The OpenXML DocX format in Microsoft Word offers a new, accessible format for manipulating documents.  Whereas the previous “doc” format was proprietary, the new “docx” format directly exposes XML source files, enabling developers to generate dynamic Word documents, or directly edit their content.  This brings opportunity for exciting tools such as text replacement algorithms and native mail-merge.  Along with the opportunities, however, come several challenges and caveats that need to be handled in development.
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