ODT - OpenDocument Text Document

What is a ODT file

ODT is XML-based and is used to create and manage spreadsheets, charts, presentations, and word documents. The purpose of this document file extension is to provide an open, XML based format specification for documents. ODT files are part of the Open Office program created by Sun Microsystems. It is used as an alternative to Microsoft Office due to the free download with no licensing fees. When saved correctly, files in Open Office can be opened in Microsoft Word or converted easily into DOC and DOCX files. Open Office can open Microsoft Office documents. Open Office is free to the public, royalty free, and can run on various Operating Systems.

The OpenDocument text file format used both in free software and proprietary software, including both stand alone and web based office suites, was developed by a Technical Committee (TC) under the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards industry consortium. ODT files are built on many components, including scalable vector graphics and synchronized multimedia integration language. They have all undergone the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Initiative processes.

Here's a small, but not exhaustive list of programs that can open ODT documents:

  • Microsoft Office 2007
  • Microsoft Office 2010
  • OpenOffice Writer