DOC is a file extension for word documents stored in Microsoft’s closed format. Microsoft used the DOC extension since 1983. The DOC format was replaced in 2007 by DOCX based on open XML format.
The DOC format was introduced by Microsoft Word in 1983. It was a binary format requiring specialized software. Over the years, the DOC format evolved with Microsoft Word.
DOC files contain text and formatting, tables stored in a proprietary Microsoft format. The format differed across Microsoft Office versions. DOC has been displaced by open DOCX format for interoperability. DOC files can still be created in Word. Inconsistent software handling can cause formatting loss.
Common DOC filenames are used for documents like letters, resumes, and invitations. You can save Word documents in DOC format. DOC stores the document contents to open and edit again later. You can print or convert DOC files to other formats like PDF.
Though widely used, DOC is a proprietary format not fully supported across software. Various programs can open DOC files on different operating systems. Options to open DOC include Word, WordPad, WordPro, and WordPerfect.
Microsoft released DOC specifications in 2008 under its Open Specification Promise. The specification does not describe all DOC features. Reverse engineering is still required.
Before 2007, Word used DOC files for documents. Newer Word versions use DOCX extension instead. DOC files use the Word binary format of records and structures for text, tables, images, markup, and other content. The content can be displayed across various mediums.
Microsoft Word
LibreOffice Writer
Google Docs