Updated: 01/24/2018 by
Microsoft Word is a popular word processing program used by computer users. Word can open text (.txt) files, rich text format (.rtf) files, XML (.xml) files, web page (.htm or .html) files, and all Word (.doc, .docx, .docm, and more) files.
To open these files in Microsoft Word, including files created and saved in Word, you can use any of the options below.
Double-click file
In some cases, you can double-click a file to open it in Microsoft Word. However, the file only opens in Microsoft Word if that file type is associated with Microsoft Word. Word documents, like .doc and .docx files, are associated with Microsoft Word by default. However, web page files, text, and rich text format files are often not associated with Word by default, so double-clicking these files may open in another program.
Right-click file and select program
For any file, you can choose the program to open a file with, including Microsoft Word.
- Right-click the file you want to open.
- In the pop-up menu, select the Open with option.
- If available, choose the Microsoft Word program option in the Open with menu. If Microsoft Word is not listed, select the Choose other app or Choose default program option, depending on the version of Windows on your computer.
- In the window that opens, find Microsoft Word in the program list and select that option. Microsoft Word should open and the file opened within Word.
Open within Microsoft Word
Follow the steps below to open a file from within Microsoft Word.
Word 2007 and later
- Open the Microsoft Word program.
- Click the File tab on the Ribbon and click the Open option.
- If the Open window does not appear, click the Browse option to open that window.
- In the Open window, find and select the file you want to open in Microsoft Word. You may need to click the drop-down list next to the File name text field to change the file type, and then select open.
- Click the Open button at the bottom right of the open window.
Word 2003 and earlier
- Open the Microsoft Word program.
- In the menu at the top, click the File menu and select the Open option.
- In the Open window, find and select the file you want to open in Microsoft Word. You may need to click the drop-down list next to the File name text field to change the file type, and then select open.
- Click the Open button at the bottom right of the Open window.
Open an OpenDocument Text file in Word
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Click the File tab.
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Click Open.
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Click Browse,
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To see only the files saved in the OpenDocument format, click the list of file types next to the File name box, and then click OpenDocument Text.
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Click the file you want to open, and then click Open.
Tip: To open the file, you can also double-click it after you find it.
Note: When you open an OpenDocument Text file in Word, it might not have the same formatting as it did in the original application it was created in. This is because of the differences between applications that use the OpenDocument Format.
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Save a Word document in OpenDocument Text format
Important: If you want to keep a Word version of your file, you must first save the file as a Word document, for example, in .docx file format, and then save it again in the OpenDocument Text (.odt) format.
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Click the File tab.
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Click Save As.
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Click Browse, and then select the location where you want to save your file.
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In the Save as type list, click OpenDocument Text.
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Give your file a name, and then save it.
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Learn more about the OpenDocument Format
When you open or save documents in the OpenDocument Text (.odt) format, some formatting might be lost. This is because of the different features and options, such as formatting, that OpenDocument Text applications and Word support. For more information about the differences between the OpenDocument Text format and the Word format, see Differences between the OpenDocument Text (.odt) format and the Word (.docx) format.
Tips
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Before sending a file to someone else, you might want to close the file and open it again to see what it looks like in OpenDocument Text (.odt) format.
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When you collaborate on a document shared between Word and another word processing application, such as Google Docs or OpenOffice.org Writer, think of writing (the words) and formatting (the look) as different tasks. Complete as much of the writing as possible without applying formatting to the text and save the formatting until the end. This allows you to focus on the writing while minimizing the loss of formatting as you switch between the OpenDocument Text format and Word format.
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Open an OpenDocument Text file in Word
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Click the File tab.
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Click Open, and then click the location of the file; for example, click Computer.
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Click Browse,
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To see only the files saved in the OpenDocument format, click the list of file types next to the File name box, and then click OpenDocument Text.
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Click the file you want to open, and then click Open.
Tip: To open the file, you can also double-click it after you find it.
Note: When you open an OpenDocument Text file in Word, it might not have the same formatting as it did in the original application it was created in. This is because of the differences between applications that use the OpenDocument Format.
