Convert doc to docx silently using wopi host, and show the converted file to user.

Question

Hi there,

We are trying to provide user with online editing feature with ms formats documents.

Followed the pnp-Wopi implementation and created wopi host, which is being accessed from classic asp application.

Now when user edits the doc file, we want doc file to be converted into docx file silently, without any input from the user.

And we could show the converted new docx file directly.

How can this be achieved?

Any help shall be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hello MaityMan,

Thank you for your question. One of our engineers will respond soon.

Best regards,

---

Jeff McCashland | Microsoft Protocols Open Specifications Team

Answer 2

Hi MaityMan,

Thanks for the question. First, are you targeting the Office for the Web cloud service (i.e. Office365) or have you deployed your own instance of Office Online Server in your local enterprise? 

Regarding converting documents for viewing, here are couple of links that will help understand WOPI's role in this: 

https://wopi.readthedocs.io/en/latest/discovery.html?highlight=convert#action-convert

https://wopi.readthedocs.io/en/latest/scenarios/conversion.html#conversion

These will help understand the process that happens. Two important points here are: 

1) for discussion in this forum and assistance with our Open Specifications ([MS-WOPI]), you will need to be using a deployment of Office Online Server. Otherwise, you'll need to refer to the support channel for Cloud Storage Partner Program (see https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/8ed5b708-9edf-4839-a13f-e93e59396ff1/wopi-host-implementers-please-read?forum=os_office)

2) if you are using Office Online Server, the discovery.xml information will be the key determining factor as to what file formats have the convert action implemented for that version of Office Online Server. 

I hope this helps.

Best regards,
Tom Jebo
Sr Escalation Engineer
Microsoft Open Specifications