Open a Word document in Compose
Open Documents and choose Open or import, then select a DOCX file. Compose converts the supported Word content so you can edit it in Compose.
After import, check the document before continuing. Complex Word files can contain structures that do not have an exact equivalent in Compose.
What usually carries across
Headings, common inline formatting, lists, tables, images and other supported visible content can be brought into Compose. Page and section information is handled where the formats have a clear match.
A successful import does not mean every Word-specific feature remains editable in the same way. Treat the imported document as a Compose document from that point onward.
If the source file uses unusual Word-only layout or features, keep the original DOCX as well. You can use it later to compare what changed during import.
Export when the next person needs Word
Choose DOCX export when someone needs to continue editing in Microsoft Word or another app that understands Word files. Compose creates an editable document rather than a final page image.
DOCX export requires Pro or Teams. Importing a DOCX is part of the supported import system.
What Compose puts into the DOCX
The export can carry headings, common formatting, lists, task checkboxes, tables, images, page and column breaks, and supported section settings. Footnote-style citations can become real Word footnotes.
The bibliography or reference list is also included as visible document content according to the selected citation style.
What DOCX does not preserve from Compose
Shelf notes, Version History and other Compose-only document data do not become equivalent Word authoring features. Compose Review is not converted into Word comments or Track Changes.
The same is true in the other direction. A Word file can contain features that Compose cannot reproduce in exactly the same editable form.
Check complex documents after moving between apps
If a document will move back and forth between Compose and Word, check tables, images, citations, section breaks and other complex areas after each move.
Use DOCX for continued editing in another app. Keep the .compose file if you need Shelf, Review, sources, versions or other Compose-only information.
Before sending an important DOCX, open it in Word and check it visually. This is worth doing when the document has complex pagination or tables.
DOCX files are converted on your device
Compose imports and exports DOCX on your device. It does not send the document elsewhere to convert it.
That does not make DOCX a backup format. Its job is to move editable visible content between applications.