Microsoft Word document (DOCX)
What is a DOCX file?
DOCX is the default Microsoft Word format since Word 2007. Despite the single file, it's actually a small ZIP archive of XML files that describe your text, styles, images and settings, which is why DOCX files are smaller and more robust than the older DOC format. Almost every word processor can open it.
How to open a DOCX file
- Windows
- Open it in Microsoft Word, or in Word for the web at office.com, which works in any browser with a Microsoft account.
- Mac
- Double-click to open in Pages, which ships with every Mac, or use Microsoft Word if you have it installed.
- iPhone
- Tap it in Files or Mail to preview it, or open it in the Word or Pages app to edit.
- Android
- Open it in the Microsoft Word app, or upload it to Google Drive and open it with Google Docs.
Good for
- Fully editable text, tables and images
- Small files thanks to built-in compression
- Opens in Word, Pages, Google Docs and LibreOffice
Watch out for
- Layout can shift slightly between apps and computers
- Missing fonts are replaced, moving line breaks
- Not ideal for sending final versions that must not change
DOCX file questions
What's the difference between DOC and DOCX?
DOC is the older binary format from Word 97-2003. DOCX replaced it in 2007 and is smaller, more reliable and better supported.
Can I open a DOCX file without Microsoft Word?
Yes. Pages on Mac and iPhone, Google Docs, LibreOffice and Word for the web all open DOCX files.
Should I send my CV as DOCX or PDF?
Send a PDF unless the employer asks for Word. A PDF looks exactly the same on their screen as on yours.