The docx format is entirely an open standard established file format that is used as default format of Microsoft Office 2007, and later to be released in MS Office 2010, and with add-ins that can be utilized by MS Office 2003 and also MS office 2000. Some major office software like the Sun StarOffice, Abiword, OpenOffice Suite, and the later versions of Corel WordPerfect can also have the capability to open and save the files in docx file format.

Docx file format was introduced to further improve the file manageability and security. Previously doc files have become attractive to virus writers and modification cannot be done simultaneously as docx files can manage.

The conversion of docx documents to other formats can be easy if you have the knowledge on how to or you have the right docx converter software. The conversion to older doc format as used by Adobe pdf format or Microsoft Word is possible and conversion software is offering greater compatibility with other formats.

Docx file format is not just restricted for use in Windows based computer, but also on other operating systems such as Linux and Mac OS. These operating systems have software and filters that allow users to share information using the docx Office XML format.  In the near future, it may have the possibility to open docx format to applications that are installed on smart phones like the Blackberry, iPhone, or phones that have other operating systems.

Common file formats that are generally used in sharing information are MS Word format, Adobe pdf format or binary files with the extension .doc. In most corporate environments, WPD or RTF format are preferred.  Fulfilling the needs of all these recipients can result to implementation the use of docx file format and have the recipient perform their own conversion.

There are situations wherein original docx format may contain confidential or sensitive information, converting it online can be risky in security and probably not permitted. Downloadable converters can be used, as these are both free and can be easily found.

Although the docx file format is a text based format and can easily be accessed by unzipping the package and navigate it to the folder that contains the document .xml, opening this file in this way can have the probability of losing most of the font and paragraph formatting. Also, some of the embedded object may be lost, so docx converters are very important and will eventually play an important role in the years to come.