Compatibility Mode (Word 2008)

Hello & Welcome -

Straight answer to your underlying question: Compatibility Mode simply means
that the document is of the file format used by versions of Word prior to
2007/2008. The file format used is indicated by a filename extension of
..doc, whereas the new default file format of Word 2007 & 2008 uses an
extension of .docx, which is an enhanced file structure.

Word 2007/2008 can open, edit & save in the old format, however, so working
with a document created by an earlier version should not be a problem.
You're notified of Compatibility Mode because the later versions include
features which aren't supported by the older file format. If you use those
features the file will have to be saved in the newer format in order to
preserve them accurately in the document. If saved back into the older
format certain "adjustments" will occur which will effect the appearance as
well as text flow in some cases. There's no *need* to convert the .doc file
to a .docx unless you do use some of the newer features (Smart Art graphic
elements & effects, Themes, Document Elements, etc.) which you want to
retain as unaffected when you save.

As to your specific question: You should not have any difficulty using Word
2008 to edit/revise a document of the older .doc format and save those
changes back to the same file *or* save a new copy of the file in the new
..docx format. If you're having a problem there must be another reason.

What sort of "tool" are you looking for? In any version of Word you "move
text around" in the same ways - primarily by selecting the text involved
then using cut/paste or drag 'n' drop to put it elsewhere. Rearranging
content can usually be done even more easily in Outline View but using the
same techniques. IOW, there's no difference between Word 2008 & any other
version of the program with regard to the basic task to which you refer.

I think it would be best if you submit a New Question - not another Reply in
this thread - giving all particulars about your exact versions of OS X &
Office as well as a detailed description of what you are trying to do, how
you're trying to do it, what you expect and specifically why/how it doesn't
seem to be working for you. It would also be helpful to know more about the
origin of the file and whether it's that file only or others as well that
present the problem.

HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac



On 6/12/08 5:17 AM, in article ee89208.16.DeleteThis@webcrossing.caR9absDaxw,
"naseem_Khan@officeformac.com" wrote:

> I feel diffident about asking such a simple question since I can hardly
> understand the terms of the long discussion above on Compatibility. However,
> diffidence apart.... I am a new mac user and have found a document on which I
> am working is in Compatibility Mode. There seems no tool in this for moving
> text around, and I wonder if I am missing something obvious? Should I be
> converting the docx to another format? If there are answers, I would
> appreciate a recognition of my beginners' status.