A default Word 2013 installation will save to the .docx file type, which is a file that can be opened easily in Word 2007, 2010, Word 2013, or Word 2016. But users with Word 2003 or earlier, as well as some non-Word products, may have difficulty with the .docx file type. Fortunately you can elect to save in the .doc file type to increase the document’s compatibility with other programs.  

Saving in the .doc Format in Word 2013

The steps in this article will show you how to save your current document as a .doc file instead of a .docx file. This will allow it to be compatible with older versions of Microsoft Word, as well as certain systems that may not be able to handle a .docx file. This change will only apply to the current document. Future files will continue to save in the .docx file format unless you follow the steps below for those files as well.

Here is how to save a file as a .doc in Word 2013 –

These steps are repeated below with images as well – Step 1: Open the document in Word 2013.   Step 2: Click the File tab at the top-left corner of the window.

    Step 3: Click the Save As button in the column at the left side of the window.

    Step 4: Select the location where you wish to save the .doc file.

    Step 5: Click the drop-down menu next to Save as type, then click the Word 97-2003 Document option.

    Step 6: Click the Save button at the bottom-right corner of the window to complete the process.

    Would you like to be able to see the file extensions for your files to make it easier to find that information? Learn how to enable file extensions in Windows 7 if this is a problem that you often encounter. After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites. His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well. Read his full bio here.

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