Fix Word Finds Unreadable Content Error in OneDrive Files on Mac
Question details
The user encounters an 'unreadable content' error when attempting to open a Word document synchronized via OneDrive on a Mac, despite the file opening without issues on another Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Word / OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Opening a synchronized Word document from a local OneDrive folder across multiple Macs.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word displays an error message stating it has found unreadable content and refuses to open the file normally on one of the devices.
Ensure that OneDrive has fully completed its synchronization process on both Macs, and make a local copy of the problematic file to your desktop as a safe backup before attempting any repairs.
Identify and Remove Unsupported Embedded Objects
Remove older image formats or embedded objects from the working Mac, as certain versions of Word may struggle to render them after syncing.
Different versions of Microsoft Word (including Word for the web vs. desktop Word) handle embedded objects differently. Older image formats, such as PICT, can trigger an unreadable content error when synced across devices.
Access the Mac where the Word document currently opens normally without displaying the error.
Scroll through the document and check for older image formats (like PICT), broken charts, or unusually formatted embedded objects.
Delete the suspected objects or replace them with standard image formats like PNG or JPEG.
Save the document, wait for the OneDrive cloud icon to show that syncing is complete, and then try opening it on the second Mac.
Test Local vs. Web Application Versions
Determine if the issue is tied to the local desktop application or the file itself by opening it through Word for the web.
Update Microsoft Office and OneDrive
Ensure both Macs are running identical and updated versions of Word and OneDrive to prevent version mismatch errors.
Bypass Word Errors with WPS Office for Mac
If Microsoft Word continually struggles with 'unreadable content' errors or OneDrive sync issues, switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for macOS that seamlessly opens standard Word formats, often bypassing the strict formatting errors that cause MS Word to lock you out of your documents.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office for your Mac device.
- 2. Open the problematic file: Launch WPS Writer, click 'Open', and navigate to your OneDrive folder to select the file showing the unreadable content error.
- 3. Save a fresh copy: Once opened, go to Menu > Save As, and save a fresh .docx file to clear out any residual Microsoft Word synchronization bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Word say it found unreadable content on my Mac?
This error typically occurs when a document becomes slightly corrupted during a cloud synchronization process, or if the file contains legacy media formats (like PICT) that newer versions of Word on Mac struggle to process.
Can OneDrive syncing cause Word documents to become unreadable?
Yes, if a document is opened or edited on two different Macs simultaneously, or if the sync is interrupted by a network drop, it can create version conflicts or partial data writes that result in the unreadable content error.
Will clicking 'Yes' to recover the document fix the issue?
Sometimes. Clicking 'Yes' prompts Word's built-in repair tool to attempt to salvage text and formatting. However, it may strip out the problematic embedded objects or images that caused the error in the first place.
How can I prevent files from becoming corrupted across multiple Macs?
Always ensure that the OneDrive status icon shows 'Up to date' before opening or turning off a device. Additionally, keep both macOS and your Office applications fully updated to the same version on all computers.
