Open-The-File.com

Trusted file extension guides and opening help from the original project since 2008.

How to open .DOCX files on Linux

To open .DOCX files on Linux, open with libreoffice writer or onlyoffice..

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Open with LibreOffice Writer or OnlyOffice.
  2. Install Microsoft core fonts for better layout compatibility.

Recommended software

  • Microsoft 365
  • LibreOffice
  • Google Docs (web)

Alternative methods

  • Open .DOCX in a browser-based viewer if desktop apps fail.
  • Try opening .DOCX on Linux with a secondary app to rule out app-specific issues.
  • Convert .DOCX only with trusted tools when direct opening is not possible.

Common issues

Formatting changes after opening

Different office suites can render fonts and styles differently.

  1. Install missing fonts.
  2. Use Word's compatibility mode.
  3. Export to PDF for layout-stable sharing.

Security note

Be cautious with documents downloaded from unknown senders.

Back to .DOCX extension page