DOC to ODT converter
Convert legacy Word DOC to ODT free online. Open old .doc files in LibreOffice with full formatting preserved. No signup, instant conversion.
Drop a file to convert here
or click to browse
About OpenDocument Text
Common Use Cases
- Opening legacy Word documents in LibreOffice
- Migrating old .doc archives to open format
- Converting Word files for non-Microsoft editing
Legacy .doc files from Word 97 through 2003 are everywhere in corporate archives, legal repositories, and government document stores. If you work in LibreOffice rather than Microsoft Office, converting to ODT gives you a native document format that LibreOffice handles with full fidelity.
DOC is the proprietary legacy binary format from Microsoft Word, while ODT is the open ISO standard for word processing. Converting moves your content from a closed format to an open one.
Why Convert DOC to ODT?
Native LibreOffice editing
ODT is the default format for LibreOffice Writer. Working with documents in their native format avoids compatibility warnings and formatting drift.
Escape proprietary lock-in
ODT is an open ISO standard. Your documents are not tied to Microsoft Office and can be opened by any compliant editor.
Full formatting preservation
LibreOffice converts the DOC formatting to ODT equivalents: headings, tables, images, headers, footers, and page layout all carry over.
Modernize legacy archives
Batch-converting old .doc files to ODT future-proofs your document archive in an open, standards-based format.
When to use each
Keep as DOC when...
- Archiving the original binary format
- The document uses Word-specific macros
- Recipients require .doc specifically
- The file is a legal record in original form
- Compatibility with legacy systems
Convert to ODT when...
- Working primarily in LibreOffice
- Editing without Microsoft Office
- Migrating to an open standard
- Future-proofing document archives
- Using ODT styles and templates
Common use cases
- Opening legacy Word documents in LibreOffice
- Migrating old .doc archives to open format
- Converting Word files for non-Microsoft editing
How to use
- Upload your DOC file. Drag and drop a .doc file, or click to browse. Files up to 500 MB are supported.
- Start the conversion. Click Convert File. LibreOffice reads the legacy binary format and produces a native OpenDocument file with formatting preserved.
- Download your ODT. Save the .odt file and open it in LibreOffice Writer. Files are deleted from our servers within 1 hour.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with Word 97/2003 files?
- Yes. LibreOffice fully supports the legacy .doc binary format from Word 97, 2000, XP, and 2003.
- Will formatting be preserved?
- Yes. Headings, tables, images, bold, italic, fonts, and page layout are converted to ODT equivalents.
- What about macros?
- VBA macros from the .doc file are not converted. ODT uses a different macro system. The document content and formatting are preserved.
- Can I open this in Google Docs?
- Yes. Google Docs can open and edit ODT files natively.
- Are embedded images preserved?
- Yes. Images embedded in the DOC file are carried over into the ODT document.
- Is there a file size limit?
- Yes. The maximum file size is 500 MB per file.
- Is this free?
- Yes. Free users get a daily conversion allowance. Registered accounts get higher limits, and Premium or Lifetime members get unlimited conversions.