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".
In addition to its two native formats, Word 2007 is also capable of both opening and creating files using the old ".doc" file extension, the file extension which was used in previous versions of Word. However, Word 2007 documents which are saved with this file extension will not have access to the full range of features found with in Word 2007. Some new features, such as Themes, will not be available in any files saved with the ".doc" extension.
When a new Word 2007 document is saved for the first-time these three options are available in a drop-down menu labelled "Save As Type". Unless you specify otherwise, new documents will be saved with the file extension ".docx". However, if you're sending the document to a person using an older version of Word, you can save the document in a backward compatible format, using the file extension ".doc".
When you open any document containing a macro, by default, Word displays a security message notifying you that macros have been disabled. You can then, optionally, 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.)
When a file is in compatibility mode, you can still continue working on it. You can make changes to the file and you can save those changes. The document will remain in the old format and remain in compatibility mode. However, some features, such as Themes, will not be activated when working in compatibility mode. If you position the mouse over the Themes section of the Page Layout Tab of the Word Ribbon, a tool tip appears telling you: "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 take this advice, "Compatibility Mode" disappears from the title bar and when you save the file Word changes the file extension and the document will have been fully converted into 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. - 16089
In addition to its two native formats, Word 2007 is also capable of both opening and creating files using the old ".doc" file extension, the file extension which was used in previous versions of Word. However, Word 2007 documents which are saved with this file extension will not have access to the full range of features found with in Word 2007. Some new features, such as Themes, will not be available in any files saved with the ".doc" extension.
When a new Word 2007 document is saved for the first-time these three options are available in a drop-down menu labelled "Save As Type". Unless you specify otherwise, new documents will be saved with the file extension ".docx". However, if you're sending the document to a person using an older version of Word, you can save the document in a backward compatible format, using the file extension ".doc".
When you open any document containing a macro, by default, Word displays a security message notifying you that macros have been disabled. You can then, optionally, 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.)
When a file is in compatibility mode, you can still continue working on it. You can make changes to the file and you can save those changes. The document will remain in the old format and remain in compatibility mode. However, some features, such as Themes, will not be activated when working in compatibility mode. If you position the mouse over the Themes section of the Page Layout Tab of the Word Ribbon, a tool tip appears telling you: "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 take this advice, "Compatibility Mode" disappears from the title bar and when you save the file Word changes the file extension and the document will have been fully converted into 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. - 16089
About the Author:
Author is a developer and trainer with OnSiteTrainingCourses.Coms, an independent computer training company offering Microsoft Word training courses in London and throughout the UK.
