If you want to save your Word documents as .doc instead of .docx by default, it’s pretty straightforward. You just need to tweak a few settings in Word. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be saving your files in the older .doc format every time without a second thought.
How to Save as doc Instead of docx in Word By Default
Let’s dive into changing the settings in Word so that it saves files as .doc by default. This will make sure you don’t have to manually select the .doc format every time you save a document.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
First, open Microsoft Word on your computer.
This is the easiest step. Just find the Word icon on your desktop or start menu and double-click it. Word should open in a few seconds.
Step 2: Go to File Menu
Next, click on the ‘File’ menu at the top left corner of the screen.
The ‘File’ menu will give you access to settings and options that control how Word behaves, including saving formats.
Step 3: Click on Options
In the ‘File’ menu, scroll down and click on ‘Options.’
This will open the Word Options dialog box, where you can customize various aspects of Word.
Step 4: Select Save from the Left Sidebar
In the Word Options dialog box, click on ‘Save’ from the left-hand sidebar menu.
This section contains all the settings related to saving your documents.
Step 5: Change Default Save Format
Under ‘Save documents,’ you’ll see an option that says ‘Save files in this format.’ Click the dropdown menu and select ‘Word 97-2003 Document (*.doc).’
This change will ensure that any new document you create will be saved in the .doc format instead of .docx.
Once you complete these steps, Word will automatically save your documents in the .doc format by default. You won’t have to worry about manually changing the save format every time.
Tips for How to Save as doc Instead of docx in Word By Default
- Compatibility: Saving as .doc can be helpful if you’re sharing files with people who use older versions of Word.
- Legacy Systems: Some older systems and software only support .doc files.
- File Size: .doc files are often larger than .docx, so consider this if storage space is limited.
- Formatting: Be aware that some advanced formatting might not be supported in .doc files.
- Backup: Always keep a backup of important documents, especially when switching formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I save as .doc instead of .docx?
Saving as .doc ensures compatibility with older versions of Word and other software that might not support .docx.
Will my formatting be preserved?
Most basic formatting will be preserved, but some advanced features available in .docx may not work in .doc.
Can I revert to .docx if needed?
Yes, you can always save a document as .docx manually if you need to switch back.
Is there any downside to saving as .doc?
One downside is that .doc files can be larger in size and may not support some advanced features.
Does this change affect existing documents?
No, this change only affects new documents that you create after adjusting the settings.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Go to File Menu.
- Click on Options.
- Select Save from the Left Sidebar.
- Change Default Save Format.
Conclusion
Changing the default save format in Microsoft Word from .docx to .doc can be a lifesaver, especially if you frequently share documents with people using older software. It’s a simple tweak, but it can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run. Plus, it ensures that your documents are accessible to everyone, regardless of the version of Word they’re using.
Making this change is straightforward and doesn’t take much time. Just follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll be all set. Remember, you can always switch back to .docx if you find that you need the advanced features it offers.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to customize Microsoft Word to suit your needs, there are plenty of resources available online. You can explore forums, watch tutorial videos, or even take a short course. Happy writing!