An open file format is used to structure the features and data within a document associated with a word processing application. The file format simplifies the way a word processing application organizes document features and data, and presents a logical model that is easily accessible. The file format is made up of a collection of modular parts that are stored within a container. The content included in the modular parts are XML that is based on ASCII. The XML schema provides a definitional framework for how the modular parts relate. This content allows tools to interrogate a word processing document to examine and utilize content and ensure that the file is written correctly. Each of the modular parts is capable of being interrogated separately regardless of whether the application that created the document is running. Information may also be changed, added, and deleted from each of the modular parts.