docx in openoffice revisited
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From the pages of this blog, I wrote in the past about the ability of openoffice to open and save in the notorious docx (and xlsx and pptx) format the new MS Office 2007 introduced. My focus at the time was (and still is) how this can be done in various linux platforms. However, several people have asked about the possibility that Openoffice offers even for win32 platforms. So, here is, once again, a list of options (either web-based or platform-independent) for dealing with the mess that is docx (apparently, now an iso standard).
First, there are a couple of options that allow this translation from the web. You simply upload the file and get back the translated copy. I have not tried such options and I don’t know whether I would like to share with some other people personal files.
Zamzar online converter (all files). It allows for the translation of all types of files (docx, xlsx, pptx and more).
docx2doc online converter for docx2 files. Apparently, they offer a desktop conversion tool in partnership with Amazon. This tool can be found here: docXconverter, standalone, desktop conversion tool. Please be aware that this tool requires a fee.
Moving from web-choices to desktop ones, it should be said that the upcoming OpenOffice 3 will natively save (and open) docx, xlsx, pptx files. In the mean time, another option is to use Word 2003 viewer which can be downloaded from this site: word viewer. In order to use the new docx files, you will need this compatibility pack for older office versions and the job is done. Note, that you can install word viewer in linux under wine (why you would want to do this, though, is beyond me) 
Also note, that the compatibility pack is necessary for office 97, 2000 etc.
If someone is still bound and tied to the MS office platform, this odf converter translator add-in for MS Office will make it smart enough to save and open odf files produced by OpenOffice. Of course, the option to use OpenOffice.org under Windows is also viable and should be promoted, as it offers enhanced capabilities to the end user.
Another indirect way from docx to odf may be via this conversion tool: docx2rtf. Docx2Rtf is a freeware file converter for MS Word 2007 and OpenOffice Sxw and Odt files. According to the site: “Docx2Rtf does not require Office 2007 or OpenOffice installed in order to work. Word 2007 docx files and OpenOffice files will be converted with formatting, but no images.” Understandably, this may not be what many people have in mind.
In the oooninja site, there are instructions and downloads in order to do the translation from docx to odf both under windows and linux using a cli (command line interface).
The key in both cases is the installation of an oxt file (an openoffice extension), which can be installed under the tools -> Extensions Manager. There are a couple of places where this oxt file can be downloaded from. First, from Novell or from go-oo.org.
A couple of interesting notes: Novell also produces its own version of open office, which incorporates this extension. Go-oo.org offer their own version of openOffice, with “… new features in development and [...] functionality not yet accepted up-stream (from their website).
One last thing: If you get a docx, xlsx, pptx file via email, do what I do: return it to the sender and ask them to send you a check for so many $$ in order for you to buy a copy of MS Office. Also, inform them of the ability of OpenOffice and last, as a courtesy, ask them to be kind enough to use the File -> Save As choice and save their work as doc/xls/ppt files.
I.
PS. If this list is incomplete (and it most likely is), please let me know and I will add what’s missing.
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April 21, 2008 at 5:37 pm
[...] #2: Also check out this updated post from this [...]
May 18, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Or, sent a docx, once edited, send it back as a .odt file.
May 19, 2008 at 1:22 am
yes, I agree with the suggestion to send back the file as odt. Once I sent a file back as plain txt and got the reply that they didn’t know how to open the file and “could i please send it as a word file?”
I
May 28, 2008 at 3:44 pm
[...] has started to deal with issues around open source and free software, the on-going struggle between docx, odf, ms office 2007 and openoffice, moleskine journals, fountain pens and other things that make you say “hmmm…” as [...]
July 3, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Thank you so much for you help! You REALLY saved me TONS and TONS of time that I did not have today. THANK YOU!
July 4, 2008 at 8:14 am
@Stephanie,
I’m glad I could help and you saved tons and tons of time. Part of the frustration of dealing with docx, xlsx, pptx files is that people will just assume that you have what they have in terms of software. And, of course, the docx file will arrive at the most inopportune moment and will demand your urgent and undivided attention. Bummer!!!
I.
July 21, 2008 at 9:14 am
This .docx file situation is rediculous. I e-mailed my Professor our take-home research paper and a week later I got a letter from him saying I sent a bogus file, nothing could be opened. This caused my final grade to have an Incomplete until things could be resolved. I figured this had to do with the fact our school’s computer system is very undesirable and known to have issues opening file attatchments. I didn’t give it much thought after. Then in the past few months, I’ve been applying for jobs online, and e-mailing my resume. This week alone, I had three prospective employers contact me saying my resume (in .docx file) could not be opened. Now I know what’s going on, thanks to this and other websites which discuss this new file type. But it really makes me angry to think about all of the times I’ve uploaded my resume to career websites, and sent it in an e-mail to prospective employers. The one time I finally have advanced technology at my disposal, it’s working against me… go figure!
July 21, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Well, new does not necessarily mean improved in the case of doc/docx. The fact that MS introduced this new format does not mean that everybody should just jump to the wagon and convert to the new system. That’s life… Alternatively you could have sent a pdf version of your resume, even better a txt version of the resume or the more widespread doc version of your resume and other important files.
I.