Question

What is the common file extension for a Word Document created in Word 2007 and later versions?

• A. .doc
• B. .xls
• C. .pptx
• D. .docx

Answer 1

Answer:

D. .docx

Evolution of Word Document Extensions

• Prior to Word 2007, Microsoft Word documents primarily used the .doc file extension. This format was based on the Binary Interchange File Format (BIFF).

• The introduction of Word 2007 marked a significant shift in file formats, adopting the new Office Open XML (OOXML) standard.

• The standard file extension for documents created in Word 2007 and all subsequent versions (Word 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, Microsoft 365) is .docx.

Understanding the '.docx' Extension

• The 'x' in .docx signifies that the file is based on the XML (Extensible Markup Language) format.

• XML is a markup language that defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable.

• Advantages of .docx format over .doc:

  • Smaller File Sizes: OOXML uses ZIP compression, resulting in significantly smaller files compared to the older .doc format.

  • Improved Data Recovery: The XML-based structure makes documents more robust and less prone to corruption.

  • Interoperability: XML-based formats facilitate easier data exchange and compatibility with other applications and systems.

  • Enhanced Features: Supports advanced formatting, graphics, and features not available in older versions.