Microsoft Word 2007 is capable of working with files in three formats. The native format uses the file extension ".docx". Files saved in this format can use the full range of features found in Word 2007, with the exception of macros. Any Word 2007 file which contains macros must be saved in a separate file format using the file extension ".docm".
As well as these two native formats, Word 2007 is also capable of both opening and creating new documents using the ".doc" file extension, the file extension found in previous versions of Word. Word 2007 files saved with this file extension will not have access to the complete range of features found with in Word 2007. Features which were introduced in 2007, such as Themes, will not be available in any documents saved with the file extension ".doc".
When you save a Word 2007 document for the first-time, these three options are available in a drop-down menu labelled "Save As Type". Unless you specify otherwise, the new file will be saved with the file extension ".docx". However, if you find yourself exchanging documents with a person using an older version of Word, you can save the document using the file extension ".doc", which is backward compatible.
When you open a document containing a macro, by default, Word displays a security warning notifying you that macros have been disabled. You can then click on Options and enable the content if we want to.
When you open a file created in an old version of Microsoft Word, Word 2007 does not automatically convert the file to the new format. For your convenience, it leaves it in the old format and goes into a special mode called "Compatibility Mode". (The words "Compatibility Mode" are displayed in brackets next to the document title.)
While the file is in compatibility mode, you can still continue working on it. You can make changes to the document and you can save those changes. The file will remain in the old format and remain in compatibility mode. However, certain features, such as Themes, will not be available when working in compatibility mode. If you position the mouse over the Themes area of the Page Layout Tab, a tool tip appears saying "This document has been opened in compatibility mode. To use this feature convert your document to a new file format. Click on the Office button and then click convert." If you follow this advice "Compatibility Mode" disappears from the title bar and when we save the file Word changes the file extension and the document will then have been fully converted to the Word 2007 format.
If you work in an environment where both Word 2007 and older versions are in use, then Microsoft may have provided another solution. You have the option of installing an update called the Office Compatibility Pack. This makes it possible for previous versions of all the Microsoft Office packages to open the new Office 2007 file formats. - 16738
As well as these two native formats, Word 2007 is also capable of both opening and creating new documents using the ".doc" file extension, the file extension found in previous versions of Word. Word 2007 files saved with this file extension will not have access to the complete range of features found with in Word 2007. Features which were introduced in 2007, such as Themes, will not be available in any documents saved with the file extension ".doc".
When you save a Word 2007 document for the first-time, these three options are available in a drop-down menu labelled "Save As Type". Unless you specify otherwise, the new file will be saved with the file extension ".docx". However, if you find yourself exchanging documents with a person using an older version of Word, you can save the document using the file extension ".doc", which is backward compatible.
When you open a document containing a macro, by default, Word displays a security warning notifying you that macros have been disabled. You can then click on Options and enable the content if we want to.
When you open a file created in an old version of Microsoft Word, Word 2007 does not automatically convert the file to the new format. For your convenience, it leaves it in the old format and goes into a special mode called "Compatibility Mode". (The words "Compatibility Mode" are displayed in brackets next to the document title.)
While the file is in compatibility mode, you can still continue working on it. You can make changes to the document and you can save those changes. The file will remain in the old format and remain in compatibility mode. However, certain features, such as Themes, will not be available when working in compatibility mode. If you position the mouse over the Themes area of the Page Layout Tab, a tool tip appears saying "This document has been opened in compatibility mode. To use this feature convert your document to a new file format. Click on the Office button and then click convert." If you follow this advice "Compatibility Mode" disappears from the title bar and when we save the file Word changes the file extension and the document will then have been fully converted to the Word 2007 format.
If you work in an environment where both Word 2007 and older versions are in use, then Microsoft may have provided another solution. You have the option of installing an update called the Office Compatibility Pack. This makes it possible for previous versions of all the Microsoft Office packages to open the new Office 2007 file formats. - 16738
About the Author:
The writer of this article is a developer and trainer with OnSiteTrainingCourses.Coms, an independent computer training company offering Microsoft Word training courses at their central London training centre.
