File Extension Database

Open DOCX File

DOCX file extension is used to open word processing files under Microsoft Office 2007. It uses office open XML (OOXML) and Zip compression methods to allow files to be stored with lesser sizes. It is the successor of the older version .doc which can still be opened through applications supporting DOCX. However to open DOCX files on older applications, it is recommended to install a different compatibility software.

DOCX was released as part of Microsoft Office 12. MS Word versions 2000, 2002 and 2003 can still render this file by downloading the require software from Microsoft's website. Installing the software will allow the application to open DOCX files.

Older Microsoft Office releases were using binary files to store data. This limited some applications to operate with Microsoft Office applications. With the release of new versions using OOXML, other applications of are now able to access these files.

One security issue of is the addition of Active X control to the application. Macros containing malicious codes can still be embedded with the file. However, there is a workaround on that by allowing .docx files with macros from trusted senders.

Aside for Microsoft Office versions other non-Microsoft products can open and edit this extension. These include applications such as OxygenOffice Professional for Linux, Panergy docXConverter for Mac, and others.

Typical DOCX application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\WINWORD.EXE /n /dde
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\WINWORD.EXE" /n "%1"

Typical DOCX mime types:

application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document

Frequently used application names to open DOCX files:

Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office - Office14

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Word.Document.12

How Can I Open DOCX File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open DOCX file is to find a DOCX file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DOCX file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open DOCX file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as DOCX file opener then try to search online for "DOCX viewer", "application to open DOCX file" or "open DOCX file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open DOCX file

How Can I Open DOCX File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a DOCX file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DOCX file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with DOCX file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as DOCX file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open DOCX file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open DOCX file then try to search for "DOCX viewer", "application to open DOCX file" or "read DOCX file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read DOCX file

How Can I Open DOCX File on Android

If you downloaded a DOCX file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded DOCX file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "DOCX".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "DOCX viewer", "DOCX file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open DOCX File on iPhone or iPad

To open DOCX File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the DOCX file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "DOCX". This way you can find apps which can open DOCX files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "DOCX viewer" or "DOCX file" online in your favorite search engine.