Microsoft Word Document (MIME: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document) is the default document format for Microsoft Word, using XML-based compression to store rich text, images, tables, and formatting in a compact package.
History and Development
DOCX was introduced with Microsoft Office 2007, replacing the older binary .doc format. It's based on Office Open XML (OOXML), standardized as ISO/IEC 29500. The format is essentially a ZIP archive containing XML files, making it more robust and smaller than the legacy .doc format. DOCX has become the de facto standard for word processing documents worldwide.
Technical Specifications
- Format: ZIP archive containing XML, media, and style files
- Content: Rich text, images, tables, charts, equations, macros
- Collaboration: Track changes, comments, version history
- Templates: .dotx template files
- Compatibility: Cross-platform via Microsoft 365, LibreOffice, Google Docs
- Max file size: 512 MB (practical limit)
Common Use Cases
DOCX is used for business documents, reports, letters, academic papers, resumes, and any text-heavy document requiring formatting. It's the standard format for document collaboration in corporate environments, education, and government.
DOCX vs Similar Formats
- DOCX vs PDF: DOCX is editable and collaborative; PDF preserves exact layout. Convert DOCX to PDF for final distribution.
- DOCX vs ODT: ODT (OpenDocument) is the open-source alternative. DOCX has better Microsoft Office compatibility; ODT works better in LibreOffice.
- DOCX vs Google Docs: Google Docs offers real-time collaboration in the cloud. DOCX is offline-capable and more feature-rich for complex formatting.
How to Open and Edit
Microsoft Word (desktop, web, mobile), Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer, Apple Pages, and WPS Office all open DOCX files. For quick viewing without editing, most operating systems can preview DOCX natively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open DOCX without Microsoft Office?
Yes! Google Docs (free, web-based), LibreOffice Writer (free, desktop), and Apple Pages can all open and edit DOCX files.
What is the difference between DOC and DOCX?
DOC is the legacy binary format (Word 97-2003). DOCX is the modern XML-based format (Word 2007+). DOCX is smaller, more reliable, and easier to recover if corrupted.