How to Open and Edit a DOCX File in Google Docs

To open a DOCX file in Google Docs, upload it to Google Drive, then double-click the uploaded file and start editing. On a computer, Google Docs saves your changes automatically in the original Word format. You can also convert the file into a separate Google document when you need that format.

Upload and open your DOCX on a computer

Open drive.google.com and select New > File upload. Choose the DOCX from your computer and wait for the upload to finish. Double-click the uploaded file to open it in Google Docs, then click in the document to begin editing.

If a preview appears, select Open with Google Docs at the top. If double-clicking sends the document to another application, right-click the file in Drive and select Open with > Google Docs.

You can also upload by dragging the file into Drive. Open the destination folder at drive.google.com, then drag your DOCX into that folder. Once the upload finishes, open the document with Google Docs.

Choose between Word format and Google Docs format

You can edit the uploaded DOCX while keeping its Word format, with changes saving automatically to that file. Choose this route when you want to continue working with a Word document.

To create a native Google document, open the DOCX and select File > Save as Google Docs. Conversion creates a separate copy, leaving the original Word file separate from the document you edit afterward. Choose conversion when you need Google Docs features that are unavailable in Office editing.

Formatting compatibility can vary, so review the document’s appearance after opening or converting it. Check which copy you continue editing, since changes to the converted Google document are separate from the original Word file. When you need a downloaded copy, follow the steps to save and download your document.

Open a DOCX attached to Gmail

In Gmail on a computer, open the message containing the DOCX and hover over the attachment. Click Edit with Google Docs to open it for editing. Your edits save to a copy in Google Drive.

You can also click the attachment to open its preview. From there, select Open in Google Docs, or select Open with > Google Docs. This route also saves your edits to a copy in Drive.

To save the attachment in Drive before opening it, hover over it and select Add to Drive. Then open the saved DOCX from Drive with Google Docs.

Edit a DOCX on Android

For a local file on Android, use Google Drive and Google Docs together. If you need the editor, open the official Google Docs listing on Google Play and select Install. Google Play shows whether the app is compatible with your device.

In the Drive app, tap New > Upload, then find and select your DOCX. Open My Drive, locate the uploaded file, and open it in Google Docs. Tap Edit to begin making changes.

Double-tap a word to select it, then move the selection handles to adjust the selected text. Edit the selected text as needed. Office-file support is built into the Android Docs app.

Edit a DOCX on iPhone or iPad

Use the Google Drive and Google Docs apps to upload and edit a local DOCX on an iPhone or iPad. You can install the editor from the official Google Docs App Store listing. The app requires iOS 17.0 or later on iPhone, or iPadOS 17.0 or later on iPad.

In Google Drive, tap Add > File upload, then select the DOCX. Tap Location to choose its destination, then tap Upload. Open the uploaded file in Google Docs and tap Edit.

Double-tap a word to select it and adjust the selection handles to include the text you want to change. Then edit the selected text.

Convert a document in the mobile app

On Android, iPhone, or iPad, open the Office file in Google Docs and tap More. Tap the question mark beside Office Compatibility Mode, then tap Save as Google Docs. Continue editing the converted document.

For offline work with a converted document on Android, tap More beside it and select Make available offline. Later, open Menu > Offline to find it.

Prepare a converted document for offline editing

On a computer, convert your DOCX to a Google document before preparing it for offline editing. While online in Chrome or Edge, outside private browsing, install Google Docs Offline. In Drive, select Settings > Settings and enable Offline.

Open the converted document in Docs and select File > Make available offline. Check See document status before disconnecting.

Fix problems that prevent editing

For a shared DOCX, check that you have Editor access. Viewer and Commenter access do not allow direct changes. Ask the owner for Editor access before editing the shared file.

If your managed work or school account cannot access Drive or Docs, ask your administrator to check whether those services are enabled for you. Administrators can enable access for everyone or selected users.

Google recommends disabling the Office Editing extension if it interferes with direct Office editing on the web. If you have Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides enabled, open Chrome’s More > Extensions > Manage extensions and turn off Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides. Reopen the DOCX through Drive or Gmail.

Editing a password-protected DOCX in Drive removes the file password for all users, while Drive sharing permissions still control access. To proceed, open the protected file in Drive, enter its password, and select Edit. Choose Preview instead when you only want a read-only version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Google Drive automatically convert future DOCX uploads?

Yes, on a computer, open drive.google.com/drive/settings and turn on the setting that converts uploaded files to Google Docs editor format. Upload your DOCX through Drive and open the resulting document. This setting applies to future uploads and does not retroactively convert existing files.

Can I upload several Word documents at once?

Yes, on Google Drive desktop web, open a destination folder and drag multiple files or an entire folder into it. You can also select New > Folder Upload, then open the desired DOCX after uploading.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for opening a document in Google Docs?

With focus inside Google Docs on desktop web, press Ctrl + O on Windows or ChromeOS, or Command + O on Mac, then select the document. Shortcuts can vary by keyboard and language.

Can I use voice typing to edit the imported text?

Yes, after converting the DOCX to a Google document, open it in the latest Chrome, Edge, or Safari with a working microphone. Select Tools > Voice typing and click the microphone to dictate. Click the microphone again when finished. If you use an organization account, your administrator may disable voice typing.