Difference Between DOC and DOCX

The file formats DOC and DOCX are used for word-processing documents. Both formats are connected to Microsoft Word, a popular word processing software.

Read this article to find out more about DOC and DOCX and how they are different from each other.

What is DOC?

The file type DOC, which stands for "Word Document," is used for word-processing documents. Microsoft created it, and it was the default file format for Microsoft Word versions prior to Microsoft Office 2007. The default file format in Microsoft Office 2007 has been DOCX, but the DOC format is still supported in current versions of Microsoft Word for backward compatibility.

• File Structure − The DOC file format uses a binary file structure. This means that the data in the document is kept in a proprietary binary format that, unlike plain text or XML-based formats, is not easily human-readable. The binary format is more complicated and opaque than the open XML structure seen in DOCX files.

• Compatibility − In early versions of Microsoft Word, DOC files were the standard format for word processing documents. However, because Microsoft switched to the newer DOCX format, there may be compatibility issues when opening DOC files with newer versions of Word or other word processing applications. Some formatting or features unique to previous versions of Microsoft Word may not be completely supported or shown differently in later applications.

• Features and Functionality − Older versions of Microsoft Word may not support all of the DOCX format's features and functions. Advanced formatting choices, themes, styles, and other modern editing tools, for example, may not be available or function effectively in DOC files.

• File Size − One disadvantage of the binary file structure is that it results in larger file sizes when compared to newer XML-based formats such as DOCX. When it comes to storing and exchanging information over the internet, larger file sizes can be an issue.

What is DOCX?

The file type DOCX, which stands for "Word Open XML Document," is used for word processing documents. Beginning with Microsoft Office 2007, it was made the default file format for Microsoft Word. DOCX has superseded the earlier DOC format as the industry standard for producing, modifying, and distributing word processing documents.

• File Structure − The DOCX format has a file structure that is open and based on XML. XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is a markup language that is both human- and machine-readable and describes the structure and content of a document. In contrast to the earlier DOC format's binary file structure, the XML structure used in DOCX files makes the content more transparent and accessible, allowing for better data extraction and manipulation.

• Compatibility − DOCX files are designed to be more interoperable with recent versions of Microsoft Word as well as other word processing software that supports the Open XML standard. This compatibility facilitates the sharing of documents across platforms and ensures that layout and content stay similar when opened in different software applications.

• Features and Functionality − One of the key advantages of DOCX is its support for a diverse set of features and activities. It allows users to use Microsoft Word's extensive formatting options, styles, themes, graphics, and other current editing tools. The XML structure also allows for the direct integration of multimedia assets such as photographs, videos, and audio recordings into the text.

• File Size − DOCX files are generally smaller in size than the older binary DOC format due to their XML-based structure. The XML format allows for improved compression, reducing file sizes and making them more efficient for internet storage and distribution.

• Open Standard − One important feature of DOCX is that it is based on an open standard called "Office Open XML" (OOXML). The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) manage this standard. The specifications for DOCX are publicly available as an open standard, allowing other software developers to provide support for the format in their applications.

Difference between DOC and DOCX

The following table highlights the major differences between DOC and DOCX −

Conclusion

In conclusion, DOCX is usually regarded as a superior and more current file format than DOC due to its reduced size, improved interoperability, improved data recovery capabilities, and expanded feature set. As a result, wherever practical, use DOCX for creating, modifying, and distributing word processing documents. However, in some cases, storing files in the DOC format may still be required for compatibility with older versions of Microsoft Word.

Md. Sajid

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Updated on: 09-Aug-2023

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