not supported by third-party office applications.  DOCX is supported by majority of third-party office applications and can be opened easily.  

    Also Read: Difference Between Excel Workbook And Excel Worksheet

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