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.DOCX File Extension

File TypeMicrosoft Word Open XML Document

DeveloperMicrosoft
Popularity
4.0 (1283 Votes)
CategoryText Files
FormatZip

What is a DOCX file?

A DOCX file is a document created by Microsoft Word or another word processing program, such as OpenOffice Writer or Apple Pages. It contains formatted text but may also include images, tables, charts, and other document elements. DOCX files are widely used in home, academic, and business environments for letters, resumes, invitations, newsletters, and other documents.

More Information

Screenshot of a .docx file in Microsoft Word 2019

DOCX file open in Microsoft Word 2019

The Microsoft Word Open XML Document format was introduced with the release of Microsoft Word 2007. Since the introduction of the format, DOCX files have become one of the most common file types for saving text documents.

With the release of Word 2007, DOCX files replaced .DOC files as the standard file for saving documents in Word. Unlike DOC files, which store document data in a single binary file, DOCX files are saved in the Open XML format, which stores data as separate files and folders in a compressed Zip package. Within a DOCX file are XML files and three folders, docProps, Word, and _rels, which hold the document properties, content, and relationships between the files.

The Open XML format is designed to make document content more open and accessible. For example, document text is saved in plain text files and document images are stored as individual image files, such as .JPG or .PNG, within the DOCX file. The contained files may also include page formatting information, authorship data, and document review notes.

NOTE: To explore the contents of a DOCX file, rename the .docx extension to .zip and then decompress the resulting file with any Zip decompression utility.

Common DOCX Filenames

Document1.docx - The default filename that Microsoft Word gives to new documents.

How do I open a DOCX file?

You can open DOCX files with Microsoft Word for Windows or with Microsoft Word for Mac. Word is the best option for opening DOCX files because it fully supports the formatting of Word documents, which includes images, charts, tables, and text spacing and alignment. Word is also available for Android and iOS devices.

You can also open DOCX files with other word processors but some of the formatting of the original documents may be lost. Alternative word processors that support DOCX files include Corel WordPerfect (Windows), Apple Pages (Mac), and Apache OpenOffice Writer (multiplatform).

You can open DOCX files with various programs online. Google Docs is a free web application that allows you to upload a DOCX file and view, edit, save, and convert the document.

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Open and view .DOCX files with File Viewer Plus.

Programs that open DOCX files

Updated 7/2/2020

About DOCX Files

Our goal is to help you understand what a file with a *.docx suffix is and how to open it.

The Microsoft Word Open XML Document file type, file format description, and Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS programs listed on this page have been individually researched and verified by the FileInfo team. We strive for 100% accuracy and only publish information about file formats that we have tested and validated.

If you would like to suggest any additions or updates to this page, please let us know.