Convert DOC to TXT on Mac
Select the DOC files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose TXT and press Return. FileFlip saves each TXT next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert DOC to TXT 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 “TXT” to jump to it.
Choose TXT and press Return
The TXT files appear next to the originals with the same names. The DOC files stay as they are.
DOC and TXT
DOC is an outdated format that some newer apps no longer open. Plain text strips everything but the words, ready to paste, search or process anywhere.
What changes when you convert
- All formatting, images and links are removed; only the text remains.
| Property | DOC | TXT |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Word 97–2003 document | Plain text |
| Best for | Old documents and software that requires it | Notes, code and text you want to reuse anywhere |
| Opens in | Word, Pages, LibreOffice and TextEdit | Every text editor on every system |
| File extension | .doc | .txt |
| 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, choose Format → Make Plain Text, then save.
Good for one document now and then.
Pages
Pages is free from Apple. Open the DOC in Pages and choose File → Export To → Plain Text.
Handles more complex layouts than TextEdit.
Terminal
textutil converts between common document formats. This writes letter.txt next to the original.
textutil -convert txt letter.docBuilt into macOS and good for whole folders.
Questions about DOC and TXT
Can I convert many DOC files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose TXT. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where is the TXT file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .txt extension. The DOC file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert TXT 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