Format comparison
DOC vs PPT
How do DOC and PPTcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
.doc
Full guide →Microsoft Word Document (Legacy)
DOC is the legacy binary format used by Microsoft Word before 2007. While still widely encountered, it has been superseded by DOCX. Many older documents and templates still use this format.
.ppt
Full guide →Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation (Legacy)
PPT is the legacy binary format for Microsoft PowerPoint presentations. While replaced by PPTX, many older presentation files and templates still use this format.
| Specification | DOC | PPT |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Microsoft Word Document (Legacy) | Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation (Legacy) |
| Extension | .doc | .ppt |
| MIME type | application/msword | application/vnd.ms-powerpoint |
| Category | Document | Document |
| Developer | Microsoft | Microsoft |
| Year introduced | 1983 | 1987 |
DOC advantages
- Universal recognition
- Compatible with older Word versions
- Still supported by all major office suites
- Extensive installed base of existing documents
DOC limitations
- Larger file sizes than DOCX
- Binary format — harder to recover if corrupted
- Limited to older feature set
- Being phased out in favor of DOCX
PPT advantages
- Compatible with older PowerPoint versions
- Widely recognized
- Still supported by modern software
- Simple for basic presentations
PPT limitations
- Larger files than PPTX
- Binary format — harder to recover
- Missing modern features
- Being phased out
Which should you use?
DOC and PPT serve different purposes. DOC is ideal for opening legacy documents, while PPT excels at opening legacy presentations.
Best uses for DOC
Opening legacy documents
Compatibility with older systems
Template archives
Government and institutional legacy files
Best uses for PPT
Opening legacy presentations
Compatibility with older systems
Archived presentation files
Simple slideshows
Convert between DOC and PPT
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.