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An ODT file is an OpenDocument Text document. You can open and save ODT files in supported desktop versions of Microsoft Word, but formatting may change when a document moves between applications. After saving, reopen the ODT and inspect it before sharing.
What is an ODT file?
ODT stands for OpenDocument Text. It is the text-document format in the OpenDocument family, an XML-based format for office applications that can include text, spreadsheets, charts, and graphical elements. OASIS lists OpenDocument Version 1.3 as approved on 30 October 2020. OASIS OpenDocument standards
How to open an ODT file in Word
Microsoft documents ODT support in Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2024, Word 2021, Word 2019, and Word 2016. A separate Microsoft format reference also lists Word 2013. Support can depend on the Word version and platform, so check the documentation for the edition you use. Microsoft’s ODT instructions · Word file-format reference
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- In Word, select File > Open.
- Select Browse.
- In the file type dropdown, choose OpenDocument Text.
- Select the ODT file and open it.
You can also double-click an ODT file in your file browser if your computer is configured to open that file type with Word.
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How to edit and save an ODT file
Open the file in Word and edit it as you would another document. To save an ODT copy, use File > Save a Copy or Save As, choose a location, select OpenDocument Text from the file type list, enter a name, and save. If you need to retain a Word version too, keep a copy in Word format before saving as ODT. Microsoft ODT opening and saving guidance
Check formatting before you share
Word warns that an ODT file may not retain the same formatting it had in the application that created it. Differences can arise because applications support different features and formatting options. Microsoft also notes that editing ODT in Word for the web and then opening it in desktop Word for Windows can result in formatting differences. Microsoft ODT guidance · Microsoft format differences
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- Save the document in ODT format.
- Close it, then reopen the saved ODT in Word.
- Inspect the layout and the features that matter in your document, such as page breaks, tables, or other formatting.
- If the file is intended for someone using a different application, check it in that application when possible.
There is no established cross-editor compatibility ranking in these official sources. For any editor, judge it by whether it opens and saves ODT and whether the formatting and features your document needs survive the actual save-and-reopen workflow.
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