DOT files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Microsoft Word Document Template (Legacy)
A DOT file contains pre-formatted settings for Microsoft Word documents. These include headers, footers, margins, and fonts. Companies use DOT files to create documents like letters or memos with the ...
General Information
| Title | .DOT File Extension |
| Extension | .dot |
| Full Form | Document Template |
| File Type | Template File |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| MIME Type | application/msword |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store templates |
| Additional Functions | Preformatted styles, Automate document creation |
| Features | Reusable, Customizable |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Dependent on content |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Business Documents | Yes |
| Academic Papers | Yes |
| Form Letters | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Macro viruses |
| Best Practices | Disable macros, Use trusted templates |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1983 |
| Relevant Versions | Word 97-2003 |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .doc, .dotx, .dotm |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Microsoft Word |
Subscription | Windows, Mac |
 LibreOffice Writer |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
 OpenOffice Writer |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 2: Graphviz Graph File
DOT is a graph description language developed as part of Graphviz project. DOT graphs are typically stored as files with .gv or .dot filename extension. .gv is preferred to avoid confusion with .dot e...
General Information
| Title | DOT File Extension |
| Extension | .dot |
| Full Form | Graphviz Graph File |
| File Type | Graph Description File |
| Developer | AT&T Labs Research |
| MIME Type | text/vnd.graphviz |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store graphs |
| Additional Functions | Visualize structures |
| Features | Plain text, Structured |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Text-readable |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Data Visualization | Yes |
| Network Diagrams | Yes |
| Database Schemas | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Script execution |
| Best Practices | Validate input, Disable shell escape |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Early 1990s |
| Latest Version | Graphviz 2.44.1 (2020) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .gv, .graphviz |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Graphviz |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
 Visual Studio Code |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Gephi |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |