Google Docs gets x'ier with .docx and .xlsx support

Google Docs now supports .docx and .xlsx, two files formats found in nearly every modern day word processor or spreadsheet editor. Previously, when trying to import either of these formats into Google Docs, the service would simply tell the user it was not supported.

Google has allowed users to open up these files from Gmail or in Google search results since the introduction of its HTML-document viewer last year, but hadn't allowed direct opening of them in Docs without the extra conversion step. Gmail still only offers the options to view received .docx and .xlsx-formatted files in its HTML viewer, or download it directly to the desktop. In comparison, supported files can be sent directly to Google Docs.

Compared with previous versions of the popular .doc and .xls formats, the "x" variants bring with them smaller file size and the addition of Open XML. These two are also the default format in the latest versions of Microsoft's Excel and Word 2007, two widely used production tools.

Still missing is a way to import .pptx files from PowerPoint 2007 without losing formatting. Just like it used to do with .docx and .xlsx files, Google Docs strips things like themes, transitions and artwork. Competitor Zoho has offered support for these Open Office XML formats since early 2008.

Previously, Google Docs users would see this screen when trying to import a .Docx or .Xlsx file type.

(Credit: CNET)

[Aaron Kempf]

wow.. too bad for google that they're still not offering _HALF_ of the functionality that was available in 'Office Web Components in the year 1999 (Shipped with Office 2000)

MS should open source OWC
-or-
google should copy OWC identically, 100% compatible to the same XmlData method

[iertry]

The main reason I don't use Google Docs is because it does not offer the type of formatting options work or pages does. They allow CSS so why not include some nice styles with the product instead of having users write CSS to style their documents

[iertry]

**Typo: I meant to say it doesn't offer the formatting options Word or Pages does

[vamman]

docx and xlsx has been a real nightmare in every department I've come into contact with that required any sort of collaboration. All of the nay-saying Vista haters are crying that docx is another Windows variant that makes life harder when in reality Microsoft was kind of pushed into this format because it was open and the best thing to do at the time. While I like that it is open, it makes it near impossible to collaborate with users not using Office 2007 (most hate Office 2007 because of the Ribbon and refuse to upgrade from 2003 and refuse to use OpenOffice as well) so I am stuck sending out the old format to colleagues anyway. I almost thing the Office 2003 docx reader plugin should be a forced download for Windows users otherwise I can see this issue lasting well beyond Windows 7.

[jessiethe3rd]

The Ribbon is better in Office 2007 - it takes time for users to get use to like any change. The next version of Office will have the same Ribbon type of interface... and guess what? The one after that will probably have the same interface.

[Dalkorian]

When a "standard", which was paid for by bribing the standards committee, includes multiple references to proprietary technology inside a 6,000+ page document, it's almost laughable to refer to it as an "open standard". M$ used these magic words like "open" and "standard" to trick you into yet another proprietary lock-in format that no one else in the world will be capable of fully supporting.

You must enjoy that feeling of having that M$ whip cracked on your back. Personally, I find it offensive. I know, I was forced to pollute a co-worker's Mac with that Office 2008 virus this morning just to deal with this "open" format because some idiotic moron doesn't know how to select a proper format that the world can deal with and instead just sends out the default garbage OOXML format, forcing everyone else to have a copy of Office 2007 or later to deal with it.

It should be illegal. OK, not really, but it really did tick me off this morning. Cue up the Imperial March. Nothing good will ever come of this.

Wait a second ... didn't we make slavery illegal back in the day?

[paulej]

Did you know that you can install a plug-in for Office 2003 to read docx files, etc.? So, the users need not upgrade if they do not want to. That said, I really think Office 2007 is really nice. Outlook could have benefited from additional work, as it looks like an "old" application now. But, the ribbon is really nice. All of the common functions are easily accessible, there are short-cut keys to get to everything, and all of the more elaborate dialog boxes are tucked away rather nicely. I was really pleased with my upgrade to Office 2007. It was a bit expensive, but a very nice upgrade.

[fgfgVCV]

Use of docx only serves to perpetuate Microsoft's file format lock-in. If you intend on having anyone else use your files continue to use the old formats. As a Linux user myself I'd have a helluva time using them.

[pcdude2143]

How come OpenOffice had Microsoft XML support more than half a year before Google did?

Also, how is the Ribbon better? I find it confusing, cumbersome, and uncustomizable. Why would you want to add more clicks into your workflow? Even better, if half of what you do is typing, why use the interface at all? (except to find features you don't know about) Ctrl+B works just as well as the bold button (maybe better).

[Dalkorian]

Do you really not know? OOXML is a M$ format, created in response to government agencies worldwide calling for open document formats and to utterly destroy ODF, the true Open Document Format. M$ created a 6,000+ page document describing this "open" format of theirs, hoping to hide the fact that it repeatedly refers to proprietary M$ patents that no one else can implement. In short, it's masquerading as an open format to appease government agencies, but in actuality continues to lock you into M$ products. It's a scam, pure and simple.

It's like when your slave master decides to rape you while he's whipping you, it's offensive to everyone who's not on the M$ payroll. But at least the slave master is smiling.

[paulej]

Dalkorian, I was under the impression that the published standard could be implemented without fear of patent infringement suits under RAND terms. Is that not the case?

[grossj144]

First of all, I find the use of the slave master analogies to be quite offensive and no where near correct. There is absolutely no way to compare being stolen from you homeland by force and being "forced" to use a product made by a software company. When Gates and Co. come to your home, kill your kids, and carry you off to work in an office, then go ahead and use the analogy. Until then, don't.

Second, if you refuse to use Office 2007 but need to open the format using Office 2003, you can download an update and all will work fine (for the most part). I don't find it all that difficult to save my files in .doc format when I'm at work using Office 2007 and then open it up using OpenOffice.org 3.x at home. If you use another system (OS/Office) and get sent a .docx file you can either ask the sender to resend it using the .doc extension or root around the internet for a converter. You will find plenty just by typing in openoffice.org docx into Google. It really isn't that hard.

Cheers