How to Open a DOCX File in Google Docs
Google Docs is one of the easiest free ways to open and edit a Word file. It works in any browser and on phones, and all you need is a Google account. If you have Gmail, you already have one.
This guide shows you how to open a DOCX file in Google Docs on a computer, on Android and on iPhone. You’ll also learn the difference between previewing, editing in Word mode and converting, and how to save your file back as Word when you’re done.
Before you start
- You need a Google account. Sign up for free at accounts.google.com if you don’t have one.
- Your file will be uploaded to Google Drive. That’s fine for most files. For private files, see the note on privacy below.
- Google Docs opens DOCX and old DOC files. Password-protected files won’t open.
How to open a DOCX file in Google Docs on a computer
Step 1: Upload the file to Google Drive
- Go to drive.google.com and sign in.
- Click New at the top left.
- Click File upload and choose your DOCX file.
You can also drag the file from your desktop or File Explorer straight into the Drive window.
Step 2: Open it
- Double-click the file in Drive. A preview opens.
- At the top, click Open with Google Docs.
The file opens in Google Docs, ready to read and edit.
Word mode vs converting to Google Docs
Here’s something many people miss. When you open a Word file, Google Docs can work with it in two ways.
| Edit as Word (Office editing) | Convert to Google Docs | |
|---|---|---|
| File type | Stays DOCX | Becomes a Google Doc |
| How you know | A .DOCX label next to the title | No label |
| All Google features | Most, not all | Yes |
| Best for | Sending back a Word file | Long-term work in Google |
By default, Google Docs usually opens a DOCX file in Word mode, with a small .DOCX label next to the name. Your changes save into the Word file.
If you want to turn it into a Google Doc, click File, then Save as Google Docs. This creates a new copy. The original DOCX stays as it was.
How to open a DOCX file in Google Docs on Android
- Install Google Docs from the Play Store if you don’t have it.
- Find the DOCX file in Gmail, WhatsApp or your Files app.
- Tap the file. When your phone asks which app to use, choose Docs.
You can also open the Docs app, tap the folder icon, and choose Device storage or your Drive to find the file. For other Android options, see how to open a DOCX file on Android.
How to open a DOCX file in Google Docs on iPhone
- Install Google Docs from the App Store.
- Open the DOCX file in Files or Mail.
- Tap the share button and choose Docs.
If you don’t see Docs in the list, upload the file to the Google Drive app first, then open it from there. More iPhone options are in how to open a DOCX file on iPhone.
How to open a Word attachment from Gmail in Google Docs
This is the quickest route of all if the file came by Gmail.
- Open the email in Gmail on your computer.
- Hover over the attachment.
- Click the Edit with Google Docs icon, which looks like a pencil.
Gmail saves a copy to your Drive and opens it in Docs. On the Gmail phone app, tap the attachment, then look for the Docs or Drive icon. See how to open a DOCX attachment in Gmail for all the ways.
How to save your file back as Word
When you’re done editing, you’ll usually want to send a Word file back.
If the file is still in Word mode
Your changes are already saved in the DOCX file in Drive. To get a copy on your device, click File, then Download, then Microsoft Word (.docx).
If you converted it to a Google Doc
Click File, then Download, then Microsoft Word (.docx). Google creates a new Word file from your Google Doc.
On a phone
In the Docs app, tap the three dots, then Share and export. Choose Save as Word (.docx) or Send a copy and pick Word format.
What looks different in Google Docs?
Google Docs handles most Word files well. A few things may change:
- Fonts: if Google doesn’t have the font, it uses a similar one.
- Text boxes and shapes: may move or turn into pictures.
- SmartArt and some charts: may show as pictures you can’t edit.
- Page layout: page breaks can shift slightly.
- Macros: don’t run in Google Docs.
If the exact layout matters, check the file in Word for the web too. See how to open a DOCX file in Word online.
A note on privacy
Google Docs stores your file in your Google Drive. Google keeps it secure, but a copy now lives in the cloud. For sensitive files, like contracts, medical letters or ID documents, you may prefer a tool that doesn’t upload anything.
Our online DOCX viewer opens files in your browser without sending them anywhere. It can’t edit, but it’s ideal for reading, printing or copying text from private files. If you do use Google Docs for a private file, delete it from Drive and empty the Drive bin afterwards.
How to share a Word file from Google Docs
- Click Share at the top right.
- Type the email addresses of the people you want to share with.
- Choose whether they can view, comment or edit.
- Click Send.
This is one of the best things about Google Docs. Everyone works on the same copy, so you don’t need to email files back and forth.
Troubleshooting
“Unable to open file” or “Preview not available”
The file may be damaged, too large or password protected. Try downloading it again. See why won’t my DOCX file open for more fixes.
There’s no Open with Google Docs button
Check the file name ends in .docx. If it ends in something odd, rename it first. Our guide on fixing strange DOCX file names shows how.
My edits disappeared
You might have edited a copy. Check Drive for a Google Doc with the same name. Google Docs saves automatically, so your changes are usually in one of the two files.
The file is too big
Very large Word files, especially ones packed with big photos, can be slow or fail to convert. Try opening it in an online viewer or a desktop app instead.
Useful Google Docs tools for Word files
Once your Word file is open in Google Docs, a few built-in tools make it easier to work with.
- Suggesting mode: click the pencil icon at the top right and choose Suggesting. Your changes show as suggestions, like tracked changes in Word.
- Comments: highlight text and press Ctrl+Alt+M on Windows or Cmd+Option+M on a Mac to add a comment.
- Word count: press Ctrl+Shift+C or Cmd+Shift+C to see how many words the document has.
- Version history: click File, then Version history, to see or restore older versions.
- Translate: click Tools, then Translate document, to make a translated copy.
- Voice typing: click Tools, then Voice typing, to speak instead of type. This works in the Chrome browser.
How to delete a Word file from Google Drive
If you only needed the file once, clean up afterwards.
- In Google Drive, right-click the file and choose Move to bin.
- Click Bin on the left.
- Right-click the file and choose Delete forever.
Files in the bin are removed for good after 30 days anyway, but deleting them yourself is quicker.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Docs free for Word files?
Yes. Opening, editing and downloading Word files is free with a Google account.
Can I open a DOCX file in Google Docs without uploading it?
No. Google Docs needs the file in Drive. To read without uploading, use our DOCX viewer.
Does Google Docs keep Word formatting?
Mostly. Text, headings, lists, tables and pictures come through well. Complex layouts may shift.
Can Google Docs open DOC files?
Yes. It opens old DOC files too. You can then download them as DOCX. See how to convert DOC to DOCX.
Can I open DOCX files in Google Docs offline?
Yes, if you turn on offline mode in Google Drive settings before you lose connection. On phones, mark the file as available offline.
Google Docs vs other free options
Google Docs is great for editing and sharing. For quick reading, an online viewer is faster. For offline work, LibreOffice is better. See how they compare in the best free DOCX viewers and how to open a DOCX file without Word.