DOC vs. DOCX: Microsoft Office is a very popular application designed for business use. a person who is using Microsoft Word application will definitely know about DOC and DOCX file format. DOC file format was the only file format for Microsoft Office till 2003 when the company launched the new version of MS Word. The DOCX format was introduced in the market with the launch of MS Word 2007. And if we talk about DOC versus DOCX, the main difference between these two is that DOC documents are stored into binary files, while DOCX documents are stored in zip files.
Let’s take a closer look at DOC versus DOCX file formats:
| Storage | In DOC, documents are stored in binary files while in DOCX, in a zip file. |
| Nature | The nature of DOC is proprietary, and DOCX is an open standard |
| Extensions | Both are the extension for MS Word files to keep dat save |
| Options | DOC has minimal options as compared to DOCX |
Table of Contents
What is DOC?
DOC is an extension for word documents with the binary file format. Over 30 years ago, MS Word used the DOC file format. This file format was proprietary and was only supported by MS Word. In the 1990s and 200s, There were other products as well that worked with DOCS files, but the format was not supported in other types of word processors. In 2008 an updated version of DOC was released by Microsoft, which can also be used in other programs with few limitations.
What is DOCX?
A lot of people are confused about what DOCX means. DOCX is a newer and updated version released by Microsoft Office, which has more features than DOC. Microsoft updated DOC to DOCX as a new standard for word processing due to the high competition from certain free formats like ODF and Open Office. Suppose we talk about DOC vs. DOCX files, DOCX files are smaller, lighter, and easy to transfer and read. DOCX is the default extension of the Word 2007 and the later versions. The DOCX file type can be easily opened in older versions as well.
7 Key Differences Between DOC and DOCX
| Components | DOC | DOCX |
|---|---|---|
| Description | The DOC is the first version released by Microsoft Word until the 2003 version. | DOCX is a default extension of word2007 and the versions after that |
| Document Storage | In Doc, there is a binary file to store the documents, which also contain relevant information and formatting. | A zip file in DOCX also has all the XML files pertaining to the document. |
| Nature | The nature of DOC is basically proprietary | The nature of DOCX is an open standard |
| Suitability | DOC is needed if pre-2007 versions of the word will use the file | DOCX is needed if the post-2007 version of a word will use the file |
| File size | The file size of DOC is greater if we compare DOC file Vs. DOCX | The DOCX files are lighter and smaller in size |
| Opening | DOC extension can easily be opened in the newer version | DOCX extension can be opened in the older version |
| Support | Third-party office application does not support Doc | DOCX is supported by most of the third-party office applications |
DOC vs. DOCX Similarities
- Whether it is DOC or DOCX, both are the extensions of MS Word files.
- Both of these extensions are used to store images, texts, tables, charts, personal documents, and many more.
DOC vs. DOCX Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons of DOC
Pros of DOC
- DOC file format can be used to edit images, texts, formatting, or printing settings.
- DOC file is also used to reach the goal of file creation, as it can be easily used by most of the users, and the majority can open the DOC files.
Cons of DOC
- DOC files are larger in size, so the user has to store their information into binary codes and store it into large and complex files.
- To use MS Word DOC and another format, you have to pay, as these can be very expensive as well. There are also free word processors present out there which are as powerful as Doc.
DOCX Pros and Cons
Pros of DOCX
- DOCX files are lighter and smaller in size and can easily be saved into the computer.
- While transferring the file, it can get corrupted, but DOCX is very reliable and very less sensitive to file corruption.
- Images that are embedded in DOCX are of higher quality when compressed and work better.
Cons of DOCX
- DOCX is the newer and the updated version of Microsoft Word, so it is more expensive than the older versions.
- The free version of the format does not contain all of the features as it has a lot of limitations.
Comparison Chart
Comparison Video
FAQs
When Was DOCX Introduced?
The DOCX format was first introduced with the launch of Microsoft Word 2007, and it is still present.
Are DOC and DOCX the Same?
No, the DOC is the older format with storage in the binary file, while DOCX is the newer format with storage in a zip file.
Is DOCX a Word Document?
Yes, DOCX is a Microsoft Word document that contains texts.
Which Format Is Better, DOC or DOCX?
DOCX is better as it is a newer version with a lot of new features and options like the smaller size of files, less sensitivity to file corruption, reliability, and many more.
Can I Change DOCX to DOC?
Yes, you can convert your file from DOCX to DOC by opening MS Word 2007 or 10. Browse the file; the file will be automatically converted; you can select save as an option to save that DOCX file.
Conclusion
DOC and DOCX are the two most popular file formats of Microsoft office. These both are used to edit and save images, text, and other data. The main DOC and DOCX difference is that DOC format is an older version and was used till word 2003, while the DOCX came with the word 2007 and afteR that. The document storage in DOC is in the binary file while in DOCX is in the zip file. DOC format is suitable for those with the older version of MS Word, but the new DOCX has more options and features. You can also convert your file into any extension you want. For example, you can convert your file from DOCX to DOC easily.
