The fastest way depends on what program you're using right now
If you're working in Microsoft Word, saving as a Word document happens automatically — Word saves files as .docx by default. If you're in Google Docs, Apple Pages, or another program, you'll need to export or download the file in Word format. The steps differ slightly between programs, but all of them take less than a minute.
The reason to save as Word format is usually compatibility: Word documents open on almost any device, and most workplaces and schools expect files in .docx or .doc format. If someone asks you to send a Word document, they're asking for one of these formats specifically.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft Word saves files as .docx automatically, so you only need to choose "Save" or "Save As" to name the file.
- Google Docs requires you to download the file as a Word document using File > Download > Microsoft Word (.docx).
- Apple Pages and other programs have export or download options that let you choose Word format from a menu.
- If you're saving an older Word file that uses .doc format, you can convert it to .docx by opening it in Word and choosing "Save As".
Saving in Microsoft Word
Open the document you want to save. At the top left, click File, then click Save (or press Ctrl+S on Windows, Command+S on Mac). If this is the first time you're saving the document, a dialog box will appear asking you to name it and choose where to store it.
Type a name for your document in the box labeled "File name". By default, Word saves the file as .docx, which is the current Word format. You don't need to type the .docx extension — Word adds it automatically. Choose a folder where you want to keep the file, then click Save.
If the document is already saved and you want to save it again with a different name or in a different location, click File, then Save As. The same dialog will appear, and you can change the filename or location. This creates a new copy of the document without deleting the original.
Downloading from Google Docs as a Word document
Open your Google Docs document. At the top, click File, then hover over Download. A submenu will appear with several format options. Click Microsoft Word (.docx).
The file will download to your computer's default download folder (usually called "Downloads"). You can then open it in Microsoft Word, rename it, or move it to another folder. Google Docs keeps the original document in your Google Drive — downloading creates a separate copy on your computer.
If you want to save the Word version back to Google Drive after editing it, open the .docx file in Word, click File, then Save As. Choose "Google Drive" as the location, and Word will upload it. You'll then have both a Word version and a Google Docs version stored in your Drive.
Exporting from Apple Pages and other programs
In Apple Pages on Mac, open your document. Click File at the top, then Export To. A menu will appear with format options. Click Word, then choose whether you want .docx or the older .doc format (choose .docx unless someone specifically asks for .doc). Click Next, name your file, choose where to save it, then click Export.
On iPad or iPhone, open the document, tap the three dots (⋯) at the top right, then tap Copy to or Share. Look for an option to export or download as Word format. The exact wording varies depending on your iOS version, but the Word option will be listed among the format choices.
Other programs like LibreOffice, WPS Office, or Canva have similar export menus. Look for File > Export or Download, then select Word format from the list. If you can't find the option, search the program's help menu for "export as Word" or "save as .docx".
Converting older .doc files to .docx
If you have an older Word document saved as .doc (the format from Word 2003 and earlier), you can convert it to .docx by opening it in any recent version of Word. Click File, then Save As. In the dialog that appears, look for the "Save as type" dropdown menu. Click it and select Word Document (.docx). Then click Save.
Word will ask whether you want to save in the newer format. Click Yes to confirm. The file will now be saved as .docx, and you can delete the old .doc version if you no longer need it. This conversion is usually automatic and doesn't change the content of your document.
Checking that your file saved correctly
After you save, look at the title bar of your program. In Word, the filename should appear at the top without any asterisk or indicator that unsaved changes exist. In Google Docs, you'll see a checkmark next to the filename, or the text "All changes saved to Drive" will appear briefly.
On your computer, open your file manager (File Explorer on Windows, Finder on Mac) and navigate to the folder where you saved the file. Look for the filename you chose. If the file icon shows a Word logo or the filename ends in .docx, the save was successful. You can now open the file in Word or send it to someone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between .doc and .docx?
.docx is the current Word format and works on Windows, Mac, and most other devices. .doc is the older format from Word 2003 and earlier. Most programs today use .docx by default. Unless someone specifically asks for .doc, save as .docx — it's more compatible and takes up less storage space.
Can I save a Google Docs document directly to Word format without downloading?
Not directly. Google Docs and Microsoft Word are separate programs, so you have to download the file as .docx to your computer, then open it in Word if you want to edit it there. You can upload the Word file back to Google Drive afterward if you need both versions.
What happens to formatting when I convert from Google Docs to Word?
Most formatting transfers correctly, but some features may look slightly different. Complex layouts, certain fonts, or advanced Google Docs features might not translate perfectly. Open the Word version and check it before sending it to someone else, especially if the document has detailed formatting.
Can I save a document as Word format on my phone?
Yes, but it depends on the app. Google Docs on iPhone and Android lets you download as .docx through the share menu. Microsoft Word's mobile app saves files as .docx automatically. Other apps may have export options in their menus. Check your app's help section if you can't find the save or export option.
Why does Word ask me to choose a format when I save?
Word is asking whether you want to save in the newer .docx format or an older format like .doc. Always choose .docx unless someone specifically needs the older format. Newer versions of Word default to .docx, so you'll only see this question if you're saving an older file or changing the format intentionally.