The latest versions of Microsoft Office use a new file format that is not compatible with previous versions of the software. If you receive Word files from people who are using Office 2007 and later, you will need to convert them to a format that your Mac can understand before you are able to view their contents.
Microsoft’s Open XML Converter
You can convert .docx files to a format understandable by your Mac using Microsoft’s Open XML Converter. The download page for this file is a little confusing — click this link, locate the box labeled “Details” at the bottom of the screen, scroll to the bottom of that “Details” box, and click “English (.dmg)”. Once you’ve downloaded the .dmg file, open it up, double-click the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Convert .docx files for your Mac
Once you have downloaded and installed the Open XML Converter, start up the program and drag & drop any .docx file into its window. The software will convert the .docx file for your Mac, and then launch it in Microsoft Office for you.
