.docx compatibility question

Hi

I've just started using Word 2013 and I'm confused about .docx files. Can anyone tell me which previous versions of Word can also open these files? Will the formatting of documents saved on Word 2013 as docx files be messed up when opened in pre-2013 versions?


Also, can people with Macs open and edit .docx files originating from Word 2013?

I've just started freelancing and really need to figure this out - I need to send Word documents to people with lots of different set ups. Sorry if it's a very basic questions - I'm not very techy and this is stressing me out so much.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me!

Barbara



Answer
Answer

Word 2007/2010 and 2013 should be able to open a DOCX created in Word 2013 with no problems. Word 2000/2002(XP) and 2003 should be able to open the same DOCX as long as the Microsoft Compatibility Pack is installed. There are some prerequisites to installing the compatibility pack; notably service pack updates for the various pre-2007 versions.

OneDrive can be used to store and share your Word 2013 documents with other people.

Communicate with your clients and make sure that their Office versions are up-to-date with service packs and periodic updates.

Word 2013 will also publish to a PDF format which is recommended if you are exchanging information that does not require editing. If your clients do not have a PDF reader, there are a number of free ones available to download, install and use for the life of the computer.

Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint File Formats

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Last updated March 16, 2022 Views 114 Applies to: