DOCX File Extension
Microsoft Word Open XML Document
- File Type docx
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft Word
- Category Data Files, Document Files
- Format Zip
What is a DOCX file?
The DOCX file extension is linked to Microsoft Word Open XML Document and belongs to the categories of Data Files and Document Files, which include 7165 files.
The Microsoft Word Open XML Document (DOCX) was developed by Microsoft, which created file format and 242 programs to work with them.
DOCX files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux, as well as mobile phones such as Android, Apple iOS and Windows Phone. To open a DOCX file, you can choose from 17 programs such as Microsoft Word, OpenOffice Writer and Pages.
MIME types
- application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
File Signature
HEX code: 50 4B 03 04. ASCII code: PK.
Programs that support DOCX files
Windows
Apple iOS
Windows Phone
Online Services
How to open a DOCX file?
If you cannot open a DOCX file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.
The most popular programs for working with DOCX files are Microsoft Word, OpenOffice Writer and Pages. To install the latest version of Microsoft Word on your computer, visit the Microsoft website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.
Once Microsoft Word is installed, the OS should configure it as the default tool for opening DOCX files.
Make Microsoft Word the default DOCX viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Right click on your DOCX file, then select "Open with" and click "Choose another application";
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Microsoft Word as the application to associate with your DOCX file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired DOCX file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Towards the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, which is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
- In this menu, select "All Programs" and search for Microsoft Word. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default option.
Convert to and from DOCX
If you have trouble working with a DOCX file, try converting it to JPG, JPEG, PNG, PDF, RTF or similar data files.
Please note that after converting a DOCX file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.
Microsoft Word, OpenOffice Writer and WordPerfect are offline programs that convert DOCX files to alternative formats without compromising data quality.
Convert DOCX to other file formats
Converting Files to DOCX Format
Finding answers to DOCX file problems
If DOCX files are giving you trouble, small modifications to your software can help. Check out the troubleshooting tips below to fix these issues.
How do I know if my DOCX file is corrupted?
Corrupted DOCX data files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
- Poor performance when editing a file in Microsoft Word;
- Opening or processing the file in Microsoft Word or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the DOCX file;
- Error messages appear while working with the file;
Why does Microsoft Word crash?
The likely cause of Microsoft Word crashing is lack of software updates. Install the latest updates available for Microsoft products.
A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.
How to repair a corrupted DOCX file?
Open the corrupted DOCX file in Corrupt Office Salvager, Word Regenerator or Office Regenerator and select the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged data files.
How to edit a DOCX file?
To edit DOCX files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify data files. Online DOCX editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Microsoft Word Open XML Document.
List of Top DOCX editors 2026
According to these factors, we have compiled a list of available DOCX editors.
| DOCX Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| WordPerfect | Corel | Windows | 4.9 out of 5 (36 reviews) |
| Kingsoft Office | Kingsoft Research | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| OpenOffice Writer | OpenOffice | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| AbiWord | AbiSource | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.6 out of 5 (43 reviews) |
| Word Writer | Yi Yang | Mac OS | 4.5 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Microsoft Word | Microsoft | Windows, Mac OS, Apple iOS, Android | 4.4 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| Pages | Apple | Mac OS, Apple iOS | 4.4 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| OnlyOffice | Ascensio System SIA | Online Services | 4.3 out of 5 (43 reviews) |