Edit an old .doc, .xls or .ppt file
Old .doc, .xls and .ppt files open read-only. To edit one, open it from your Storage and click Edit. When asked "Convert this file to the new format?", click Convert. The file becomes .docx, .xlsx or .pptx and opens for editing. The change is permanent. Click Not now - open read-only to only read it.
For: EveryoneWeb
How to edit an old .doc, .xls or .ppt file
- Open Storage and double-click the .doc, .xls or .ppt file.
- Click Edit.
- Read any warnings, then click Convert.
- Wait while it converts. This can take up to 2 minutes. The file then opens for editing.
When to use it
Sunita in admin finds a 2012 leave form saved as .doc. She converts it once to .docx and updates the dates in the browser.
Good to know
| Warning | What it means |
|---|---|
| Contains macros. | The file becomes .docm, .xlsm or .pptm. Macros are kept but do not run in the browser. |
| Shared files change for everyone. | People you shared the folder or file with will see the new format. |
| Large file | The file is over 10 MB, so converting may take longer. |
| Formatting may change. | Check the layout after converting. |
| File could not be inspected. | The file could not be checked first. You can still try to convert it. |
- The converted file replaces the old one in the same Storage folder, with the new extension. The list updates without a refresh.
Common questions
Who can convert a file?
Only the owner of the file, in their own Storage. People you share an old-format file with always get it read-only until you convert it.
What if the conversion fails?
You see "Conversion failed" and "Nothing has been changed." Click Open read-only to read the file as it is.
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Updated 2026-11-03