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What .DOCX is and how to use it.
Learn how to open and edit DOCX files with and without Microsoft Word.
Over one million companies worldwide use Microsoft 365 to do better work faster. Microsoft Word is the word-processing application for 365, making it one of the most used tools worldwide. In 2007, Microsoft introduced the DOCX file format for all Microsoft Word files, making it easy to create, edit, and share documents. From drafting business reports to writing academic papers, DOCX files are widely recognized for their rich formatting options and cross-platform compatibility.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about DOCX files, including how to create, open, and edit them, when to use them over other formats like PDFs, and how converting to PDF can simplify document management.
What are DOCX files?
DOCX files are the modern equivalent of DOC files. Introduced in Microsoft Word 2007 as part of the Office Open XML (OOXML) standard, DOCX files are an upgrade from the older DOC file format. The application compresses all document information in a zip folder, which holds both text and multimedia files, such as document images. Put simply, the DOCX file format can contain more data without slowing down your machine, making it much easier to share or store this data without taking up a lot of space.
When you create a new document in Microsoft Word, it will generate a DOCX file. It’s best to open and edit these files in Word, but you can also access DOCX files in Google Drive and Apple Pages. Because of that, many professionals consider Microsoft Word to be the standard for word processing. DOCX also supports a wide range of features, including styles, images, tables, headers, footers, hyperlinks, and advanced layout settings.
However, Mac users may have a difficult time accessing DOCX files. Plus, formatting doesn’t always come across correctly. If formatting is your primary concern, use Word to PDF converter to transform your DOCX file into a shareable PDF that displays correctly every time.
What is a DOCX file used for?
Thanks to the robust features in Microsoft Word, DOCX files are great for creating, editing, sharing, and storing text. DOCX files are versatile, so you’ll find them in academia, professional settings, and even personal use.
You can use DOCX file formats for so many things, including:
- Creative writing. Authors write their novels, stories, and articles in the DOCX format because it’s easy to access and share. Its rich formatting options are also a massive time-saver for writers, serving as a starting format for eBooks.
- Professional documents. It’s common for professionals to create DOCX files for proposals, reports, or even their resumes while job hunting. Since millions of businesses use Microsoft, it makes sense that professionals rely so heavily on this file format.
- Academic papers. Students and researchers write about their findings in DOCX, which allows for easy sharing, tracked changes, and collaboration.
- Personal use. Microsoft Word includes many helpful tools for personal use, from templates to tables. Compose birthday invitations, organize your schedule, or write personal letters with this file format.
DOCX files work great when shared with other Microsoft users. However, if you have a Mac (or collaborate with people who use Mac), you might have a hard time editing or accessing these files. Before sharing a DOCX file, consider converting it into a PDF instead. Try the Adobe Acrobat free online PDF converter tool to transform your DOCX file into a lightweight file that preserves your formatting and secures your content from unauthorized changes.
Ways to use a DOCX file.
There are endless ways to use DOCX files, but the most common use cases are for:
- Administrative tasks. Many businesses sign up for Microsoft licenses as an organization. This licensing arrangement encourages professionals to use DOCX files for all kinds of administrative tasks, from logging meeting minutes to drafting and sharing company handbooks.
- Professional content. Businesses also use DOCX files to create detailed business reports, write contracts, or produce marketing materials like white papers. As long as everyone in a company has a Microsoft subscription, the team can easily jump in and collaborate on the same content simultaneously.
- Education. Both students and teachers use DOCX files. They’re great for preparing research papers and organizing lesson plans or class materials.
- Record-keeping. Other Microsoft solutions like Excel are usually better for tracking data, but some users track this information in DOCX files. Track attendance, schedules, or milestones in an easily accessible and editable format.
- Personal organization. Create grocery lists, a table of your kids’ weekly schedules, or budget trackers in a DOCX file. You can lay everything out in a neat, optimized layout that’s ready for sharing or printing.