Top of page
Save a Word document in OpenDocument Text format
Important: If you want to keep a Word version of your file, you must first save the file as a Word document, for example, in .docx file format, and then save it again in the OpenDocument Text (.odt) format.
-
Click the File tab.
-
Click Save As.
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Click Browse, and then select the location where you want to save your file.
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In the Save as type list, click OpenDocument Text.
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Give your file a name, and then save it.
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Learn more about the OpenDocument Format
When you open or save documents in the OpenDocument Text (.odt) format, some formatting might be lost. This is because of the different features and options, such as formatting, that OpenDocument Text applications and Word support. For more information about the differences between the OpenDocument Text format and the Word format, see Differences between the OpenDocument Text (.odt) format and the Word (.docx) format.
Tips
-
Before sending a file to someone else, you might want to close the file and open it again to see what it looks like in OpenDocument Text (.odt) format.
-
When you collaborate on a document shared between Word and another word processing application, such as Google Docs or OpenOffice.org Writer, think of writing (the words) and formatting (the look) as different tasks. Complete as much of the writing as possible without applying formatting to the text and save the formatting until the end. This allows you to focus on the writing while minimizing the loss of formatting as you switch between the OpenDocument Text format and Word format.
Top of page
Open an OpenDocument Text file in Word
-
Click the File tab.
-
Click Open.
-
To see only the files saved in the OpenDocument format, in the File of type list, click OpenDocument Text.
-
Click the file you want to open, and then click Open.
Tip: To open the file, you can also double-click it after you find it.
Note: When you open an OpenDocument Text file in Word, it might not have the same formatting as it did in the original application it was created in. This is because of the differences between applications that use the OpenDocument Format.
Top of page
Save a Word document in OpenDocument Text format
Important: If you want to keep a Word version of your file, you must first save the file as a Word document, for example, in .docx file format, and then save it again in the OpenDocument Text (.odt) format.
-
Click the File tab.
-
Click Save As.
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In the Save as type list, click OpenDocument Text.
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Name and save your file.
Top of page
Learn more about the OpenDocument Format
When you open or save documents in the OpenDocument Text (.odt) format, some formatting might be lost. This is because of the different features and options, such as formatting, that OpenDocument Text applications and Word support. For more information about the differences between the OpenDocument Text format and the Word format, see Differences between the OpenDocument Text (.odt) format and the Word (.docx) format.
Tips
-
Before sending a file to someone else, you might want to close the file and open it again to see what it looks like in OpenDocument Text (.odt) format.
-
When you collaborate on a document shared between Word and another word processing application, such as Google Docs or OpenOffice.org Writer, think of writing (the words) and formatting (the look) as different tasks. Complete as much of the writing as possible without applying formatting to the text and save the formatting until the end. This allows you to focus on the writing while minimizing the loss of formatting as you switch between the OpenDocument Text format and Word format.
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Important:
Office 2007 is no longer supported. Upgrade to Microsoft 365 to work anywhere from any device and continue to receive support.
Upgrade now
You must install 2007 Microsoft Office system Service Pack 2 (SP2) before you can use these procedures.
Open an OpenDocument Text file in Word
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Click the Microsoft Office Button
, and then click Open. -
In the File of type list, click OpenDocument Text.
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Click the file you want to open, and then click Open.
, and then click Open.Note: When you open a OpenDocument Text file in Word 2007, it might not have the same formatting as it did in the original application it was created in. This is because of the differences between applications that use the OpenDocument Format.
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Save a Word document in OpenDocument Text format
Important: If you want to keep a Word version of your file, you must first save the file as a Word document, for example, in .docx file format, and then save it again in the OpenDocument Text (.odt) format.
-
Click the Microsoft Office Button
, and click Save As. -
Click OpenDocument Text.
Top of page
Learn more about the OpenDocument Format
When you open or save documents in the OpenDocument Text (.odt) format, some formatting might be lost. This is because of the different features and options, such as formatting, that OpenDocument Text applications and Word 2007 support. For more information about the differences between the OpenDocument Text format and the Word 2007 format, see Differences between the OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.ods) format and the Excel for Windows (.xlsx) format.
