Microsoft Open XML Converter Arrives for Mac

##AUTHORSPLIT##<--->

Microsoft has released Open XML File Format Converter for Mac 1.0, a file translator that allows users to open, edit, and convert Open XML files created in Office 2008 for Mac or Office 2007 for Windows for use in earlier versions of the suite, including Office 2004 11.4 and Office v. X 10.1.9 or later.

In addition to text documents, the converter also supports Excel workbooks and PowerPoint presentations saved in Open XML format. In Office 2004 11.4, the converter runs in the background; otherwise it operates as a standalone application. It can also be used to batch convert multiple Open XML documents.

A couple caveats about the converter: According to a notice on the application's splash screen, "Some Open XML files contain content that was created using features that are not available in older versions of Office. After conversion, this content might look different from the original version, and you might not be able to edit it."

The converter arrives a bit late to the show, joining several other Mac applications that support the format natively. For example, Apple's free bare-bones word processing application, TextEdit 1.5, can natively open and convert between Microsoft Word Open XML (.docx) files, ODF, RTF, HTML, and other formats. And the free and open source NeoOffice for Mac can also open, edit, and convert .docx files.

Open XML File Format Converter for Mac 1.0 is a 45 MB download and takes up 182 MB on disk. It's available in localized English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, and Swedish versions. It supports Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later. More information and a link to the download are available here.

Get daily news from THE Journal's RSS News Feed

About the author: David Nagel is the executive editor for 1105 Media's online education technology publications, including THE Journal and Campus Technology. He can be reached at [email protected].

Proposals for articles and tips for news stories, as well as questions and comments about this publication, should be submitted to David Nagel, executive editor, at [email protected].

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • TEACH project path

    PBLWorks Launches Web-based App to Help Scale Project-Based Learning

    PBLWorks, the provider of professional development for project-based learning (PBL), has introduced PBLWorks TEACH, a web-based application that provides ready-to-use, standards-aligned PBL projects for middle school math, science, English language arts, and social studies.

  • cybersecurity book with a shield and padlock

    Proposed NIST Cybersecurity Guidelines Aim to Safeguard AI Systems

    The National Institute of Standards and Technology has announced plans to issue a new set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at safeguarding artificial intelligence systems, citing rising concerns over risks tied to generative models, predictive analytics, and autonomous agents.

  • Two hands shaking in the center with subtle technology icons, graphs, binary code, and a padlock in the dark blue background

    Two Areas for K-12 Schools to Assess for When to Work with a Managed Services Provider

    The complexity of today’s IT network infrastructure and increased cybersecurity risk are quickly moving beyond many school districts’ ability to manage on their own. But a new technology model, a partnership with a managed services provider, offers a way forward for schools to overcome these challenges.

  • shield with an AI microchip emblem hovering above stacks of gold coins

    Report: AI Security Spend Surges While Traditional Security Budgets Shrink

    A new report from global cybersecurity company Thales reveals that while enterprises are pouring resources into AI-specific protections, only 8% are encrypting the majority of their sensitive cloud data — leaving critical assets exposed even as AI-driven threats escalate and traditional security budgets shrink.