Pages can open Word documents, which is useful when you prefer its writing interface. Importing a document may change layout or unsupported features, so keep the original Word file when exchanging documents with others.
Method 1: Use Finder
- In Finder, select a sample file such as letter.docx.
- Press Command–I, or choose File → Get Info.
- Expand Open with and choose Pages. If it is missing, choose Other and locate the installed app.
- Click Change All and confirm the macOS prompt.
- Double-click another file of the same type to check the new default.
Method 2: Manage associations with Pahkui
Pahkui lets you browse by app or by format. When setting up an editor for several file types, you can inspect the current defaults and review pending changes in one window. Requires macOS 14 or later.
- Open Pahkui, switch to Format, and search for the extension you need from .docx.
- Select Pages. Use Choose another app if it is not listed.
- Review the pending association, click Apply changes, and confirm the new app in the macOS dialog.
The formats in this guide can be configured with Pahkui Free. The manual Finder method does not require a purchase. See pricing
If the default app does not change
- Inspect fonts, tables and page breaks after import before editing an important document.
- To send a Word file back, use a suitable export format instead of renaming a .pages file.
- If Pages is missing, confirm it is installed and can open the sample directly, then locate it with Other. If an extension is absent from the catalog, add the format in Pahkui. Changing an association does not add format support to the target app.
Common questions
Will setting Pages as default automatically convert every DOCX?
No. The association chooses the app. Import and save or export decisions happen when you work on a document.
How do I restore the previous app for .docx?
Choose the previous app again in Finder or Pahkui and confirm the change. This updates the type association without deleting files. Use the Open With context menu for a one-time exception.