File formats for saving documents

Word Document (.docx)

The default, XML-based document format for Word 2008 for Mac, Word for Mac 2011, Word 2016 for Mac, Word 2007 for Windows, Word 2010 for Windows, Word 2013 for Windows, and Word 2016 for Windows.

Word 97-2004 Document (.doc)

The document format that is compatible with Word 98 through Word 2004 for Mac and Word 97 through Word 2003 for Windows.

Word Template (.dotx)

Saves the document as an XML-based template that you can use to start new documents. Saves document content and settings such as styles, page layout, AutoText entries, custom keyboard shortcut assignments, and menus.

Word 97-2004 Template (.dot)

Saves the document as a template that you can use to start new documents. Saves document content and settings such as styles, page layout, AutoText entries, custom keyboard shortcut assignments, and menus. Compatible with Word 97 through Word 2003 for Windows and Word 98 through Word 2004 for Mac.

Rich Text Format (.rtf)

Exports document content and formatting to a format that other applications, including compatible Microsoft programs, can read and interpret.

Plain Text (.txt)

Exports document content to a text file and saves text without formatting. Select this format only if the destination program cannot read any of the other available file formats. Uses the Mac Extended ASCII character set.

Web Page (.htm)

Saves the document for display on the Web. HTML is the default Web format and can be displayed by Macintosh and Windows browsers.

PDF

Exports the document to a PDF file, which looks the same on Macintosh and Windows computers.

Word Macro-Enabled Document (.docm)

The XML-based document format that preserves VBA macro code. VBA macros run in Word 2016 for Mac and Word for Mac 2011, but they do not run in Word 2008.

Word Macro-Enabled Template (.dotm)

Saves the document as an XML-based template that preserves VBA macro code. VBA macros run in Word 2016 for Mac and Word for Mac 2011, but they do not run in Word 2008.

Word XML Document (.xml)

Exports document content to an XML file. Converts all formatting and text instructions into XML. Compatible with Word 2007 for Windows.

Word 2003 XML Document (.xml)

Exports document content to an XML file. Converts all formatting and text instructions into XML. Compatible with Word 2003 for Windows.

Single File Web Page (.mht)

Saves the document for display on the Web by creating a single file that includes all page elements, such as graphics. Uses the MIME HTML Internet standard.

Word Document Stationery (.doc)

Saves a document with the Finder flag set to Stationery Pad, so that when it is opened, the file will open as a new, untitled document.

Speller Custom Dictionary (.dic)

Saves document content as a dictionary file for storing words and terms that are not included in the main dictionary.

Speller Exclude Dictionary (.dic)

Saves document content as a dictionary file for specifying the preferred spelling of correctly spelled words. Choose this option to save words such as "theatre" to your exclude dictionary so that Word won't mark them as incorrectly spelled.

Word 4.0-6.0/95 Compatible (.rtf)

This RTF format is compatible with Word 4.0 through Word 6.0 for Mac as well as Word 6.0 and Word 95 for Windows.

Office Theme (.thmx)

Saves the font, color scheme, and background of the file for you to use as a new theme.

To apply a theme used in one document to another document, on the Home tab, under Themes, click Browse Themes. To save a modified theme as a new theme, on the Home tab, under Themes, click Save Theme.