- Open DOCX File without Microsoft Word
- View DOCX File using Google Docs
- FAQs: How to Open DOCX Files in Google Docs
Microsoft Word is one of the most common file formats you’ll come across while working online. But not everyone has Microsoft Word installed, and so it might not be possible to access DOCX file all the time. Maybe you’re on a different operating system, or you don’t want to install any extra software just to open one file. There are alternative ways to open DOCX files without Microsoft Word, right from your browser and without needing any tools.
Open DOCX File without Microsoft Word
View DOCX File using Tiiny Host
You can use Tiiny Host to upload your file online and then open, read, and share the file without needing any software on your devices. Whether you want to open a DOCX file on your Android phone or check a DOCX file on your MacBook, you can access the file with just a link. There are multiple sample files hosted on Tiiny Host that will give you an overview on what your document would look like once published.
Here’s how you can host your Word files in a few steps:
Go to Tiiny.host, you will be able to publish your files through the homepage.
Click on the upload button, and then you can select your desired file. Alternatively, you can drag and drop your files to upload.
Give a name to your link or leave it blank. You will be able to a custom subdomain or if you left the field blank, it will be autogenerated for you.
Log in or sign up and hit publish! Your DOCX file is now published. You don’t need to worry about formatting as it will be preserved. You can view the file using the link and share it too. You do not need to log in to open or view it.
View DOCX File using Google Docs
If you have a Google account, you can view your Microsoft Word files using Google Docs. Just follow a few steps to upload your files:
- Open Google Drive in your browser
- Click on the New button on the top left corner
- Select the File Upload option
- Choose the file from your computer
It will now be visible to use. To share it with others, you might have to set some permissions in Google Docs so that everyone doesn’t get access and your file is not compromised.
Click on the “Share” button on the top right corner. Then, change the access settings as per your need With the correct access settings, you can now share it with anyone using the link.
Viewing Word Files on Phone
If you want to view a DOCX file on your phone, Android or iPhone, you have two options to open or read the file:
Install an app: from the App Store or Play Store that supports DOCX files. This could be Microsoft Word itself or something like WPS Office. Just keep in mind that sometimes the formatting might look a bit off.
Use Tiiny Host or Google Docs: If you’ve already uploaded your file using one of the methods above, you can open it with the link, even on your mobile browser. This is often a smoother experience, especially if you’re just reading and not editing the file.
Convert to a different format
Alternatively, you canconvert your docx file into PDFand share it with anyone. As mentioned above you can just upload your docx file to Tiiny Host and it will automatically convert your file into PDF, will preserve your formatting while hosting. If you prefer, manually converting docx into PDF and then sharing the PDF file with just a link, you can do that too.
FAQs: How to Open DOCX Files in Google Docs
Do I need a Microsoft account to open a DOCX file online?
No. If you use alternatives like Tiiny Host or Google Docs, you do not need a Microsoft account to open the DOCX file.
Can I preview DOCX files in my browser without downloading them?
By using platforms like Tiiny Host or Google Docs, you can preview DOCX files online without downloading them on any of your devices.
Can I open DOCX files on Linux or Chromebook?
Platforms like Tiiny Host allow you to view any files that you host from any device, whether that is Linux, Chromebook, Android, or macOS. Since your files are stored on Tiiny Host, the support for the Microsoft document doesn’t vary based on your device.
Can I share DOCX files publicly without giving edit access?
Yes, when you share your files through Tiiny Host, they are shared without edit access. Similarly when using Google Docs, you can adjust the access settings in a way that people can only view the document.