What is .odt?

.odt (OpenDocument Text) is an open, XML-based word processing format standardized by OASIS and ISO. It is the default format for LibreOffice Writer and many other open-source office suites, storing text, styles, images, and layout information inside a compressed ZIP container.

This quick guide explains when to use .odt files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.

When to use .odt files

You prefer open standards over proprietary formats like DOCX.
You work primarily with LibreOffice, OpenOffice, or similar office suites.
You need editable documents that remain accessible across platforms without vendor lock-in.
You plan to publish or share documents in environments that favor open formats.

How to open .odt files

ODT files open natively in LibreOffice Writer, OpenOffice Writer, OnlyOffice, and many other office suites. Recent versions of Microsoft Word can open and save .odt files as well. Online editors such as Google Docs can import ODT for editing (with conversion). You can upload .odt files to FileXhost to share them as downloadable documents or to preview basic content where supported.

Algorithm details

ODT is part of the OpenDocument Format (ODF) family. Internally, an .odt file is a ZIP archive containing XML files (content.xml, styles.xml, meta.xml) and embedded assets like images. The XML structure describes document content, styles, and layout using an open, well-documented schema, making the format interoperable and resilient to vendor changes.

Browser & platform support

Desktop: Browsers do not natively render ODT files; they are downloaded for opening in external editors. Some web viewers convert ODT to HTML or PDF on the fly.
Mobile: Many mobile office apps (including LibreOffice derivatives and some versions of Word or Office viewers) can open ODT files.
OS: Excellent support on Linux and other open-source platforms; good support on Windows and macOS via LibreOffice or compatible suites.

Format comparison

Feature	Details
Openness	Fully open and standardized, unlike DOCX’s Microsoft-controlled Open XML (though both are documented).
Compatibility	Best supported in LibreOffice and similar suites; Word and some other tools support ODT but may have minor layout differences.
File Size	Compressed ZIP container makes ODT files compact, similar to DOCX.
Use Case	Ideal in open-source, government, and academic environments that prioritize open standards.

How to create odt files

LibreOffice Writer: Default save format for new documents.
OpenOffice / OnlyOffice: Create and save documents as ODT.
Google Docs and Other Editors: Import documents and export as ODT.
Converters: Convert from DOCX, RTF, or other formats using desktop apps or CLI tools.

How to convert odt files

FileXhost: Upload ODT for sharing; recipients can download and open in their preferred editor.
Desktop: LibreOffice, Microsoft Word, and others can convert ODT to DOCX, PDF, RTF, or HTML.
Online Tools: Web services that convert between ODT and formats like DOCX, PDF, or EPUB.
CLI: Use LibreOffice headless mode or Pandoc to convert ODT documents in batch.

Advantages & disadvantages

Advantages

Open, vendor-neutral standard with strong community and institutional backing
Compact, XML-based structure inside a ZIP container
Good long-term archival properties due to openness and documentation
Well supported in LibreOffice and other open-source suites

Disadvantages

DOCX remains more common in many businesses, which can impact collaboration
Minor layout or compatibility issues can appear when exchanging with Microsoft Word
Some specialized office tools or plugins may only support DOCX directly

Tools & software

Editors

LibreOffice Writer, OpenOffice Writer, OnlyOffice, Calligra Words, Microsoft Word (ODT support), WPS Office

Viewers/Online

Google Docs (import), Microsoft 365 online viewers, various web-based document viewers

Converters

LibreOffice headless, Pandoc, CloudConvert, Zamzar

Frequently asked questions

Is ODT better than DOCX?

ODT is better if you value open standards and work mainly with LibreOffice or open-source tools. DOCX remains more widely used in corporate environments and may be preferable when collaborating with Word users. Both formats can represent rich text, styles, and images effectively.

Can Microsoft Word open ODT files?

Yes. Modern versions of Word can open, edit, and save ODT files. However, some complex layouts or features may not translate perfectly between ODT and DOCX.

How do I convert ODT to PDF?

Use LibreOffice, Word, or an online converter to open the ODT file and export or 'Save As' PDF. This is a common workflow for sending finalized documents while preserving layout.

Is ODT suitable for long-term archival?

Yes. Because ODT is an open, ISO-standard format, it is often recommended for long-term document preservation, especially in public institutions and archives.

Technical specs

File type: Document
Extension: .odt
MIME type: application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.text
Compression: Lossless
Max file size on FileXhost: Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.

Upload your .odt file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.

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