In Microsoft Word, how can I work with documents created in different versions?

Word 2007 and newer use a different file format from previous versions. Current versions of Word can read the older formats, but sometimes a document created in a newer version must be read with an older version (e.g., a Word 2007 document in Word 2003). In those cases, a document created with a newer version of Word must be saved in an older file format of Word. All versions of Word come with import and export filters that allow them (through the Save As... option) to read and write documents compatible with previous versions of Word, Rich Text Format, and a variety of other file formats.

Changing the default format in Word

Changing the default format in Word removes the need to use Save As... each time you wish to use a newer document in an older version.

To change the default format in Word for Windows:

1. In Word 2010, from the File menu, select Options.

   In Word 2007, from the Office Button menu, select Word Options.

2. From the menu on the left, select Save.
   
   
3. From the "Save files in this format:" field, select the format you want as the default.

To change the default format in Word for Mac:

1. From the Word menu, select Preferences... .
   
   
2. In the Preferences window, click Save. From the menu next to "Save Word files as:", select the format you want as the default.

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