Tips
-
Before sending a file to someone else, you might want to close the file and open it again to see what it looks like in OpenDocument Text (.odt) format.
-
When you collaborate on a document shared between Word and another word processing application, such as Google Docs or OpenOffice.org Writer, think of writing (the words) and formatting (the look) as different tasks. Complete as much of the writing as possible without applying formatting to the text and save the formatting until the end. This allows you to focus on the writing while minimizing the loss of formatting as you switch between the OpenDocument Text format and Word format.
Top of page
Microsoft Word is part of Microsoft Office and requires an up-front purchase or a Microsoft 365 subscription. If you’re using a computer without Word installed, there are other ways to view that DOCX or DOC file.
Microsoft once offered a free “Word Viewer” application that would let you view Word documents, but discontinued it back in November 2017.
Here are some other ways you can view Word documents on a Windows PC:
- Download Word Mobile from the Store on Windows 10. The mobile version of Word lets you view (but not edit) Word documents. You can install it for free. It’s intended for tablets but runs in a Window on a Windows 10 desktop PC.
- Upload the document to Microsoft OneDrive and open it from the OneDrive website. It will open in Microsoft Word Online, a free web-based version of Word. You can even edit documents in Word Online—no purchase necessary. You just have to use your browser.
- Install LibreOffice, a free and open-source office suite. This is an alternative to Microsoft Office. LibreOffice Writer, which is included, can open and edit Microsoft Word documents in DOC and DOCX format.
- Upload the document to Google Drive and open it in Google Docs, Google’s free web-based office suite.
- Get a free month-long trial of Office 365 to get full access to Microsoft Word and the rest of Microsoft Office for free—for a limited time.
RELATED: How to Get Microsoft Office for Free
On Android, iPhone, and iPad, you can also download Microsoft’s free Word application to view Word documents without purchasing or subscribing to Office. Get Word for Android or Word for iPhone and iPad.
Mac users can also use Apple’s free iWork suite. The Pages application can open Word documents.
RELATED: The Best Free Microsoft Office Alternatives
READ NEXT
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- › How to Insert a Word File into a Different Word Document
- › How to Change Kerning in Microsoft Word
- › LibreOffice, the Free Office Suite, Just Got a Big Update
- › How to Highlight Text in Microsoft Word
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- › How to Crop a Picture in Microsoft Word
- › Why the Right-Click Menu in Windows 11 Is Actually Good
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You can open or import a surprising number of file formats into Microsoft Word. Not to be confused with file formatting, which—in most programs—refers to the design of a page, file formats are little encoded programs that tell computers how to handle the files used in specific programs. Look for the three or four letters after the period that follows the file name—that’s the file extension revealing the associated program.
Not all file formats are compatible with all programs, especially those that are radically different, such as a word processor vs. a programming language, or a music file and a graphic file. However, many programs that are similar, such as Word and WordPerfect, are generally compatible.
Word is flexible enough even to bring in spreadsheets from Excel or slides from PowerPoint, as well as text from other word processors. Weird line breaks and other issues can arise, however, so follow these instructions for the smoothest results.
Notice how many file formats Word can open with its (hidden) built-in conversion utility.
1. Select File > Open
2. Click the down arrow beside the File Types list box (above the Open and Cancel buttons)
3. Select All Files from the list, and Word displays a long list of conversion-compatible file formats.
Select All Files from the MS Word file format list
JD Sartain / PC World
4. Choose a format from the drop-down list—for our example, we’ll choose Text Files (TXT).
5. Navigate to the appropriate folder. Word displays a list of all the .TXT files available in the target folder.
6. Select the applicable file, and click Open.
7. If the text encoding is questionable, Word displays a dialog that asks you to choose the correct one (such as Windows Default). Click the appropriate button, then click OK, and the text file opens.
