Compare
DOC vs ODT
DOC is the legacy binary Word format; ODT is an editable text-document format in the OpenDocument family. App support and fidelity can differ.
Which format should you choose?
Keep DOC for legacy files or when required; consider ODT for standards-based editing when recipient apps support needed features.
Good fit for DOC
Viewing and editing existing Word documents
- Legacy documents supplied as DOC
Good fit for ODT
Creating editable documents
- Document exchange in OpenDocument-compatible environments
Basic information
| Field | DOC | ODT |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .doc | .odt |
| MIME type | application/msword | application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.text |
| Common uses | Viewing and editing existing Word documents | Creating editable documents |
| How to open | Open it in Word or compatible software and check layout, fonts, tables, images, and comments. | Open it in an ODT-compatible word processor. For collaboration or submission, check recipient support and the display of fonts, tables, images, and comments. |
| Export or convert | Convert to DOCX for continued editing or export PDF for distribution. Check page breaks, fonts, links, and images after conversion. | For a fixed-layout copy to share or print, export to PDF and check the output. PDF export does not guarantee that the file cannot be edited. When converting to DOCX, check headings, tables, images, page breaks, and comments in the destination application. |
Choose by use case
Legacy documents supplied as DOC
Viewing and editing existing Word documents
DOCDocument exchange in OpenDocument-compatible environments
Creating editable documents
ODTKey point 1
DOC is the binary Word 97–2003 format, distinct from DOCX.
More on the differencesKey point 2
ODT is based on the OpenDocument standard for editable office documents.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Test converted copies for layout, fonts, tables, comments, and tracked changes. Use PDF when fixed appearance matters most.
- DOC's binary structure differs from ODT's standards-based document package.
- Conversion may change advanced layout or application-specific features.
Frequently asked questions
Will ODT look exactly the same in every word processor?
Not necessarily. Rendering and feature support vary by application; review the document in the recipient's software.