Open / converting office docx / excel xlsx files to old format under MAC

 With a variety of formats for practically everything imaginable, we will at some point get a clash where one newer format will not work with an older app. In Microsoft’s infinite wisdom they have decided to release a docx format super seeding and as a result not making it work on the old but widely used version of word. There is a good app. It’s on the Windows site of all places, and can convert docx, pptx and xlsx files.

To download the application head over to the Mactopia website, its Microsoft Mac portal. The website is set up a bit funny and the direct download links are a little difficult to post. The app is located under Additional Tools > Open XML File Format Converter for Mac 1.1.3 > Download. The link is located at the bottom. Install the app, once it has been downloaded, using the installation package.

The app is pretty well designed. You have the choice of either converting one file, or if you have a big file list many files at a time. Adding files to the app is either a simple drag and drop onto the drop box, or using the add tool in the toolbar. Converting files takes a minute or two depending on the file size.