[Solved] .DocX Format Not Listed

[Michael1973]

I am trying to save a document in DocX format, but it's not given as an option. I just downloaded OpenOffice 4.1.9 and that didn't solve the problem. What can I do?

[RusselB]

Welcome to the Forums.
OpenOffice does not and never has had the ability to save in .docx format.
LibreOffice does, but we do not recommend using these types of file formats.
Please see [Tutorial]Differences between Writer and MS Word file
Microsoft Office, since 2007, has the ability to open files saved using the Open Document Format. (.odt extension for Writer files).

You stated that you just downloaded OpenOffice 4.1.9. If this is not an error in the version number, then you have an unofficial, and unsupported, version of OpenOffice, since the last official version is 4.1.7.

A similar topic is located at viewtopic.php?f=7&t=100857

[RoryOF]

An MS program that can read .docx will also read .doc.

[Michael1973]

My apologies regarding the version number. That was a typo. I have 4.1.7, as noted in my signature.

With regards to my issue, I need to send my resume to a recruiter who will only accept files in Word format. If I save as .doc using OpenOffice, will they be able to open it? I'm assuming they have a relatively recent version of Windows.

[RoryOF]

They should be able to do so.

[RusselB]

If the recruiter is insisting on Word format documents, then I'd suggest checking with them to determine just exactly which Word format(s) they will accept, as there are many Word formats that use the same .doc extension, as well as the newer .docx extension.

[Villeroy]

doc is a Word format. Every version of MS Word can open this perfectly well. There is not the faintest technical reason why OpenOffice should be able to write docx.

a recruiter who will only accept files in Word format.

is incompetent. PDF would be the document format for this. Every program able to print can produce PDF, every device with a screen can display PDF.

[Hagar Delest]

If I save as .doc using OpenOffice, will they be able to open it?

Yes.

But if you don't use the same application than the recipient, then there may be some flaws.
It's rather strange to ask for a doc/docx file for a resume. PDF would be more relevant.

doc/docx format was not designed to be compatible with anything else than MS Office, it is the vendor lock-in policy.
Better find someone with MS Office or buy it to maximize the chances of having a good file to your recruiter if he can't accept PDF.

[Michael1973]

a recruiter who will only accept files in Word format.

is incompetent. PDF would be the document format for this. Every program able to print can produce PDF, every device with a screen can display PDF.

I agree completely, but they explicitly state that they won't accept PDF or Google Docs formats.

[Villeroy]

Then they accept doc.
Why do you use OpenOffice anyway? It is walking dead. Since 9 years there is a successor to OpenOffice: https://libreoffice.org. It can save docx.

[RoryOF]

Or Save your file as type .odt and use the free online conversion service of http://www.zamzar.com to convert it to .docx.

[Michael1973]

Thanks for the tips. I had never heard of LibreOffice until today. I always used Word at my jobs, but hadn't needed it at home in a long time.

[John_Ha]

https://libreoffice.org ... can save docx.

Only partially - it is not a complete implementation of the .docx "so called standard". See [Tutorial] Differences between Writer and MS Word files for an explanation.

Complain vigorously to the company that it is forcing you to use a propriety product. It is exactly the same as them telling you "Come to an interview but you must drive here in a Ford vehicle". It's pig headed ignorance.

[JeJe]

Another option is you can use Microsoft Word for free online (in your browser)... you just need to open an account (also free)... a Skype account or something...

www.office.com