Format at a glance
- Full name
- Office Open XML Document
- File extensions
- .docx
- MIME types
- application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
- Category
- Documents
- Compression
- ZIP-based container
- Transparency
- Not applicable
- Animation
- Not applicable
- Properties
- Multiple pages
Suitable tools
What is this format?
DOCX belongs to Office Open XML. The file is technically a ZIP package containing XML documents, relationships, embedded media and supporting resources. Applications treat those parts together as one document.
The format describes content and layout in much more detail than plain text or Markdown. Complex Word features, font availability and external links can still cause differences between applications.
What is it used for?
- Letters, reports, contracts and academic papers
- Editable templates with styles, headers and footers
- Documents containing tables, images, footnotes or contents pages
- Exchange of editable documents in business and education
Which programs can open it?
- Microsoft Word
- LibreOffice Writer and OnlyOffice
- Apple Pages through import and export
- Google Docs after uploading the document to that service
Support across devices and browsers
Microsoft Word provides the most complete support, with LibreOffice and other office suites as alternatives.
Microsoft Word, Apple Pages and LibreOffice open DOCX.
LibreOffice and OnlyOffice support DOCX, although complex layout may differ.
Microsoft Word, Google Docs and compatible office apps open DOCX.
Microsoft Word, Pages and Files-compatible office apps support DOCX.
Browsers do not natively render DOCX like HTML; a web application or local processing tool is required.
Advantages
- Editable and highly structured document content
- Broad support across office applications
- Documented ZIP-based structure with embedded media
Disadvantages
- Complex layout can vary between applications
- Macros require the separate DOCM format
- PDF is usually better for fixed-layout publication
Comparison with alternatives
DOCX is designed for editing, while PDF preserves page appearance more reliably for distribution and printing.
ODT is the open standard used by many free office suites; DOCX is more common in Microsoft Office environments.
RTF is older and simpler but cannot represent as many modern document structures and features.
LocalFileLab support
Text and basic document structure can be read locally from DOCX.
Supported text and document sources can be written as DOCX.
DOCX is already ZIP-compressed internally. Compression can wrap it in an archive but does not optimize every embedded resource.
A page-accurate Microsoft Word preview is not currently available.
Complete preservation of all Word properties, comments and advanced fields is not guaranteed.
Related formats
Frequently asked questions
Why is a DOCX file a ZIP package?
Office Open XML separates text, formatting, relationships and media into individual parts and then bundles those parts in a ZIP container.
Can a browser display DOCX directly?
Common browsers do not include a full native DOCX renderer. An office application, web service or local conversion tool is needed.
Should I share DOCX or PDF?
Use DOCX when the recipient should edit the document. PDF is usually better when layout and page breaks must remain fixed.