DOT File Extension

Programs that support DOT files

• Windows ⁶
• Mac OS ⁵
• Linux ⁴
• Android ²
• Apple iOS ¹
• Windows Phone ¹

Windows

• Microsoft Word
• OpenOffice Writer
• IBM Lotus Symphony
• LibreOffice Writer
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft 365

Mac OS

• Microsoft Word
• OpenOffice Writer
• LibreOffice Writer
• Microsoft 365
• Microsoft Office

Linux

• LibreOffice Writer
• KWord
• OpenOffice Writer
• Microsoft 365

Android

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office Mobile

Apple iOS

• Microsoft Word

Windows Phone

• Microsoft Office Mobile

How to open a DOT file?

The most common reason why a DOT file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.

The most popular programs for working with DOT files are Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer and KWord. To get the latest version of Microsoft Word, open the Microsoft website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.

After successful installation, your operating system should seamlessly handle DOT files via Microsoft Word.

Make Microsoft Word the default DOT viewer

Changing the default program in Windows

1. Start by right-clicking on your DOT file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
2. Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Microsoft Word as the application to associate with your DOT file;
3. Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".

Change the default app to open files on Mac

1. Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired DOT file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
3. Go to the lower section of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. By default, it is set to "Recommended Programs";
4. Select "All Programs" from this menu and proceed to search for Microsoft Word. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default option.

Convert to and from DOT

If a DOT file is difficult to handle, you might try converting it to formats such as PDF, RTF, DOC, DOCX, DO or similar, which may be easier to work with.

Please note that after converting a DOT file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.

With applications like Microsoft Word, IBM Lotus Symphony and LibreOffice Writer, you can convert DOT files offline while keeping the original quality intact.

Convert DOT to other file formats

• DOT to DOCX
• DOT to DOC
• DOT to AWW
• DOT to O
• DOT to LWP
• DOT to DO

Finding answers to DOT file problems

DOT files may present some challenges, but most can be easily addressed with minor software tweaks. See the troubleshooting tips below for guidance.

How to edit a DOT file?

To edit DOT files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify data files. Online DOT editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Word Document Template.

Best DOT editors in 2026

With the mentioned criteria in mind, we have assembled a selection of DOT editors.