In Word 2010, 2007, or 2003, how do I save a document with a special extension?

Note: To reveal hidden file extensions, see In Windows or Mac OS X, how do I reveal file extensions?

In Word, if you want to save a file as a Word document with a special extension, the easiest way is to put quotation marks around the filename you specify.

For example, if you name a file ISawElvis.1time, Word would actually save it as ISawElvis.1time.doc. However, if you name the file "ISawElvis.1time" (with quotes), Word will save exactly as you typed it, without the .doc as an extension.

Saving in an alternative format

Word has several alternative save formats you can choose. To save a file in one of these alternative formats:

Word 2010 or 2003

1. In Word, click File, and then Save As.
   
   
2. Click to choose the format you want from the "Save as type" drop-down list.

Word 2007

1. In Word, click the Office Button, then Save As, and then Other Formats.
   
   
2. Click to choose the file format you want from the "Save as type" drop-down list.

Changing the default format

To change the default format in Word for Windows:

1. In Word 2010, from the File menu, select Options.

   In Word 2007, from the Office Button menu, select Word Options.

2. From the menu on the left, select Save.
   
   
3. From the "Save files in this format:" field, select the format you want as the default.

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