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The following table lists the different kinds of documents that Word can save.

File format Description

Word Document The default, XML-based document format for Word 2008 for Mac,
(.docx) 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 The document format that is compatible with Word 98 through Word
Document (.doc) 2004 for Mac and Word 97 through Word 2003 for Windows.

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

Word 97-2004 Saves the document as a template that you can use to start new
Template (.dot) documents. Saves document content and settings such as styles, page
layout, AutoText entries, custom keyboard shortcut assignments, and
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File format Description

menus. Compatible with Word 97 through Word 2003 for Windows and
Word 98 through Word 2004 for Mac.

Rich Text Format Exports document content and formatting to a format that other
(.rtf) 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- The XML-based document format that preserves VBA macro code. VBA
Enabled macros run in Word 2016 for Mac and Word for Mac 2011, but they do
Document not run in Word 2008.
(.docm)

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

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

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File format Description

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

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

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

Speller Custom Saves document content as a dictionary file for storing words and
Dictionary (.dic) terms that are not included in the main dictionary.

Speller Exclude Saves document content as a dictionary file for specifying the preferred
Dictionary (.dic) 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 This RTF format is compatible with Word 4.0 through Word 6.0 for Mac
Compatible (.rtf) as well as Word 6.0 and Word 95 for Windows.

Office Theme Saves the font, color scheme, and background of the file for you to use
(.thmx) 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.

See also
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Save a file in Office for Mac

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