What is an ODT file?
ODT is the word-processing format of the OpenDocument standard (ISO/IEC 26300), the native format of LibreOffice Writer and Apache OpenOffice. Like DOCX it is a ZIP package of XML parts: content.xml holds the text, styles.xml the formatting, and a Pictures folder the images. The standard is maintained by OASIS, not by a single vendor.
Governments and public bodies in several countries require OpenDocument for official documents because the specification is open and vendor-neutral. Microsoft Word has opened and saved ODT since Office 2007 SP2, though complex documents may look slightly different between suites.
When ODT is the right choice
Strengths
- Open, vendor-neutral standard preferred by public administrations
- Native to LibreOffice; supported by Word, Google Docs and Collabora
- Same package structure as DOCX: compact, recoverable, inspectable
Limitations
- Less common than DOCX in business, so recipients may need to convert
- Tracked changes and advanced layout do not round-trip perfectly with Word
- Not a fixed final copy; use PDF for that
How to open an ODT file
LibreOffice Writer is the reference application; Microsoft Word, Google Docs and Collabora Online also open ODT. For readers without an office suite, ODT to PDF produces a file that opens in any browser.
How to convert an ODT file
ODT to DOCX hands the document to Word users, ODT to PDF fixes the layout for sharing, ODT to RTF targets legacy editors and ODT to TXT extracts the plain text. From the other side, DOCX to ODT converts Word files into the open format.