The DOCX file format (or ".docx") is a Microsoft-created word-processing file type introduced as part of Microsoft Office 2007, developed as an advanced update to the older ".doc" format. Newer versions of Microsoft Word use DOCX as the default saving format, formatted specifically for Microsoft. Since the company also changed its entire Word page layout with Office 2007, you may find it tricky to save these files; you just need to know where to look.
Using Windows
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Step 1
Open or create your word-processing document using Microsoft Word 2007 or later.
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Step 2
Click the round "Office" button in the upper left corner of your screen. (This orange button features the Microsoft Office symbol—four differently sized squares arranged in two rows of two.)
Step 3
Hover your mouse over the "Save As" option, and click "Word Document" to select it from the list. In previous versions of Word (those predating 2007), "Word Document" referred to the ".doc" format, but in newer versions, it corresponds to ".docx," and "Word 97-2003" corresponds to the ".doc" format.
Step 4
Type a name for your document in the "Save As" field of your pop-up window, and click the blue "Save" button.
Using Mac
Step 1
Open or create your word-processing document using Microsoft Word 2007 or later.
Step 2
Click "File" on the menu bar along the top of your screen.
Step 3
Select "Save As" from the drop-down list.
Step 4
Type a name for your document in the "Save As" field of your pop-up window, then click the blue "Save" button.
Save as DOCX Every Time
Step 1
Click the "Office" button in the upper left corner of your screen, then click the "Word Options" button. If using a Mac, click "Word" in the upper left corner of your screen and select "Preferences."
Step 2
Click the "Save" option.
Step 3
Click "Word Document (*.docx)" to select it from the list directly beside the words "Save files in this format."
Step 4
Click "OK."