How to Set the Default File Format in Word

When you save a file in Microsoft Word 2007, it is automatically saved as a .docx file. If you would like to automatically save all documents as a different file type, you can do so after you make a change to the Save options in Word 2007. Follow the steps below to find out how you can set the default file format in Word 2007.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Word 2007

Instructions

1. Start Microsoft Word 2007, and create a new, blank document or open an existing document from your files.

2. Click the "Office button" at the top left side of the Word 2007 screen to display a drop-down box of options.

3. Select the "Word Options" button on the bottom, right side of the "Office button" drop-down box. The "Word Options" dialog box will appear on the screen.

4. Choose the "Save" category on the left side of the "Word Options" dialog box to display the save options for Word 2007 in the right side of the dialog box.

5. Make a selection from the "Save files in this format" drop-down list. The drop-down list is the first option in the "Save documents" category on the right side of the "Word Options" dialog box. You can choose to change the default file format to another version of Word file, Word template, Web page, Word file or RTF. The file type you choose will be the default file format for any documents that are saved from this point forward in Word 2007.

6. Use the "OK" button to close the "Word Options" dialog box and return to your Word document.