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What is an ODS file?
Use ODS files to easily organize, store, and share data.
What is an ODS file?
An OpenDocument Spreadsheet, or ODS file, is an open-source spreadsheet format often created with free software like LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice. It is a common alternative to free spreadsheets like Google Sheets and paid offerings like Microsoft Excel.
With ODS files, you can store and format data in columns and rows. ODS files can also include charts, graphs, and other elements organized neatly with the cells in each row and column.
ODS files are part of the greater Open Document Format (ODF) family. They are open-source, free alternatives to common Microsoft file types. ODF files were created through the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (Oasis).
How to create, open, or edit an ODS file.
You can create an ODS file in two ways:
1. Create in Calc.
The standard way to create an ODS sheet is in the Calc program. You can find this program in both LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice. Open the Calc application and select New Sheet.
2. Export an existing sheet.
If you create your file on another platform like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel, you can still save a version of the file in ODS format.
- To save an Excel file in ODS format:
- Open the Excel sheet.
- Click File > Save As.
- Select OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.ods).
- Name the new file.
- Click Save.
- To save a Google Sheet in ODS format:
- Open the Google Sheet.
- Click File > Download.
- Select OpenDocument (.ods).
If you are planning to create your document on another platform and then convert it to ODS, be sure to make all changes before exporting the file. If you create an ODS file in Calc, you can add and edit content throughout the process. In your file, you can enter figures or written content and customize font sizes, cell colors, and formulas.
After editing your file, it is ready to save and share. You can share ODS files directly or convert to PDF to preserve formatting across devices and platforms. Converting to PDF also allows you to track file sharing, institute security protections and permissions for the file, and request approvals through digital signatures.
To open an ODS file on Windows:
1 Download a compatible program like Microsoft Office or Apache OpenOffice.
2 Right-click on the ODS file.
3 Click Open with.
4 Select the compatible program currently downloaded to your computer.
To open an ODS file on Mac:
1 Download a compatible program like Microsoft Office or Apache OpenOffice.
2 Click File > Open.
3 Select the name of your file.
4 If a dialogue box appears, click Allow.
Acrobat can be used on a Windows or a Mac. To open an ODS file in Acrobat:
1 Click File > Open.
2 Select the ODS file.
You can also drag and drop ODS files directly into the Acrobat viewer window.
If you want to open an ODS file on an iPhone or other iOS device, you must first download a compatible app. The ODS file format isn’t natively supported on iOS.
What are ODS files used for?
ODS files are created to store data. They are designed to make it easy to keep lists and tables of information in a logical spreadsheet format. The world tracks infinite forms of data, which means you can use ODS files in infinite ways in your day-to-day life:
- Organize important information. ODS files have built-in filters for sorting and organizing the data in your spreadsheet. You might use a filter to sort a list of invite addresses by recipient alphabetically. Or use another filter to arrange a list of past purchases and their prices in ascending or descending order.
- Keep track of timelines and budgets. ODS files make it easier to calculate budgets and create timelines for projects. In the spreadsheet, you can order figures, dates, names, and categories into labeled rows and columns. You can also use the mathematical formulas in an ODS file to quickly complete calculations.
- Create charts and graphs. Organize the cells in an ODS spreadsheet to create charts and graphs. These visuals contextualize data trends and make it easier to share insights and information from raw data. They are especially useful for showing data patterns over time.
Pros and cons of ODS files.
With so many different file types available, you may wonder if an ODF file is the right choice for you and your data. Like all file types, ODS files have advantages and disadvantages.
ODS files FAQs.
What program opens an ODS file?
ODS files can be opened on various platforms. Because platforms may have different features and functionalities, not all formatting may transfer, and not all functions may work as they did in the original file.
Open ODS files using:
- LibreOffice
- Apache OpenOffice
- Microsoft Office
- Google Drive
What is the difference between ODS and ODT files?
ODS files are an alternative to Excel and use cells in rows and columns to organize and display information. OpenDocument Text (ODT) files are for word processing and are an alternative to Microsoft Word. You primarily use an ODT file to store text, while ODS files primarily store numbers and other data.
Why use an ODS file?
ODS files can be created for free using open-source software. Any program that is compliant with ODF file formats can open ODS files.
Can I convert a ODS file to Excel?
Yes. There are many online conversion tools available to convert ODS files to Excel files. These tools are typically free and easy to use with drag-and-drop functionality. Or open your ODS file in Excel and save it as an XLSX file.
What is an ODS file in Excel? To save an Excel file in ODS format:
- Click File > Save As.
- Select Excel Workbook (.xlsx).
- Name the new file.
- Click Save.
After converting your ODS file to Excel, you can also convert Excel to PDF in the Acrobat online conversion tool. If you need to make changes, you can use the same tool to convert PDF to Excel.
What are the differences between ODS and XLSX files?
ODS files and XLSX files are very similar. The main differences are cost and features. Since XLSX files are native to Excel, users need to purchase Excel for their devices to create the files from scratch. On the other hand, since ODS files work with open-source software, there is no cost to make them. However, ODS files may lack some of the functions and features of Excel files.
What are the differences between ODS and CSV files?
ODS files and comma-separated value (CSV) files are both tabular and used for data storage. However, CSV files are more suited to raw data storage and transfer. They don’t offer many features for formatting, formulas, or organization. ODS files are more suitable for data manipulation, calculations, and visualization.
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