DOC vs DOCX vs ODT A Technical and Practical Comparison in 2026
Last Updated: 02 Feb, 2026
Word processing files look deceptively simple. You type text, add a few images, maybe track changes—and save. But behind that “Save As” button lies a complex ecosystem of file formats that directly impact performance, compatibility, security, collaboration, and long-term accessibility.
In 2026, three formats continue to dominate document workflows:
DOC – Microsoft Word’s legacy binary format DOCX – The modern Office Open XML standard ODT – The open-source OpenDocument Text format This blog post takes a technical yet practical deep dive into DOC vs DOCX vs ODT, helping developers, IT teams, content creators, and businesses choose the right format for today—and tomorrow.