> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.papers.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.papers.ai/writing-and-editing/working-with-word-documents.md).

# Working with Word documents

Opening a `.docx` file takes you into a paginated editor that looks and behaves like Word, not raw source.

## Edit and export

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open the file

Open a `.docx` file from the file explorer, or import one into your project.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Edit

Edit directly in the paginated view. Add comments and citations as you go.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Track changes

Use track changes to review, accept, or reject edits.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Save or export

Save. To get the file back out, use the export/download action: it writes a real `.docx` file.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Ask the AI to draft or rewrite a section for you, then review and apply the change the same way you'd review any other proposed edit. See [Using AI](/using-ai/using-ai.md).
{% endhint %}

## Things to know

* Exporting directly to PDF or PowerPoint from a `.docx` isn't supported yet. Export the `.docx`, then convert it in Word or another tool.
* In a shared project, editing can pause briefly while the document finishes syncing.
* Older, plain-text-only versions in version history may not restore with full visual fidelity. See [Version history](/writing-and-editing/version-history.md).

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>The file won't load correctly</summary>

Confirm it's a valid `.docx` and try reopening it.

</details>

<details>

<summary>You can't edit a shared document</summary>

Check your role. Viewers can't edit.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Citations look stale</summary>

Use the citation refresh action in the toolbar.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Changes disappeared after switching tabs</summary>

Save or export before switching; unsaved edits can be lost otherwise.

</details>

## Next steps

* [Inserting images and figures](/writing-and-editing/inserting-images-and-figures.md)
* [Version history](/writing-and-editing/version-history.md)
* [Working with Markdown and MyST](/writing-and-editing/working-with-markdown-and-myst.md)
* [Working with LaTeX and Typst](/writing-and-editing/working-with-latex-and-typst.md)