An ODT file is an OpenDocument text document. These types of files are often created by OpenOffice Writer‘s free word-processing program.
ODT files are similar to the popular DOCX file format used with Microsoft Word. They are types of document files that can contain elements like text, images, objects and styles and are compatible with many programs. ODT files are built with OpenOffice Writer, which is also the best way to open one.
LibreOffice Writer, AbiSource AbiWord, Doxillion and many other free document editors can also open ODT files. Google Docs and Microsoft Word Online can open and edit ODT files. If you have just received an ODT file and do not know how to open it to read its content or make the necessary changes, with this simple and practical guide, you will discover how to open an ODT file without resorting to great tricks, but by downloading the most adequate.
Install the Softwares
First of all, ODT files (acronym of Open Document Format) are made using OpenOffice, one of the best-known office or leisure production software created by Oracle Sun Microsystem. Just the writer, creates his documents in ODT format (although the files can be saved in other formats compatible with the best known word-processing programs available on the market) and in order to be able to open them in other locations.
One of the many software must be installed ( free or paid, downloadable from the Internet) that allow you to view this format. Among the many software available, you can download the same OpenOffice or take advantage of any Microsoft Office package.
Open the files
In addition to this, it is possible to open ODT files directly on the web through file viewing services, although not all sites are safe, so it is advisable to use them with extreme caution. There are also viewers or programs that you can download directly to your computer but, even in this case.
It is essential to download them only from official and trusted sites, always using updated antivirus to avoid unexpected viruses or malware. If the computer you are using already has Microsoft Office, the easiest thing to do is to right-click on the file and then click on ” Open With ” and select Microsoft Office Word from the list.
Download the plugin
If the program is not present in the list, click the ” Browse ” button and manually search for the exact path where the executable file is located. After opening the file, view it, make the necessary changes and save it in the format you prefer.
In the event that the version of Office available to you is a bit dated, download a plug from the official Sun website that makes Office capable of displaying the format.
Finally, an equally quick and effective solution is to open the file through Google Docs, a free service with which you can open, edit, convert and save the file. Good job!
Install OpenDocument Reader
If you use Google Docs to edit the ODT file, you must first upload it to the Google Drive account via the NEW > Upload file menu. ODT Viewer is another free ODT viewer for Windows, but it is only useful for viewing ODT files; you cannot edit the file with this program.
Some of the programs just mentioned also work on macOS and Linux, but NeoOffice (for Mac) and Calligra Suite (Linux) are some alternatives. Also remember, that Google Docs and Word Online are two online ODT viewers and editors.
To open an ODT file on an Android device, you can install the OpenDocument Reader app. iPhones and other iOS users can use ODT files with OOReader or TOPDOX documents.