Word / DOCX

When to Use

Use when the main artifact is a Microsoft Word document or .docx file, especially when tracked changes, comments, headers, numbering, fields, tables, templates, or compatibility matter.

Core Rules

• A .docx file is a ZIP of XML parts, so structure matters as much as visible text.
• Prefer named styles over direct formatting so the document stays editable.
• Lists and numbering belong to Word's numbering definitions, not pasted Unicode characters.
• Page layout lives in sections — margins, orientation, headers, footers, and page numbering.
• Visible text is not the full document when tracked changes are enabled.
• Verify round-trip compatibility before delivery.

Common Traps

• Copy-paste can import unwanted styles and numbering definitions.
• Empty paragraphs used as spacing make templates fragile.
• A clean-looking export can still hide unresolved revisions, comments, or stale field values.
• Table auto-fit and percentage-like width behavior can drift in Google Docs or LibreOffice.