Everyone knows that when working with text documents in Microsoft Office Word 2003, files are saved with the doc extension. But times are changing, new programs with additional functionality are being created, and Microsoft is no exception. New versions of programs were created Microsoft Office 2007/2010/2013 saved with new docx extension... Therefore, office workers and ordinary users are interested in how to open docx.
Everyone does not like changes, because in a new program, for example, the interface may change, but why change something that has become familiar for a long time. But what if you have MS Word 2003 installed on your computer, and your colleague or friend gave you a file with the docx extension, but it is not possible to open it, since the MS Word 2003 version cannot open the format created in Microsoft versions Office 2007/2010/2013. Therefore, these users do not have docx files open.
I will offer you 3 ways to solve this problem. Which one will be closer to you, choose one.
Ask the user to resave the document
IN new versions MS Word, you can save files with the * .doc extension, for this you need not just click on the save button, as we usually do, but indicate with which extension you want to save the file.
Now select the file type: "Document Word 97-2003 * .doc" and then click the "Save" button.
This method is suitable for those users who can ask another user for this action. After he saves in the desired file type, he can safely send you this document, because this time you will be able to successfully open it and make changes to it.
Add-on package for Microsoft Office
How do I open a docx file if you can't ask a friend to forward the file? This option already really solves the problem. You don't have to ask anyone! By installing this software product on your computer, you will do everything yourself.
The problem that we are now investigating is not only yours, and therefore Microsoft has created compatibility software specifically for such users, with which you can open files created in MS Word 2007/2010/2013 without any problems. After installing this package, you can save files in Microsoft Office 2003 and then work with this document.
The compatibility pack can be downloaded. Check the box below and click "Continue".
The installation of the package will begin. After installation, a message will appear stating that the installation is complete. Click "OK".
We are trying to open files that have not been opened until recently.
Free on - line service
Above, we figured out how to open docx. But also do not forget about the services that can come in handy when there is no time to download and install programs.
The last way I wanted to talk about is an online converter. There is such a wonderful site with which you can make a conversion for free docx file in doc.
So, first, we need to indicate which docx the file must be converted. To do this, click on the "Browse ..." button, a window will appear, where we indicate the path to the file * .docx and click the "Open" button.
If the file is small, then the conversion will take place quickly. And with a large file, the process can be delayed, so keep that in mind. After uploading your file to the service, we are waiting for a couple of seconds when the message “File converted!” Appears, which means the file has been processed.
To download the file, click on the "Download" button, which is located just below.
In the above listed methods, I told how to open docx in word 2003. But if there are other programs that may be installed on your computer, then you can also use them for your own purposes. If you have the free text editor OpenOffice installed, then you can open / save with it doc files and docx. OpenOffice is free, has a friendly interface and can work with this format.
That came to an end small overview how to open docx file. As mentioned above, the choice of how to open the file is yours.
Often many users personal computers face the problem of opening documents of one format in programs that work with documents of a different format. For example opening a pdf file in software Word to many PC users seems like a very complicated process. But in fact, this procedure has many different ways which are very simple. Some of them will be considered below.
Microsoft Office« Word2013 "
If the 2013 version of the program is installed on your computer, then in order to open the “pdf” extension file, you need to do a number of simple steps:
- Open the Word program that is installed on your computer.
- Next, you should open the "File" tab located in the upper left corner of the program. You should see a window like this.
- Then you need to select the "Open" item, where in the "Computer" tab you need to select the "Browse" command.
- Find in the presented window desired file"Pdf" and open it.
Important! If at the moment of opening the file a message appears, then you need to select the "OK" command.
- After the work done on the main sheet of the "Word" program, information from the "pdf" file will be presented.
Program "FirstPDF»
If your computer has old version Word programs, or there are problems with opening the "pdf" document, that is, a way out of this situation.
"FirstPDF" is a converter of all files with "pdf" resolution. In addition, this program can adapt the file not only to Mircosoft Office Word, but also to other Microsoft products. This program is paid, but it is possible to use the program in a demo version for 30 days, during which you can convert a file no more than 100 times.
To get the desired result, you need to do a few simple steps:
- Download and install the program on your computer.
- Open the program and select "Add from file". If you have problems with this step, then the solution is easier. You can literally drag the "pdf" file into the blank white area that says "Drag and drop files here."
- In the window presented, you must select the desired file for conversion.
- In the structure "Format" you need to configure the parameters of the output file. For example, it is possible to choose a format such as "PowerPoint" or simply "Text file".
- Click the "Convert" button and wait for the process to finish.
Program "SolidConverter»
This program is a good analogue of the previous one, so if you have any problems with "FirstPDF", then there is a solution. Also, the program "SolidConverter" has its own design and allows you to use the trial period, which lasts 15 days.
To use this program, you need to do a number of simple steps:
Program "Adobe Acrobat Reader»
The above methods imply the conversion of files, but there is a solution that makes it possible to get information from the "pdf" file, which can then be opened in the "Word" program.
To achieve this goal, you need to download "Adobe Reader". For this:
After downloading and installing the software on your computer, you need to do a few simple steps:
On a note! In the program "Adobe Reader" there is a function "Print", so you can immediately print a document in pdf format.
How to print a "pdf" file
After the file is presented above, you can print it in the "Word" program. This requires:
How to convert a Word file to pdf format
In order to convert the file ".docs" to "pdf" format, you can use the simplest online service "Smallpdf", which can be opened at https://smallpdf.com/ru/word-to-pdf.
Video - How to open a pdf file in Word
To view files in the .doc format, most users use Microsoft Office Word - one of the components office suite programs from Microsoft.
Corporation developers are gradually adapting Word for different operating systems, however, most current versions Word for other operating systems has limited functionality.
Doc is a multi-platform text file format that supports markup and custom content styles.
In 2007 Microsoft refined the format to .docx, a format that uses modified data compression algorithms.
This approach helped to reduce the format of the original file by more than 40%. The modified format has increased the level of document security (by supporting streaming byte encryption algorithms).
Older versions of text editors do not support .docx, users need to do an automatic conversion to open the document in 1998/2003 versions of Word.
We present to your attention a list of the most successful alternative programs, thanks to which you can work with Word files on mobile and desktop OS.
Online services
In order not to install programs on your device, Word files can be opened and edited using the following online services.
MS Word Online
This site is an official development of Microsoft (link). The resource allows you to work with Word, Excel, Power Point documents in a browser without installation.
In order to access the functions of the service, you must log in to your account Microsoft.
In the window that opens, click on the picture of an empty document to create a new file and start editing it in the browser.
The main advantage of this service is its almost complete identity with the desktop version of the program.
Some features are still missing (for example, picture editing, review tab).
Users have the ability to create documents that can be edited by multiple users simultaneously in real time.
All created documents can be synchronized with One Drive cloud storage.
To open an existing .doc file, click on the File-Open tab and select a document in your One Drive cloud storage.
Google docs
Google Docs is a service from Google that allows you to quickly open and edit office documents on any device (link).
On the right side of the menu bar, select Documents.
To create a new document, in the window that opens, click on the + icon (in the lower right corner). To open an existing document, click on the folder icon (in the upper right corner of the page).
Docspal
Another service is Docspal. With it, you can quickly open a Word file, but without the possibility of editing it. The site is convenient to use from a smartphone or tablet.
Due to its simple design, it does not consume a lot of traffic.
Select a file on your device or enter a direct url link to download it.
Click on the View button. Wait until the file is uploaded to the site and opens in a new window.
For Windows
Consider the popular counterparts of MS Word for Windows.
Open Office
Open Office is a free multi-platform application for working with office documents.
The version of the program for Windows supports all the necessary functions for comfortable work with documents.doc and.docx.
You can download the program from the developer's website (link).
Kingsoft Office
Kingsoft Office is a free office suite for Windows.
In the Free version, users can work with a word processor - creating, editing, saving, converting document formats (download link).
For Mac OS
Consider good office programs for the Mac OS platform.
Official MS Office is available on Mac computers, but Apple developers have created a number of applications that are much better adapted for all Apple devices.
Apple Pages
With Apple Pages, users can create unique .doc and .docx documents.
By using an Internet connection, you can share files with other users and modify them online.
The utility has a simple user interface, there is support for graphs, tables, diagrams, Smart Art shapes.
It is possible to check the text for errors, create your own text styles. Spelling check is available only for Russian and English.
Additional spelling dictionaries can be downloaded from the official website of the developers for working with texts in other languages.
