ODT File: What It Is and How to Open It in Word or on Your Phone

What is ODT?

ODT (OpenDocument Text) is the text document format in the OpenDocument standard. It’s used by default in LibreOffice Writer and other open-source editors. It’s an open format standardized internationally, so it’s common in public agencies, schools, and computers running open-source software.

The OpenDocument family includes other formats: ODS for spreadsheets and ODP for presentations, equivalent to Office’s XLSX and PPTX formats.

Opening ODT files in Word

Current versions of Microsoft Word can open ODT files directly:

1. In Word, go to File › Open and select the .odt file. If you don’t see it, change the file type filter to all files or OpenDocument Text.
2. Edit the document as usual.
3. To save it as a Word document, go to File › Save As and choose Word Document (.docx).

Some format-specific features may change slightly during conversion, such as custom styles, fields, and certain numbering formats. Review the document after opening it.

In Google Docs and on your phone

• Google Docs: Upload the file to Google Drive and open it with Google Docs. To download it in another format, go to File › Download and choose .docx, .pdf, or .odt.
• Phone: The Google Docs app can open ODT files. On iPhone, the Files app may not show an ODT preview; open the file in Google Docs or convert it to PDF.
• LibreOffice: Free for Windows, Mac, and Linux. If you receive ODT files often, it’s the best program for opening them with full fidelity.

Convert ODT to PDF

If you only need to read, print, or share the document, convert it to PDF:

• ODT to PDF converts files using LibreOffice on a server. Your file is uploaded over an encrypted connection and deleted right after conversion. The result keeps the original formatting because it’s converted with the same program used to create the document.
• Word to PDF also accepts ODT, along with DOC, DOCX, and RTF, if you need to convert several file formats at once.
• In LibreOffice, choose File › Export As › Export as PDF to do the same without uploading your file. You can also create a PDF/A file.

ODT or DOCX: which format should you send?

• If the recipient will edit the file and uses Word: DOCX.
• If they use LibreOffice or an organization requests an open format: ODT.
• If they only need to read or print it: PDF, which avoids compatibility issues.
• If several people using different programs will exchange versions of a document, agree on one format and stick with it. Repeatedly converting back and forth can lead to small formatting changes.

Why government agencies use ODT

Open formats aren’t tied to a specific vendor: any software can support them, and documents saved today will remain readable in the future. That’s why many governments and organizations use the OpenDocument standard for notices, forms, and templates. If you receive an ODT template, don’t worry: Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice can all open and fill it out.

Filling out an ODT form

1. Open the file in the editor you have (Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice).
2. Fill in the fields and check that the tables and boxes are still in place.
3. Save it in the format requested by the organization. If there are no instructions, return it in the same format you received it in, or as a PDF if the form is only for reading and signing.
4. If you need to sign it, create a PDF and sign it digitally, or print, sign, and scan it.

If the file has the .ott extension, it’s a LibreOffice template. Opening it creates a new document based on the template, which you can then save under a different name.

Frequently asked questions