In today's digital world, where everything is becoming paperless, the need to convert different file formats has become more prevalent. One such conversion is from Word to TXT. In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind this conversion and the various tools and techniques used for it.
A Word file is a type of file format created by Microsoft Word, which is widely used for word processing. It is popularly known as a .doc or .docx file extension. Word files are used for creating documents, such as letters, resumes, reports, and much more.
A TXT file is a type of file format that contains plain text without any formatting. It is also known as a Text file or ASCII file. Unlike Word files, TXT files are simpler and smaller in size.
There are various reasons why one would want to convert Word files to TXT files. Some of them are:
Smaller File Size: As mentioned earlier, TXT files are simpler and smaller in size as compared to Word files. Converting a Word file to a TXT file reduces the file size, which makes it easier to share or transfer.
Compatibility: Some software or programs cannot read Word files. Converting a Word file to a TXT file makes it compatible with most of the software or programs.
Security: Word files may contain sensitive or confidential information that you do not want to share with others. Converting a Word file to a TXT file removes all the formatting and hidden data, making it more secure.
There are several ways to convert a Word file to a TXT file. Here are some of the most popular methods:
Save As Text Only Option: Microsoft Word provides an in-built option to save a file in a plain text format. To do this, click on "File" and select "Save As." In the "Save As" dialog box, select "Plain Text (.txt)" in the "Save as type" dropdown list.
Online File Conversion Services: Several online file conversion services are available that allow you to convert Word files to TXT files for free. Some of the popular online file conversion services are Zamzar, Online-Convert, and CloudConvert.
Command Prompt: Converting a Word file to a TXT file using Command Prompt is a quick and easy method. Open the Command Prompt window and type the following command:
doc2txt filename.docx filename.txt
Converting a Word file to a TXT file can be useful in various scenarios, such as reducing the file size, making it compatible with most software or programs, and improving security. There are several methods available for this conversion, including in-built options, online file conversion services, Command Prompt, and third-party software. It is essential to choose the right method based on your requirements and convenience.