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DOCX Converter - Transform Word Documents Instantly

Convert Word DOCX files to PDF, TXT, and other formats. Edit documents anywhere.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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What is DOCX?

DOCX (Document Open XML) is Microsoft's default word processing format introduced with Microsoft Office 2007. It replaced the older binary DOC format as the standard for Word documents.

Unlike its predecessor, DOCX files are actually ZIP archives containing XML files that store document content, formatting, images, and metadata. This open XML-based structure was standardized as ECMA-376 and later as ISO/IEC 29500, making it more accessible to third-party applications.

Today, DOCX is the most widely used document format worldwide, supported by Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice, Apple Pages, and countless other word processors.

Why Convert DOCX Files?

Despite DOCX's popularity, there are many situations where converting to or from this format is necessary:

  • Sharing finalized documents - PDF format preserves formatting and prevents editing, making it ideal for contracts, reports, and official documents
  • Legacy compatibility - Older versions of Microsoft Word (2003 and earlier) cannot open DOCX files without a compatibility pack
  • Cross-platform editing - ODT format works better with open-source office suites like LibreOffice
  • Web publishing - HTML conversion allows document content to be displayed on websites
  • Plain text extraction - TXT format strips all formatting for use in code editors or plain text applications
  • Data extraction - Converting tables within DOCX to CSV or Excel formats for data analysis

Convert DOCX to Other Formats

ChangeMyFile supports converting your DOCX files to all major document formats. Choose the best output format for your needs:

DOCX to PDF

The most popular conversion. PDF preserves your document's exact layout, fonts, and formatting across all devices. Perfect for sharing finalized documents, printing, or archiving. Recipients cannot easily edit PDF files, protecting your content.

DOCX to DOC

Convert to the legacy Microsoft Word format for compatibility with older software. Essential when sharing documents with users running Microsoft Office 2003 or earlier versions that don't support DOCX natively.

DOCX to TXT

Extract plain text content without any formatting. Useful for importing text into code editors, databases, or applications that only accept plain text input.

DOCX to ODT

Convert to OpenDocument Text format for use with LibreOffice, OpenOffice, and other open-source office suites. ODT is an open standard that ensures long-term document accessibility.

DOCX to RTF

Rich Text Format maintains basic formatting while ensuring compatibility with virtually any word processor. RTF is a safe choice when you're unsure what software the recipient uses.

DOCX to HTML

Convert Word documents to web-ready HTML code. Ideal for publishing document content on websites or in content management systems.

Convert Other Formats to DOCX

Need to edit a document in Microsoft Word? Convert these formats to DOCX:

PDF to DOCX

Transform PDF files into editable Word documents. Our converter preserves formatting, tables, and images while making the content fully editable.

DOC to DOCX

Upgrade legacy Word documents to the modern DOCX format. This enables better compatibility with current software and reduces file size through improved compression.

ODT to DOCX

Convert LibreOffice or OpenOffice documents for editing in Microsoft Word. Ensures formatting consistency when collaborating with Microsoft Office users.

RTF to DOCX

Transform Rich Text Format files into DOCX for full Word editing capabilities including advanced formatting, styles, and track changes.

TXT to DOCX

Import plain text files into Word format to add formatting, headers, styles, and professional document structure.

HTML to DOCX

Convert web pages or HTML content into editable Word documents while preserving links, images, and basic formatting.

DOCX Technical Specifications

  • Full name: Office Open XML Document
  • Developer: Microsoft Corporation
  • First released: 2007 (with Microsoft Office 2007)
  • File extension: .docx
  • MIME type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
  • Structure: ZIP archive containing XML files
  • Standards: ECMA-376, ISO/IEC 29500
  • Compression: ZIP compression (smaller files than DOC)
  • Maximum file size: 512 MB (Microsoft Word limit)

DOCX Compatibility

Software That Opens DOCX Files

  • Microsoft Word 2007 and later (Windows, Mac)
  • Microsoft 365 (cloud and desktop)
  • Google Docs (web-based)
  • LibreOffice Writer (free, cross-platform)
  • Apple Pages (Mac, iOS)
  • WPS Office (Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile)
  • Apache OpenOffice Writer
  • Zoho Writer (web-based)

Software That Cannot Open DOCX Natively

  • Microsoft Word 2003 and earlier (requires compatibility pack or conversion)
  • Older versions of WordPerfect
  • Basic text editors (Notepad, TextEdit in plain text mode)
  • Some older mobile document apps

How to Convert DOCX Files

  1. Upload your DOCX file - Drag and drop your Word document or click to browse. We support files up to 100MB.
  2. Choose your output format - Select from PDF, DOC, TXT, ODT, RTF, HTML, or other supported formats based on your needs.
  3. Download your converted file - Conversion happens instantly in your browser. Download your new file immediately with no email required.

Pro Tip

DOCX files are actually ZIP archives. If you rename a .docx file to .zip, you can extract and examine the XML files inside, which is useful for recovering content from corrupted documents or extracting embedded images.

Common Mistake

Sending DOCX files assuming everyone can open them. Always convert to PDF for final documents you're sharing externally, as it guarantees the recipient sees exactly what you intended regardless of their software.

Best For

DOCX is best for documents that need ongoing editing, collaboration, or track changes. It's the standard for business documents, academic papers, and any content that may need revisions.

Not Recommended

Avoid DOCX for final published documents, legal contracts, or files where you need to guarantee formatting won't change. Convert to PDF for these use cases to lock in the exact appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

DOCX is Microsoft Word's default document format since 2007. It's a ZIP archive containing XML files that store your document's text, formatting, images, and metadata. DOCX files are smaller and more compatible than the older DOC format.

If you can't open a DOCX file, you may be using software that doesn't support the format. Microsoft Word 2003 and earlier cannot open DOCX without a compatibility pack. Try using Google Docs, LibreOffice, or convert the file to an older format like DOC or PDF.

PDF is the best choice for sharing finalized documents since it preserves formatting and prevents editing. For editable documents, keep DOCX or convert to ODT for open-source software compatibility. Use TXT when you only need the plain text content.

No, converting DOCX to PDF preserves all formatting, fonts, images, and layout exactly as they appear in Word. PDF is designed to maintain document fidelity across all devices and platforms.

Yes, ChangeMyFile supports batch conversion. Upload multiple DOCX files simultaneously and convert them all to your chosen format in one operation, saving time when processing many documents.

DOC is Microsoft's older binary format used before 2007, while DOCX uses open XML standards. DOCX files are smaller, more secure (can't contain macros by default), and better supported by modern software. DOCX is the recommended format for new documents.

Yes, you can convert DOCX to DOC format for compatibility with older versions of Microsoft Word (2003 and earlier). Some advanced formatting features may be simplified in the conversion, but the document content and basic formatting will be preserved.

Yes, ChangeMyFile processes your files securely in your browser. Your documents are not stored on our servers, and all conversions happen locally. Your sensitive documents remain private throughout the conversion process.

Check the file extension at the end of the filename. DOCX files end in '.docx' while older DOC files end in '.doc'. You can also right-click the file and view properties to see the file type.

Yes, several free alternatives can open and edit DOCX files: Google Docs (free, web-based), LibreOffice Writer (free download), Apple Pages (free on Mac), and WPS Office (free version available). You can also convert to another format for editing.

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.