How to Open a DOCX Online
Microsoft introduced the DOCX format, which ends with the extension .docx, in 2007 as an upgrade to its popular word-processing program, Word. DOCX files' incompatibility with earlier versions of Word has caused difficulties for some users. If your business is sent a DOCX file but doesn't have access to Word 2007 or newer on your computer, you can still use this format. Both Microsoft and Google offer free, online solutions that make it possible to view and edit DOCX files with ease.
Using Microsoft SkyDrive
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Open your Web browser and navigate to the Microsoft SkyDrive website (link in Resources). Sign in to your Microsoft account. If you do not have one, you can create one by clicking "Sign Up Now" and following the onscreen instructions.
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Select the "Documents" folder then click "Upload." Select the DOCX file you wish to view and click "Open." Alternatively, drag the file from its location on your computer and drop it onto the SkyDrive window. The file appears on your list of stored documents.
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Click on the name on the DOCX file to open and view it. If you wish to edit the document online, click "Edit in Browser." Click the disc icon to save any changes you make.
Using Google Drive
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Open your preferred Web browser and navigate to the Google Drive website (link in Resources). Sign in to your Google account. If you do not have one, you can create one by clicking the "Sign Up" button and following the onscreen instructions.
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Click the "Upload" button. Select the DOCX file you wish to view and click "Open." Within a few moments, the newly uploaded file appears in your list of titles.
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Click on the name on the DOCX file to open and view it. If you wish to edit the document, you first have to convert it to the Google Docs format. Right-click on the name of the file and select "Export to Google Docs" from the list of options. A copy of the original DOCX file is created in the new format.
References
Resources
Tips
- You can automatically convert DOCX files to the Google Docs format as you upload them by adjusting the upload settings of your Google Drive account.
Warnings
- Not all the features of Microsoft Office are included in Google Docs so it's a good idea to retain a copy of the original DOCX file.
Writer Bio
Based in London, Anthony Thompson originally worked in the financial sector but has been writing professionally since 1992. The former editor of a monthly computing and technology magazine, his work has appeared in The Guardian, GQ and Time Out.