How to convert DOT to DOC
- Add your .DOT file - drop it in the box above or click to browse.
- Convert it to .DOC in a few seconds.
- Download your new .DOC file.
What to expect
.dotand.docare structurally identical OLE2 binary files - no content, styles, images, or formatting is lost during conversion.- Macros embedded in the
.dotfile are preserved in the resulting.doc; review the file for unexpected VBA code before sharing it. - If recipients use modern software, saving as
.docxis a better choice - it is smaller, the current standard since Word 2007, and more widely supported than the legacy.docformat.
Frequently asked questions
Why does double-clicking a .dot file open a blank document instead of the template?
That is intended template behavior. To open the template itself for editing, right-click the file and choose Open, or use File > Open from inside Word or LibreOffice Writer.
Will I lose anything converting DOT to DOC?
No - styles, text, images, and macros all carry over intact. The only change is that the file no longer behaves as a template.
Can I just rename the .dot file to .doc?
Yes, it works because the binary structure is identical, but using Save As is cleaner - it also clears the internal template flag, not just the file extension.
Should I convert to .doc or .docx?
Use
.docx unless you specifically need compatibility with software older than Word 2007 - it is smaller, more widely supported, and the current Word standard.Programs that convert DOT: Microsoft Word · AbiWord · IBM Lotus Symphony · TextMaker · Microsoft Works · Ability Write · Microsoft Word for Mac · KWord
