How to Open and Edit .docx Word Files on Mac, iPad or iPhone

Working remotely with colleagues who use different software can be a challenge. Mac users often face difficulty in opening a .docx file created in Microsoft Word on a Windows system. In this guide, we’ll help you open, edit and save .docx files on your Mac, iPad or iPhone, in a format that can be opened on a PC.

Editing a .docx file on Mac

To edit a .docx file on a Mac, you can use Pages, which is the closest equivalent to a first-party app. Simply drag the file to Pages or Word in your dock or right-click the file and choose “Open With.”

Exporting Pages on Mac

To export a Pages document in a format that can be opened on a Windows system, go to “File” > “Export To” > “Word.” If you wish to export in another format like .doc, select “Advanced Options.”

Editing a .docx file on iPhone or iPad

To edit a .docx file on your iPhone or iPad, use Pages. If someone sent you the file through email, tap on the icon to open it. If you wish to make changes, import the file to Pages from the sharing menu.

Exporting Pages on iPhone or iPad

On the iOS version of Pages, tap the “3 dots” icon in the top right corner to open the “More” menu and select “Send a Copy.” Choose “Word” from the format options.

With these steps, any .docx file can be easily shared and edited across different platforms and devices.