Choose the Text Files–TXT format
JD Sartain / PC World
Note: The first line on the All Files list says “All Word Documents,” which are NOT All Word documents but, in fact, all documents that can be opened with Word’s (behind the scenes) conversion utility, such as HTML, HTM, XML, ODT, PDF, and several more. For example, if you save your Word document as a webpage (File > Save as Web Page), Word uses its (hidden) conversion program to automatically convert your document page to an HTML webpage, and vice versa.
8. ODT files are part of the Open Document Format (ODF) files, which are XML-based, Open Source file formats. .ODT files are for word processing programs. Also included are .ODS for spreadsheets, .ODP for presentations, .ODG for graphics, and .ODF for formulas or other mathematical equations.
If you want to open an ODT file, it’s at the end of this first line that says All Word Documents (far right), which is not visible on most monitors. So, scroll down the All Files list and select ODT (Open Document Text) from the drop-down list of files.
9. The All Files list also shows Text files (.TXT), which includes ASCII files, Rich Text Format files (RTF), and Word Perfect files versions 5x through 9x (.DOC, .WPD, .WPS). Again, just select the format you need, navigate to the appropriate folder, and select a file from the list.
10. What about the Adobe Acrobat PDF file format? The PDF format is available on the All Files list in versions 2013 and 2016. Prior Word versions did not provide this option. If you don’t have Word 2013 or 2016, you can export the file to Word from Adobe Acrobat; however, older versions and some Reader versions do not provide this feature. But you can save your Word document as a PDF file (since Word 2000). Just choose File > Save As and select Adobe PDF from the submenu.
Save As Adobe PDF
JD Sartain / PC World
How to open an Excel spreadsheet in Word
1. If you want to open an Excel spreadsheet in Word, first confirm that the spreadsheet is smaller than your screen (that is, no wider than your Word document minus margins). Otherwise, the cells will wrap to the next line and create a visual mess. You can change the margins or change the page orientation to landscape (Page Layout > Orientation > Landscape), and that will accommodate a few more columns. Or, make the columns in Excel smaller.
2. The easiest way to get a spreadsheet into Word is to highlight the spreadsheet in Excel, then copy and paste it in at your cursor’s location.
3. Another (more complicated way) is to position your cursor inside the Word document where you want the Excel spreadsheet to drop in.
4. Select Insert > Object > Object (from the Insert > Text group, click Object, then Object again).
5. In the Object dialog box, select the Create from File tab and then browse to the file’s location.
6. Select the appropriate file from the folder’s list and click Insert. The Object dialog box appears again. Click the checkbox Link to File if you want to link to the inserted spreadsheet file, so any changes you make on the spreadsheet are automatically updated in your Word document. Double-click anywhere on the inserted spreadsheet to open and edit the Excel file.
g. If your spreadsheet is too large to paste into Word, or if you’d prefer not to display the spreadsheet but still want others to see it and/or access it, click the checkbox Display as Icon. When you click the icon, notice the hint at the bottom of your screen. It says: “Double-click to edit the Microsoft Excel worksheet.”
04 Link to File or Display as Icon
JD Sartain / PC World
Note: You won’t see any changes until you save both files, then re-open your Word document.
How to open PowerPoint slides in Word
1. Open one of your PowerPoint slideshow presentations.
2. Current versions: Select File > Export > Create Handouts, then press the Create Handouts button. Older versions: Select File > Publish > Create Handouts in Microsoft Word
3. All versions 2007–2016: The Send to Microsoft Word dialog box opens.
4. Click the radio button for one of the five formats you prefer, such as Notes Next To Slides, or Notes Below Slides.
5. Next, choose Paste or Paste Link.
Create Handouts in Microsoft Word
JD Sartain / PC World
6. Both Paste and Paste Link open Microsoft Word and paste all the slides from your presentation into Word. Paste places the larger slides on separate pages. Paste Link pastes several smaller slides on each page.
7. Paste allows you to edit the slides in Word (double-click the slide). Link opens PowerPoint and allows you to edit the slide in PowerPoint (also, double-click the slide). You can also edit the text, titles, fonts, page layout, and more in Word to customize your handouts for each audience.
Paste Link or Paste PowerPoint slides into Word
JD Sartain / PC World
8. Once satisfied with your changes, choose File > Print, then click the Print button to make paper copies of your handouts for distribution.
9. You can also Copy and Paste the slides from PowerPoint to Word. Just open both programs, select the slide you want to copy from PowerPoint to Word and choose Home > Copy (or Ctrl+ C); then in Word select Home > Paste (or Ctrl+ V). But, this only works for one slide at a time.
07 Double-click to edit Microsoft PowerPoint slide
JD Sartain / PC World
Important Note: There are numerous articles on the Internet that instruct users how to copy and paste multiple slides (as opposed to the entire slide show presentation) from PowerPoint into Word. I have researched and tested this thoroughly and, using the Shift key to select a range of consecutive slides (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) or using the Ctrl key to select a range of non-consecutive slides (2, 4, 8, 9, 11) does not work. Every test (using many different methods) failed to copy and paste multiple slides. Each time, PowerPoint only copied one slide at a time (the first slide selected in the range you defined). I tested this process on PowerPoint/Word versions 2007, 2003, 2010, 2013, and 2016 and it failed on each of these versions. But there is a work-around.
Copy/paste multiple slides from PowerPoint to Word
1. Open Word and PowerPoint. In Word, open the clipboard: Under the File tab, click the tiny arrow beside Clipboard.
2. Go back to PowerPoint and select the first slide you want to copy from PowerPoint to Word, then press Ctrl+ C.
3. Still in PowerPoint, select the next slide you want and press Ctrl+ C again. Switch back to Word and notice that there are now two slides in your Clipboard.
4. Back to PowerPoint: Select the next slide and press Ctrl+ C, then another slide and press Ctrl+ C again.
5. Stay in PowerPoint until you have copied all the slides you want from this presentation into your Clipboard. But remember, you must select and copy one slide at a time.
6. When finished, move back to Word. Check to ensure that all your slides are in your Clipboard, then click the Paste All button.
08 Copy and Paste multiple slides work-around
JD Sartain / PC World
Note: Go directly to Word after you have copied all of your slides. If you type or copy anything else, it will show up in Word’s Clipboard, (which you can always delete). Also, don’t worry if the Clipboard fails to display some of your slides (and says Preview Not available). It’s just a memory thing. They paste into your document without issue.
7. You can also paste individual slides one at a time. Hover over the target slide in the Clipboard and click the down arrow. A drop-down list appears that says Paste or Delete.
If you select the Paste All button at the top of the Clipboard, the slides will paste into the document one after the other, with no space in between. Scroll down through the pages and either enter a line/paragraph break between slides, or enter a page break between slides if you want only one slide per page.
How to import graphic files into Word
This one is easy. Just copy and paste, or Select Insert > Picture and choose an image from an internal or external source. You can also select Insert > Clip Art and chose an image from the Internet.
Introduction:
PDF has been widely used in our daily lives and work. It can be opened on almost all browsers and operating systems. Usually, most people will download a dedicated PDF tool to read and edit PDF files, such as Adobe Reader or Acrobat. However, have you ever thought that Microsoft Word can open PDF files? Yes, it’s true; you can open PDFs in Word!
With over three decades of development, Microsoft Word has become the most famous and outstanding word processor in the world. With the inception of Microsoft Word 2013, it also enables opening PDF documents, despite being designed for Word documents.
Since its debut, you no longer need to download other PDF processors or pay for them. After all, some users don’t want to go to the trouble of installing any third-party software. So, if you have Microsoft Word on your device, you can use it to open PDF files directly.
Wondering how to open a PDF file in Word? Don’t worry, you’ll find all the information you need in this post.
How to Open a PDF in Word (Losing Formatting)
Opening a PDF file in Word is not as difficult as you may have thought. As described above, you don’t have any additional extensions or tools, simply because Microsoft Word enables you to open a PDF in Word directly.
