The ODT file format serves as an alternative to DOC and DOCX, capable of handling text, objects, and images. It is commonly used with free document editors such as OpenOffice and LibreOffice.
Without ODT-enabled software, users can easily convert to DOCX for easier access, as some formatting differences may arise when opening in Microsoft Word. In this article, let's explore ODT files , how to open them, and how to convert ODT to other popular formats.
What is an ODT file?
ODT files are OpenDocument text documents. These files are typically created by the free word processing program OpenOffice Writer.
ODT files are similar to the popular DOCX file format used with Microsoft Word. Both are document file types that can contain content such as text, images, objects, and styles, and are compatible with many programs.
If the file isn't a document, it's likely a dialog theme used with Origin's graphics and data analysis software. These files are formatted in XML and are used to change how different dialog windows are displayed within the program.
How to open an ODT file
ODT files are created using OpenOffice Writer , so using the same program is the best way to open them. However, LibreOffice Writer , AbiSource AbiWord (download the Windows version), Doxillion , and several other free document editors can also open ODT files.
Google Docs and Microsoft 365 Online can open ODT files online, and users can also edit them there. ODT Viewer is another free ODT viewer for Windows, but it's only useful for viewing ODT files and cannot edit them using that program.
If you have Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect installed , those are two other ways to use ODT files. MS Word can open and save in ODT format.
Some of the programs mentioned also work on macOS and Linux, but NeoOffice (for Mac) and Calligra Suite (for Linux) are some of the best alternatives for opening ODT files. Also, remember that Google Docs and Word Online are two online ODT viewers and editors, meaning they work not only on Windows but also on any other operating system that can run a web browser.
To open ODT files on Android devices, users can install the OpenDocument Reader app. iPhone and other iOS users can download and use OOReader or ikuDocs Documents to easily edit documents.
How to convert ODT files
To convert ODT files without one of the ODT editors/viewers mentioned above, the best option is to use Zamzar or FileZigZag. Zamzar can save ODT files to DOC, HTML, PNG, PS, and TXT, while FileZigZag supports some of those formats as well as PDF, RTF, STW, OTT, and others.
However, if MS Word, OpenOffice Writer, or any other ODT opener is installed, users can simply open the file there and then select a different document format when saving. Most of these programs support formats other than those supported by online ODT converters, such as DOCX.
This also applies to online ODT editors. For example, to convert an ODT file using Google Drive , right-click the file (from the list of files in your account) and select Open with > Google Docs . Then, use the Google Docs File menu > Download as to save the ODT file as DOCX, RTF, PDF, TXT, or EPUB.