ODT vs Word: Which Format Should You Use?
The Short Answer
ODT is the open standard and the native format of LibreOffice; DOCX is Microsoft Word's format and the de facto standard in offices. Each suite opens the other's format, but complex layouts are most reliable in the format native to the program used.
ODT vs Word Side by Side
| ODT | Word | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | ODT: OpenDocument Text | Word: Microsoft Word Document (Office Open XML) |
| File extension | ODT: .odt | Word: .docx |
| How it stores data | ODT: Zipped XML (ISO/IEC 26300) | Word: Zipped XML with styles, images and fonts references |
| File size | ODT: depends on what is inside | Word: depends on what is inside |
| Created by | ODT: OASIS, 2005 | Word: Microsoft, 2007 |
| Best for | ODT: documents in LibreOffice and open-standard workflows | Word: documents that someone still needs to edit |
| Watch out | ODT: Microsoft Word opens it, but complex layouts may shift | Word: layout can shift between programs and installed fonts |
| Opens with | ODT: LibreOffice Writer, Microsoft Word, Google Docs | Word: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer, Apple Pages |
Choose ODT When
- LibreOffice users
- Organisations that require open standards
Choose Word When
- Sharing with Microsoft Word users
- Templates and forms from companies and universities
Convert Between ODT and Word
More About Each Format
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, ODT or Word?
ODT is the open standard and the native format of LibreOffice; DOCX is Microsoft Word's format and the de facto standard in offices. Each suite opens the other's format, but complex layouts are most reliable in the format native to the program used.
When should I use ODT?
LibreOffice users. Organisations that require open standards.
When should I use Word?
Sharing with Microsoft Word users. Templates and forms from companies and universities.
What is ODT?
ODT is the open standard for text documents and the native format of LibreOffice Writer. Public administrations in many countries require it.
What is Word?
DOCX is the format of Microsoft Word since 2007 and the working standard for editable documents: letters, reports, CVs. Google Docs, LibreOffice and Pages open it too.
Can I convert between ODT and Word?
Yes — free, in batches and without an account. Convert ODT to Word, or Convert Word to ODT with the converter linked on this page.