DOC and DOCX are used for formatted text documents like reports, letters or resumes. Since 2007, Word has used DOCX as standard, although you can still open DOC files and can still save to the older format. DOC was primarily used by Microsoft for its Word program until 2003. Microsoft also has a basic free ‘Word for the web’ programme for online Microsoft account holders.ĭOC and DOCX are the most common word processing file formats. Microsoft Office was designed for Windows, but you can install Office apps on other operating systems. Word is part of Microsoft Office’s paid software application and is also available with an Office 365 online subscription. DOCX is an Office Open XML file, making it easier to open DOCX files in other programs like LibreOffice, Google Docs or Apple Pages, with fewer compatibility issues. The DOCX format has some advantages over DOC, including typically smaller file sizes and better security. As well as text, DOCX files can include pictures, tables, charts and embedded media, or can be an editable template.

Microsoft Word is used widely in homes, workplaces and educational settings to create formatted text documents like reports, letters or resumes. The DOCX format has been the standard format for Microsoft Word documents since 2007, replacing DOC.

Word documents online