Steps for opening a PDF in Word on Windows 11:
Step 1. Launch Microsoft Word on your device;
Step 2. Click File > Open;
Step 3. Select Browse to open a new window;
Step 4. Locate your target PDF files and click Open at the bottom of the navigation bar;
Step 5. You will see a notification window that tells you Word will start converting your PDF file. By agreeing to this conversion, Word will automatically transform the PDF documents, and the file may not look exactly like the original PDF. If you don’t mind the consequences, just click OK;
Step 6. When Word opens your PDF file successfully, you have managed to open a PDF in Word, and you can even edit it wherever you want as well.
Note: PDF files can only be opened in Microsoft Word 2013 and later versions. Check whether you have the right edition installed before starting to open PDF files.
In fact, this method only applies to the standard PDF document, which has no complicated multi-media content. To be specific, it is workable when your PDF contains only text and images. Otherwise, if there are table, frame, annotation, audio, and video elements in your PDF files, the converted Word documents will be presented in a messed-up layout.
That’s why we’ve offered a better way to help you open a PDF in Word if your PDF files contain various interactive elements.
How to Open a PDF in Word without Losing Formatting
Word isn’t a dedicated PDF converter at all. You definitely don’t want misformatted PDF documents that lead to a bad reading experience. Here, SwifDoo PDF can help to open a PDF in Word without losing formatting.
Convert a PDF to Word with SwifDoo PDF
It’s never easy to open a PDF in Word without changing the format. However, you may convert PDFs to Word before opening them in Microsoft Word. And, luckily, SwifDoo PDF, a completely free PDF application, can assist you in converting PDF files to other file formats and vice versa. It preserves the file’s original layout. Furthermore, it provides a 15-day free trial, during which all functionalities are accessible. Let’s see how to convert a PDF file to Word in SwifDoo PDF:
Step 1. Download and install SwifDoo PDF;
Free Download
Step 2. Launch this software and open your PDF file within it;
Step 3. Click Convert in the top navigation bar, then select PDF to Word;
Step 4. There will be a new pop-up window that shows the details of the conversion. You need to click Start in this step.
The conversion will take only seconds, and your file will be opened in Microsoft Word automatically once the conversion is completed. By this means, you can open a PDF in Word without changing its format easily. Of course, if you don’t want to download too many programs on your device, you can use SwifDoo PDF online converter to make it.
How to Easily Insert a PDF into MS Word Document
In some cases, users may need to add a PDF to an MS Word document for further explanation. See how to readily insert a PDF into Word without any errors.
READ MORE >
Open a PDF in SwifDoo PDF Directly
As mentioned before, SwifDoo PDF is an all-in-one PDF tool that can help you handle all issues regarding PDF files. So why not use SwifDoo PDF directly?
Though it’s very convenient to use Microsoft Word on most occasions, it does have some limitations. Maybe you won’t have any problems with Word documents. However, it’s better to download dedicated tools for better processing other file formats.
Opening a PDF document with SwifDoo PDF requires no effort. You only need to download and install it on your device. After that, it’s very easy to open the file, and it won’t take you long.
How to open PDF files with SwifDoo PDF:
Step 1. Launch SwifDoo PDF on your computer;
Step 2. Click Open in the left navigation bar;
Step 3. Go to the folder that contains your PDF file and click Open in this pop-up window.
With only three steps, you can open a PDF file without hassle. In fact, no matter what tool you use, you can’t avoid these steps. What’s more, SwifDoo PDF is far more than a PDF reader, and you can use it for more advanced requirements.
SwifDoo PDF — Your Ultimate Solutions for PDF Documents
- The best PDF to Word converter
- Opening PDF in Word without a hassle
- A fully-fledged PDF, high-capability PDF editor
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The Bottom Line
Microsoft Word is indeed a powerful office tool, which can also be used to open a PDF file. However, as we’ve mentioned, Word cannot display multimedia content or scanned PDF documents. After all, you can’t expect Word to perform as good as dedicated PDF tools.
To open PDF in Word, it’s highly suggested that you use SwifDoo PDF as your go-to tool. It can help keep all formatting in your PDFs without any changing.
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