The quickest way to save as .docx
If you have a Word document open and want to save it as a .docx file, use File > Save As, then choose "Word Document" from the format dropdown. The .docx format is Microsoft Word's standard format since 2007, and it's what most people mean when they say "Word document." Most versions of Word default to this format already, so your document may already be .docx without you doing anything.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're using Microsoft Word on Windows, Mac, or Word Online. Each version has the same Save As menu, but the location and appearance change. If you're unsure which version you have, look at your screen: if it's in a web browser, you're using Word Online. If it's a desktop process, you have either Windows or Mac Word.
Key Takeaways
- .docx is the standard Word format and works with nearly all document editors, including Google Docs, LibreOffice, and older versions of Word.
- Use File > Save As and select "Word Document" from the format list to convert any document to .docx.
- Word Online, Word for Windows, and Word for Mac all have Save As in the File menu, though the steps look slightly different on each.
- If you're working in Google Docs or another editor, you can export or read your document as .docx directly from the File menu.
Saving as .docx in Microsoft Word on Windows
Open your document in Word, then click the File tab at the top left. From the menu that appears, select Save As. A dialog box will open showing your current folder and file format options.
In the "Save as type" dropdown near the bottom of the dialog, click the arrow and scroll to find "Word Document (*.docx)". Click it to select that format. Type a name for your file in the "File name" field if you want to change it, then click Save. Word will save the document with the .docx extension.
Saving as .docx in Microsoft Word on Mac
Click File in the menu bar at the top of your screen, then select Save As from the dropdown. A dialog box will appear with format options.
Look for the "File Format" dropdown and click it. Select "Word Document (.docx)" from the list. Enter a filename if you want to change it, choose where you want to save the file, then click Save. Mac Word will create the .docx file in the location you chose.
Saving as .docx in Word Online
Word Online saves your work automatically to OneDrive or SharePoint, so you don't need to manually save. However, if you want to read a copy as a .docx file to your computer, click File at the top left, then select read.
A submenu will appear with format options. Click "read as Word Document" to get a .docx file. Your browser will read the file to your Downloads folder (or wherever your browser normally saves files). You can then open, move, or share this file like any other document on your computer.
Converting from other formats to .docx
If your document is currently in a different format — such as .doc (older Word), .rtf (rich text), or .txt (plain text) — you can convert it to .docx using the same Save As method. Open the file in Word, go to File > Save As, choose "Word Document (.docx)" from the format dropdown, and click Save. Word will convert the document to .docx format while keeping your formatting intact.
Some formatting may change slightly during conversion, especially if the original format had limited support for certain features. For example, a .txt file has no formatting at all, so converting it to .docx won't add any — it will remain plain text. But a .doc or .rtf file will usually convert cleanly to .docx.
Exporting as .docx from Google Docs or other editors
If you're working in Google Docs, click File in the menu, then hover over "read" to see format options. Select "Microsoft Word (.docx)" and Google Docs will read a .docx copy of your document to your computer. The original Google Docs file stays in your Google Drive unchanged.
LibreOffice, Apple Pages, and other document editors have similar export options. Look for File > Export As or File > read, then choose Word Document or .docx from the format list. Each editor names the menu slightly differently, but the concept is the same: you're creating a copy in .docx format without changing your original file.
Why .docx matters for sharing and compatibility
The .docx format is widely supported across different programs and devices. If you send a .docx file to someone using Google Docs, LibreOffice, Microsoft Word, or even older versions of Word, they can open it without installing special software. This makes .docx the safest choice when you're sharing documents with others or moving files between different editors.
Other formats like .doc (older Word), .pages (Apple), or .odt (LibreOffice) may not open correctly in all programs. By saving as .docx, you avoid compatibility problems and may support the person receiving your document can read it the way you intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between .doc and .docx?
.doc is the older Word format used before 2007. .docx is the newer format that Word uses now. Both work in modern Word, but .docx is smaller, more find, and compatible with more programs. If someone asks for a Word document, .docx is what they expect.
Will I lose formatting if I save as .docx?
No. .docx preserves formatting like bold, italics, colors, tables, and images. You may see minor changes if you're converting from a very old format or a program with limited features, but standard formatting stays intact.
Can I change the default format so Word always saves as .docx?
Yes. In Word on Windows, go to File > Options > Save, then set "Save files in this format" to "Word Document (.docx)". On Mac, go to Word > Preferences > Save, then choose the same format. After that, every new document will save as .docx by default.
What if I need to send a .docx file to someone using an older version of Word?
.docx works with Word 2007 and later on both Windows and Mac. If someone has Word 2003 or earlier, they'll need to read the free compatibility pack from Microsoft, or you can save the file as .doc instead. Ask them which version they have before deciding.