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Convert a Word 2013+ format file to Word 2010 format using Word 2016/2019

Anonymous
2019-07-24T03:16:13+00:00

Does anyone know of a way to either programatically or via the UI to convert a document from the latest Word format (i.e. Word 2013+ format) to Word 2010 format?

There is a method called DowngradeDocument on the Document object which will take it back to Word 97-2003 format (and will keep the document in DOCX format when you save it) https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office/vba/api/word.document.downgradedocument

The problem is the Convert method will only take it back to the newest file format, but I need the document to convert to Word 2010 format. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office/vba/api/word.document.convert There is no parameter to specify what version to convert it to.

I've tried setting all of the correct Compatibility properties of the Document object to match a Word 2010 document, but that doesn't work. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office/vba/api/word.document.compatibility The document still appears in 97-2003 format (i.e. the CompatibilityMode value is still set to 11 and not 14, and it is read only so cannot be set) so newer features are disabled (e.g. can't insert content controls etc.).

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Suzanne S Barnhill 278.1K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2019-07-24T12:41:36+00:00

Have you tried this method of setting the compatibility?

Press Alt+F11 to open the VBA Editor and Ctrl+G to get to the Immediate window. In that window, type

          ActiveDocument.SetCompatibilityMode 14

and press Enter.

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  1. Suzanne S Barnhill 278.1K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2019-07-25T01:47:29+00:00

    Since I'm VBA-illiterate, credit goes to (probably) Jay Freedman or some other of my fellow MVPs. I just stashed that away for my own use.

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-07-24T23:25:38+00:00

    Thanks Suzanne - that's exactly what I was looking for! Brilliant.

    Thanks so much.

    Chris

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-07-24T09:17:28+00:00

    Thanks Doug. I do have access to Word 2010 so I can make a document or template and do it that way - just trying to avoid that if possible.

    The other issue I have is a building block template that has been converted to 2016, but I need to convert it back to 2010 format. Again I can do this manually by using a 2010 template and copying the building blocks over (and then re-editing the ones that need changing to make them 2010 friendly) but was hoping there was a more automated way to do it.

    Cheers

    Chris

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  4. Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 323.1K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2019-07-24T07:41:31+00:00

    If you have a template that was created in Word 2010, you could create a new document from that template and then copy and paste the content of the document that you want to convert into that document.

    If you don't have access to 2010 if you contact me by email, I will send you a template created in 2010.  If the document is based on a template other than the normal.dotm template, send me a copy of the template and I will open it in Word 2010 and then use Save As to save it in Word 2010 format.

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