What is a Word file in Compatibility mode, how to fix it?

Compatibility Mode is a rather strange mode in Word, especially for those who are new to this popular editing software. Therefore, when a Word file is in Compatibility Mode, it also makes many people confused and worried about whether this is an error or how to turn it off. Join TipsMake to learn more about Compatibility Mode in Word!

What is a Word file in Compatibility Mode?

You don't need to be confused if you see the Compatibility Mode message appear when opening a Word file. Because this is simply a notification letting you know that you are opening Word in compatibility mode.

Specifically, Microsoft Office has many versions such as Office 2007, Office 2010, Office 2013, Office 2016, Office 2019 and Office 365 version. And each version of Office will have its own Office suite to serve the purpose of opening and processing document files. Whether. Therefore, with new versions of Word, document formatting will be handled differently than the old version. This is why when you open an old version of Word file on the new version of Word application. This file will be opened in compatibility mode.

Basically, opening Word files in compatibility mode is normal, you can still read and process documents as needed. However, the drawback is that some features of the new version of Word will be disabled.

IN SHORT:

The problem of a Word file having a compatibility mode error is not an error, it is simply the fact that the Word file is opened in compatibility mode.

Instructions on how to remove Word File status from Compatibility mode

So you know what the Word compatibility mode file is, right? If compatibility mode appears, this is a notification and cannot be turned off. However, you can still turn off Compatibility Mode in Word and change this document to a new document. Proceed as follows:

Step 1: Check the compatible version of the Word file

1. First, you need to know which version of the Word file you are opening. The way to check is also very simple: in the open Word file, click the File tab > Click Info in the list of options on the left.
2. Continue Check for Issues > Check Compatibility > When the new window displays, click Select Version to Show > The document's compatibility mode will display.

Step 2: Switch to the new document

1. Following the above steps, return to the main interface of the Word file again.
2. Continue, click the File tab again > Select Info > Then click Convert .
3. Your old version document will then become the new version document. Compatibility mode message) is removed. And the document is now a standard Word file with the .docx record extension.

Instructions for transferring files from new Office to old Office

Typically, new versions of Office will open and read old Office version documents. But on the contrary, old versions of Office sometimes cannot read new versions of Office. Therefore, if you want to save the new version of Office files but can still read them on old Offices, adjust the saving format to match the old Office version.

1. B1 : In the Word version, you also click the File tab > Select Options .
2. Step 2 : Click Save in the new window that appears, find the line Save file in this format > Then, select the correct old Office format according to your needs > Click OK to save and you're done.

Above is all the information about the status of Word File in Compatibility mode. Wishing you success in handling this case!

Jessica Tanner

Update 23 June 2024