How to Change DOCM Files to DOC

The DOCM file format was introduced as an upgrade to the preceding DOC format in Microsoft Word 2007. DOCM uses Extensible Markup Language, or XML, to increase security, reduce file sizes, and improve data recovery for your business documents. The “M” in the file extension indicates that the Word document contains programming components known as macros, as opposed to the DOCX format, which does not.

There was no way to tell if a document had potentially harmful macros unless you opened it in the older DOC format. Newer versions of Word can still save your DOCM file in DOC format, but keep in mind that intricate programming and formatting may not transition smoothly.

How to Change DOCM Files to DOC

• To open the DOCM file, use “Ctrl-O” in Microsoft Word and double-click it.
• Select “File” and then “Save As.”
• Click the “Save as Type” drop-down option, then choose “Word 97-2003 Document (*.doc).”
• Click “Save” to save the same-named file with the DOC extension. This saves the original file while also saving a DOC copy.