Convert DOC to DOCX Online Free
DOC is the older binary Microsoft Word format from Word 97-2003. DOCX is the modern Microsoft Word format and the standard for editable documents. FileConverter turns your DOC into DOCX online in seconds - free, privacy-first, and with no software to install or account to create.
Convert DOC to DOCX
DOCX is already selected. Add your DOC file to start.
Documents
Images
Videos
Audio
Add a DOC file above to start the conversion.
DOC to DOCX upgrades a legacy Word file to the modern XML-based format, improving reliability and compatibility with today's office apps.
What changes when you convert DOC to DOCX
Converting DOC to DOCX changes the document format while aiming to preserve your text and core structure. Complex layouts may shift slightly, so review the DOCX output before sharing widely.
About the DOC format
DOC is the pre-2007 Word format, still found in older archives and templates. Converting it to modern DOCX or PDF improves compatibility with current software. In everyday use, DOC is chosen for legacy Word documents and templates and archives created before Word 2007. It opens in Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs.
About the DOCX format
DOCX is an XML-based, editable word-processing format supported by Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice. It is the go-to choice for documents that need ongoing editing and collaboration. In everyday use, DOCX is chosen for editable letters, essays, and reports and collaborative documents in Word or Google Docs. It opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice Writer.
DOC vs DOCX
DOC is best known for opens in Word and most office suites, while DOCX stands out for fully editable with rich formatting. Choosing between them comes down to where the file needs to go next.
Common use cases
People convert DOC to DOCX for jobs such as editable letters, essays, and reports and collaborative documents in Word or Google Docs. It is especially common when a DOC file arrives from one system but needs to work in another that standardises on DOCX.
When to convert DOC to DOCX
Reach for DOC to DOCX when your destination expects DOCX — for example editable letters, essays, and reports and collaborative documents in Word or Google Docs. It is the right move when you receive a DOC file but the app, website, or person you are working with cannot use it. Bear in mind that layout can vary slightly between apps, so keep your original DOC if you might need it again.
How to convert DOC to DOCX
- Upload your DOC file to the converter at the top of this page - DOCX is already selected as the output.
- Check the size limit shown on this page, then drag and drop or browse for your file.
- Confirm DOCX is still the target format, or pick a different one from the grid.
- Start the conversion and download your DOCX file the moment it is ready.
Quality tips
Digital-born DOC files convert most predictably. Scanned pages need OCR before editable text looks perfect, and very complex layouts are worth a quick review in the destination app after converting to DOCX.
Platform compatibility
The DOC to DOCX converter runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS - anywhere with a modern browser, with no plugins or permissions required. Once exported, DOCX opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice Writer.
File size limits
Documents up to 200MB
Troubleshooting
- If the file exceeds the limit shown below, compress images, trim video, or split archives before retrying.
- If conversion fails, confirm the extension matches the real format — renaming a file alone does not change its contents.
- Password-protected PDFs must be unlocked before conversion.
- Heavy formatting may shift slightly — allow a minute to tidy headings in Word or a similar app.
Explore more: document Conversion Hub · File format guides · All tools