For Android
LibreOffice
Read our other articles about MS Word:
If you have a Windows Phone
On all devices under OS control Windows Phone preinstalled standard software for working with electronic documents, spreadsheets, presentations.
However, Mobile Office often doesn't see device files, doesn't open charts and tables in a document, or doesn't display styles.
To optimize your work with documents, you can always download other programs from the Windows Store.
Office Lens
The free Office Lens utility is an excellent analogue of the standard Mobile Office.
In the program, users can not only view and edit documents, but also work with the PDF format - the function of creating scans.
With the help of the device's camera, users can take pictures of physical documents and make their portable electronic formats (link to download the program).
Fig. 16 - viewing .doc files in Office Lens
Hello dear readers! Today we will look at the simplest operations: how to open a Word (or document Microsoft Word), how to close it, how to turn pages and read text. You will gain the skills of a passive user, and in subsequent posts we will already learn how to type and design our own texts, like real professionals!
I will do the entire description using the example of Word 2013. In other modern versions, the sequence of actions and appearance windows may differ slightly, but the general meaning remains.
How to run Microsoft Word
Program runs in the same way as other applications... That is, you need to find the corresponding shortcuts in the Start menu, on the desktop or on the panel quick launch Microsoft Windows... On other operating systems, Word starts up in the same way as other applications.
For example, in Windows 10, you can run the program like this: Start - Microsoft Office - Microsoft Word... Naturally, the program must be installed on the computer.
How to create a Word file
Consider 3 easy ways creating a document for subsequent work with it:
- If Word is not open - right click in any folder of your operating system and choose in context menu: New - Microsoft Word Document... The file will appear in the folder. You can open it and start working;
- If the program is already open, click "File" on the ribbon and select "New"... A window for creating a new document will open, where you will be offered to open a new blank document, or generate it based on a template (we will talk about templates a little below). Choose the option you need
- With the Microsoft Word window open, press Ctrl + N, which will create a new blank document
Templates in Word
Sometimes you need to create several documents with the same design and style. You don't have to set up each new document separately. It is enough to create or download a template and then only fill it with data.
So, when creating a new document, you can immediately use the built-in or custom template. To do this, in the "Create" window, find the required template and click on its image. In this case, the created document will be immediately designed according to the selected template. This greatly simplifies your work, allowing you to create effective letterheads just once and use as many times as you like.
This is what the template selection window looks like
And here is the template loaded on the sheet
We will consider this topic in a separate article, but for now we move on.
How to open a Word document
And here I will offer you several ways, use the one that you like:
- If the program is not running yet, but the directory with the file is open - double click on the file left mouse button. Word will start automatically, and your file will open with it;
- If Word is running, and you have recently worked with the desired file, click File - Open - Recent Documents... Find the required file in the list and click on it to open
- If the file is not in the "Recent" list, select its location on the left: On your computer, in the cloud storage, in another location. Click "Browse", a standard Windows window will open to open the file. Select its location in File Explorer and click Open.
- If the program is running, press Ctrl + O to select the location of the file and start working on it.
You can open several files at the same time, the program does not limit you in this.
How to open PDF in Word
Separately, I would like to touch on the issue of converting PDF to DOCX or DOC, because it is very relevant now. On the one hand, it is easy, on the other hand, it is not always possible.
If the user has saved a text document in PDF format, you can open it using the methods described above, but in the Open Document window, select PDF Documents.
The program will ask a few simple questions and then convert the file. Further, it will be possible to work with it as with a regular text document.
But often such an operation fails. The reasons may be as follows:
- The PDF file is not formed from text, but from pictures, or Word could not recognize the text;
- Publisher has banned reuse of data when converting to PDF
- The file contains errors that Word cannot fix.
Scrolling Word Document
Once your document is open and you start working with it, it is important to know how to navigate through its content. So if the document does not fit entirely on the screen, horizontal and vertical scroll bars appear. By manipulating them, you can display different parts of the sheet.
By the way, if the text is wider than your screen, it is difficult to work with it even with the help of scroll bars. Eliminate this by applying the desired scale (more on that later).
