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