Have you come across files ODT, ODS or ODP? They are files very similar to those of Word, Excel and Power Point, but these are edited with OpenOffice or LibreOffice. It is normal that when you try to open a file with .odt extension, a dialog box appears on your screen. Usually, this prompt says “Windows cannot open this file”, and provides the option to choose another method to read it. If you want to achieve this, you must have an application that allows you to handle the format.
In this article we will show you how to open an odt fileas well as how to convert it to .docx or PDF so that it is easier to read on any device. You will learn different ways to read or edit this format from different operating systems.
Contents
What is an ODT file and what is it for?
The initials of this extension belong to the English name of this type of file, OpenDocument Text Document. These are usually created by the free Open Office Writer word processor. It uses a text format similar to Microsoft Word DOCX files.
These types of documents can include text, objects, images, and styles that are compatible with multiple programs. This format is based on XML and is used in the creation and administration of spreadsheets, graphs and presentations. Its goal is to provide an open format for documents based on XML.
How to open an ODT file online
There are several methods used for reading and editing ODT files online: Google Docs, Microsoft Word Online, or OpenDocument Reader. We will talk about the latter in particular. It is an extension that you can find in the Chrome Web Store.
Along with Google Drive, the app makes it easy to open ODT files directly from the Google Chrome browser. Thanks to this extension, it is possible to open the documents of this type that you have stored in your Google Drive account. However, editing is not possible using this application.
The first time you run the extension, you must grant permissions for the app to access your Drive account. Similarly, when trying to open the file, a pop-up window will tell you that there is no preview, giving you the option to use OpenDocument.
The most practical way, however, is to use Google Docs. If you have a Gmail account you can quickly access ODT documents, edit them and convert them to other formats, all online.
How to open an ODT file on Android and iOS
For Android, there are different applications that promise to open files in this format, but not all of them are equally effective. The most recommended and complete is Google Docs, which can be downloaded from the Play Store. Once the application is installed on your mobile, you only have to locate the ODT document that you want to open.
It is also highly recommended AndrOpen Office, since it allows you to work with different documents, such as those in ODT format. In addition, it has several additional tools, such as an equation editor and drawing, which makes it a very complete option.
If you just want to open the file from your iOS device, it’s also easy to get the Google Docs app from the App Store. In case you don’t use Google services, a good alternative is OOReader, which allows you to read the documents in its free version. To edit the document, you need to purchase the Premium version.
How to open an ODT file on Mac
With reference to the Mac operating system, not every application is functional enough to view ODT formatted documents. Since these files belong to Libre Office and Open Officethe most recommended is use one of these programs.
In this case, you can go to the official Libre Office website, and download the Mac version. Then, you just need to open the file like any other. You also have the possibility of using Microsoft’s Office package for Mac. You just have to open Word and in the “File” section select “Open”, and there look for it and read it.
How to convert an ODT file to Word
There are various methods that allow convert .odt to .docx. Among them is the possibility of using an online service or platform, although you can also do it on Windows. Here we leave you the options.
How to convert ODT to Word online
There are numerous websites that provide this service and allow you to quickly convert one format to another. To save you work and help you use a good service, we recommend Zamzar and FreeFileConvert.
These types of pages convert the file you have chosen and allow you to download it in the selected format. The process for conversion is as follows:
- Generally, the pages have an “Upload” button, which you must press to upload the file. It is also achieved by dragging the document into the browser window.
- Select the output format, in this case it should be “.doc”.
- Wait for the conversion of the file, which usually takes a short time.
- Download the document, either through the link provided by the web, or directly from the page.
Convert an ODT using Google Drive
Every Google account has access to Google Drive and this service not only allows you to send large files between contacts. It is also possible to save all your files ODT, ODS or ODP, as well as convert and edit them. To use it, the first thing you need to do, of course, is to log in to your Drive account. Then follow this procedure:
- Upload the file by clicking “New” > “Upload File”, or dragging it from your computer to the browser.
- Double-click on the uploaded document, thus opening it in the Google Drive document reader.
- At the top of the window, select “Open.” In this way, the file will be converted to the Google Docs format, and will open in that editor.
- Once there, click on the “File” tab, then on “Download” > “Microsoft Word”to download the document in .docx format.
If you don’t have a Google account yet, you can create one quickly and easily, even without using a phone number.
Use WordPad on Windows
If this is your operating system, then it will be very easy for you to do the conversion through your computer. To do so, follow these simple steps:
- Locate the file on your computer.
- Right click on it, and select “Open With” > “WordPad”.
- Within the program, click on “File”. then choose “Save As” > “OpenOffice XML Document”.
- Give it a name and select the location of your choice.
- Now your “.odt” file will be “.doc”.
How to convert an ODT file to PDF
Convert a file in ODT format to PDF It is an action that you can execute from your computer or online. There are different platforms and programs that offer this service. Next, we will talk about two methods: Open Office and an online converter, although you can also do it from Google Drive following the indications of the previous section.
ODT to PDF with Open Office Writer
To start the conversion from your computer, you need to make sure you have the Open Office Writer program. When you have it open, proceed to open the ODT file you want to convert and follow these steps:
- In the top menu, select the “File” > “Export as PDF” option.
- Click “Export”, entering the name and location of your new PDF.
Convert to PDF with online services
The platforms in charge of these processes are quite varied. The option you use will depend on the purpose of your conversion. If you need to make advanced settings, use the adobe online service.
To do this, access the website and click on “Browse”. Select the ODT file from your computer and click “Convert”. Keep in mind that the subscription to this service is paid.
On the other hand, if you want to use a free platform as you only need general use, there are several converters that can work for you. PDF Converter or Lettos are good alternatives to execute this process. The procedure is similar to the previous one: upload the file and convert it.
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