And so, we have several ways to navigate through the content:
- Using scroll bars, but this is not the most convenient option
- Turn pages with the mouse wheel... Often times, users do just that until they learn about hotkeys;
- Use the "Navigation" menu... Press Ctrl + F to open it, after which you can select the desired headings, pages, or use the search by a combination of words
- Using hotkeys, the knowledge of which greatly simplifies the movement through the document. Here is some of them:
| Combination | What is he doing |
| Arrows left, right, up, down | Move the cursor one character left or right, one line up or down |
| Ctrl + arrow | Move the cursor left or right one word, up or down one paragraph |
| Home | Cursor to the beginning of the current line |
| End | Cursor to the end of the current line |
| Ctrl + Home, Ctrl + End | Cursor to the beginning or end of the document |
| PgUp, PgDn | Up or down one screen |
| Ctrl + PgUp, Ctrl + PgDn | Cursor to the beginning of the previous sheet, to the beginning of the next sheet |
| Ctrl + Alt + PgUp, Ctrl + Alt + PgDn | Cursor to the beginning of the window, cursor to the bottom of the window |
| Shift + F5 | Cursor to its previous location. When opening a book - show the place where you left off last time |
Screen Modes in Microsoft Word
Depending on the work being performed, you can choose one of four ways to display data on the sheet. To do this, select the desired mode on the ribbon: View - View Modes(or in the status bar).
View modes are as follows:
- Page layout- here you see the sheet as it will be printed. This is the most convenient view for day-to-day work.
- Reading mode- Word adapts the text for comfortable reading, hides the usual Ribbon. In this mode, you cannot edit the text, you can only view it
- Web document- the content is arranged as it would look when opened in a browser
- Structure- used to evaluate the structure of the entered data and its changes
- Draft- a simplified representation of the document is displayed, allowing you to concentrate on the text. I use this mode at the stage of typing complex long texts, and then in other modes I create the structure and design.
Adjusting the scale in Word
To ensure maximum comfort in working with a Word document, it is useful to change the display scale. This will not affect the actual page size in any way, but only its display on the screen. If you are working with small print, zoom in, otherwise you will have to peer at the symbols.
The program has a group of commands designed to help you set the scale in a few clicks. Find View - Zoom on the ribbon to familiarize yourself with them. There are buttons like this:
- One page- sets the scale so that one page is completely visible on the screen
- Multiple pages- the display is slightly larger than the previous one, several pages are already visible on the screen
- Fit to page width- the page will be stretched or shrunk to the width of the window
- 100% - sets the scale to one to one;
- Scale- opens a window for more detailed zoom settings:
Another way to adjust the scale is to set it on the status bar. There is a slider here, by dragging it, set the desired value.
Let's summarize the information presented: you already know how to create new documents and open existing ones. You will be able to move around the document and change its scale for ease of use. So, you can start more complex, in the next article you will find out.
As always, I am ready to answer your questions and look forward to the site on the pages of the blog!
How do I open a word document?
Word is one of the most popular text editors. Basically, no effort is required from the user to open a doc document read by a text editor. However, there are times when the document does not open. The reasons for this can be different, so in this article we will consider them in detail.
Also in the article you can find information on how to open documents in doc format and other text formats using similar text editors from Microsoft.
How to open a text document using word
This is a fairly simple operation that even a child can handle.
- You need to select the text document that you want to open. Right-click on it and select "Open with" from the context menu.
- Then, from the list provided, you need to select the text editor word. Thus, you can open documents in the format docx, doc, dot, docm, xml, xps and others.
Also the user can open in new versions text editor word documents that were kept in older versions. It should be borne in mind, however, that some formats, for example, pdf, may not fully match the original document when opened in this text editor. It is recommended to open them in specialized adobe pdf reader software.
If word won't open documents
One of the main reasons word text editor refuses to open a particular document is file corruption. A damaged file can be recovered using the built-in recovery function. To do this, open a text editor and go to the "File" tab, then "Open" and select "Open and Restore" from the pop-up menu.
This method is considered to be very effective, however, it does not guarantee the restoration of the entire text. Part of the file may still not 
be recoverable.
Also enough effective method is the use special program Recuva. It allows you to recover documents microsoft word, excel.
Another reason could be an outdated version of your text editor. You can easily update it on the Microsoft website, however, if you used an illegally obtained key, you will have to pay for the new version.
At the same time, Microsoft offers free alternatives to the word text editor. These are the so-called viewers. They allow you to open and view and print text. At the same time, their functionality is very limited compared to the full package. You can download these analogs from these links.