What is an ODT file?

How to create and open an ODT file on a Mac.

NeoOffice used to be a compatible option for Mac users but was discontinued in late 2023. Thankfully, it’s easy to create and open an ODT file on a Mac with LibreOffice Writer. It’s much more compatible with an ODT file than Mac’s Pages program. You can edit the ODT file like any other word processor by adding text and images or changing the formatting. Once you’re done editing the file, you can save it with the same .odt extension.

How to create and open an ODT file on a mobile device.

Users can open and view an ODT file on a mobile device by searching for “document viewers” on the App Store and Google Play. These viewers are helpful for general viewing purposes. However, Collabora Office, a LibreOffice-based Office suite for iOS and Android, is the most compatible with ODT files.

Other file types similar to ODT.

A few other file types are similar to ODT, making the transition a bit smoother when converting between files.

• .DOCX. This default file format for Microsoft Word is also designed for word processing and editing. The .docx file format also supports documents heavy in text, images, and styles. When you’re done with your work, convert Word to PDF to ensure your document is presentable on any device.

• .TXT. These file formats do not offer advanced formatting features but are designed for simple, unformatted text. Like ODT files, they are easy to store and do not require much data space.

• .pages. Apple owns the .pages format for Apple Pages, which is part of the iWork suite. It is similar to the .docx file format, but it is only available on Apple devices.

• .PDF. A Portable Document Format (PDF) file contains text and images but is designed to be “print-ready” to preserve the document’s formatting. You can return to the editing and collaboration phase of a PDF file by PDF to Word if needed.

Is it safe to open a .ODT file?

An ODT file is generally considered safe to open. However, you should review every file you receive and check for potential viruses. Some scammers will use ODT to deliver malware, so always scan your files with antivirus software and check the sender before opening a file from an unknown source. Also, open an ODT file in a safe and trusted program like LibreOffice or Microsoft Word, and make sure your software is up-to-date.

What is the purpose of an ODT file?

An ODT file is used to create and share text and image documents within an open-source program. An ODT file is shareable across different operating systems and is free to use as it does not require a licensing fee. ODT files are popular within academic environments since it’s open source, and the file format is suitable for more text heavy documents, like research papers. It’s also common to use and create ODTs within nonprofits that value accessibility and wish to save costs.

Is ODT compatible with Microsoft Word?

Yes, an OpenDocument Text is compatible with the Microsoft Word .DOCX file format. However, there may be a few formatting changes if you open an .odt file in Microsoft Word. The features between the two programs are slightly different, so objects like images, charts, and lists may appear slightly different after the conversion process. You can save the file as a .odt after editing the document in Microsoft Word.

Is ODT better than PDF?

Both ODTs and PDFs are designed to store and view text; however, the file formats serve different purposes. Neither is necessarily better than the other, but deciding which one to use will depend on your personal and professional needs. A PDF is primarily intended for viewing purposes, so formatting is not lost or altered. This file is print-ready, preserves the formatting, and can be password-encrypted to restrict any editing.

An ODT is fully editable, so users can make revisions in real time during the conception phase of a document. However, ODTs are not typically shared as a final product, while a PDF is usually presentation-ready. Reports, contracts, and office presentations are more suitable as PDFs than ODTs. You can convert your ODT file to a PDF if you’d like to guarantee accessibility and preserve your document’s formatting.