Whether you’re a personal user or rely on DOCX files to complete your work, this file type has many possibilities. However, compatibility can be an issue in some cases. If you love working in DOCX, you can always convert PDF to Word or Word to PDF to work in your word processor of choice. Just convert it back to the recipient’s preferred format before sending it, and you’re good to go.
How to create, open, and edit a DOCX file.
A Microsoft Word subscription makes creating, opening, and editing DOCX files easy. While this is the easiest way to access these files, we’ll also offer a few workarounds if you don’t have Word or are a Mac user.
How to create a DOCX file.
For Microsoft users, open to Microsoft Word and click File > New. Word will give you the option to create a new document from scratch or choose from its library of templates. Save the document as a DOCX file by selecting File > Save As, then choose the .DOCX format before closing the document.
You can create a DOCX file in Google Drive if you don't have Word. Open Google Docs and create a new document. Edit it as needed, and then save it as a DOCX file by going to File > Download > Microsoft Word (.docx).
Third-party apps like LibreOffice and Apple Pages can also create DOCX files. Just keep in mind that fonts, formatting, images, and other visuals might not render correctly if you share this file with others.
How to open a DOCX file.
To open a Word file, go to Word and click File > Open. If you have already downloaded the file to your computer, you can also double-click the file to open it. If you’re on a mobile device, you’ll need to download Microsoft Word mobile to view or edit DOCX files while on the go.
Opening a DOCX file without Word can be tricky, but Google Drive makes it much more manageable. To open the file, upload it to Google Drive and view it there.
How to edit a DOCX file.
You can edit a DOCX file by opening the document and making the changes directly. Be sure to click File > Save after making the edits to save your changes.
Editing a DOCX file without Word requires uploading it to Google Drive, opening it in Google Docs, making the changes, and exporting the final file as a DOCX format.
It’s pretty simple to edit a DOCX file, but what if you don’t want recipients to adjust the content of your document? In this case, converting the DOCX file into a PDF makes sense. Not only does this ensure your content renders correctly, but it also protects the document's content from accidental changes. PDF is also better if you’re sharing a final, non-editable document or need to protect sensitive information.
Advantages and disadvantages of DOCX files.
DOCX files have their time and place. Consider their pros and cons to decide if this file type is the best fit for your project.
Take control of your files with Acrobat.
DOCX files are an incredibly versatile and widely used format for creating, editing, and sharing documents. Their compact size, rich formatting options, and compatibility across platforms make them ideal for a variety of professional, educational, and personal needs.
But as effective as they are, DOCX files won’t work in all situations. Converting DOCX to PDF is a better choice for final documents, security, and consistent formatting. With PDF, you can ensure your documents are universally accessible and professionally formatted, no matter the device or platform.
Acrobat makes DOCX to PDF conversion as easy as a click. Not only that, but it also comes jam-packed with time-saving features like e-signatures, image editing, and Acrobat AI. Discover all that you can do with Acrobat today.
Frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between Word and DOCX?
Microsoft Word is a word processing tool from Microsoft. DOCX is the file type generated when you save a file in Microsoft Word. Word allows you to open, create, and edit DOCX files.
How do you open a DOCX file?
If you have Microsoft Word, you can open a DOCX file by either searching for the file with File > Open or double-clicking on the file if you have it downloaded to your device. If you don’t have Microsoft Word, you can open this file by uploading it to Google Drive or converting it into a PDF with free Acrobat online tools
Is .DOCX a Google Doc?
No. DOCX is a file format for Microsoft Word documents, while Google Docs is Google’s online word-processing tool. Google Docs can export text in a DOCX format, though.
How do I open a DOCX file without Word?
You can open DOCX files without Word using Google Drive. Log into Google, upload the DOCX file, and view it online. You can also convert the DOCX file into a PDF so you can view it with its original formatting.
Are DOCX files compatible with Mac computers?
Technically, yes. You can open a DOCX file with programs like Microsoft Word for Mac, Google Docs, or Apple Pages. The downside is sometimes Mac users may run into formatting issues with these third-party applications, so if formatting is a concern, convert a DOCX into a PDF.
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