Convert DOC to ODT on Mac
Select the DOC files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose ODT and press Return. FileFlip saves each ODT next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert DOC to ODT with FileFlip
Select the DOC files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from DOC. Type “ODT” to jump to it.
Choose ODT and press Return
The ODT files appear next to the originals with the same names. The DOC files stay as they are.
DOC and ODT
DOC is an outdated format that some newer apps no longer open. ODT is an open standard that LibreOffice and some organisations require.
| Property | DOC | ODT |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Word 97–2003 document | OpenDocument Text |
| Made by | Microsoft | OASIS |
| Best for | Old documents and software that requires it | Documents for LibreOffice users and open-standard requirements |
| Opens in | Word, Pages, LibreOffice and TextEdit | LibreOffice, Word, Google Docs and TextEdit |
| File extension | .doc | .odt |
| In FileFlip | Opens | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.
TextEdit
Open the DOC in TextEdit, hold Option and choose File → Save As, then pick the OpenDocument (.odt) option in the File Format menu.
TextEdit keeps basic formatting; complex layouts may change.
Terminal
textutil converts between common document formats. This writes letter.odt next to the original.
textutil -convert odt letter.docBuilt into macOS and good for whole folders.
Questions about DOC and ODT
Can I convert many DOC files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose ODT. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Will the formatting be kept?
Headings, fonts, bold and lists usually carry over. Complex layouts, tracked changes and app-specific features may look different in the new format.
Where is the ODT file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .odt extension. The DOC file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert ODT back to DOC?
No. FileFlip opens DOC files but doesn’t save them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a folder of documents at once
FileFlip also handles images, camera raw files, video, audio, PDFs and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac