ODM File

What are ODM files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an ODM file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your ODM files.

What is an ODM file?

ODM files have multiple uses, and OpenDocument Master Text Document is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

OpenDocument Master Text Document

Files that contain the .odm file extension are most commonly associated with the OpenOffice suite of software programs.

The OpenDocument standard was created to allow for the exchange of word processing documents across a variety of different word processing applications and computer platforms. These applications are intended to be a free alternative to the more costly and "corporate" Microsoft Word word processing software.

The ODM documents that are used by these applications contain text documents that are saved in the XML file format.

How to open ODM files

We have identified two ODM openers that are compatible with this specific type of ODM file.

Programs that open OpenDocument Master Text Document files

Last updated: August 10, 2026

All known file formats using extension .ODM

While OpenDocument Master Text Document is a popular type of ODM-file, we know of 2 different uses of the .ODM file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

OverDrive Media Console Media Control

OverDrive Media Console Media Control files (.ODM) act as control or pointer files created by OverDrive, Inc.'s OverDrive Media Console software when you borrow digital media like audiobooks, eBooks, music, or videos from a library or other participating content service. They do not contain the media itself but include links, license terms, and metadata needed to download and play or read the actual content.

When you "check out" a title with OverDrive, the system gives you a small .ODM file, which you open with OverDrive Media Console. Opening the .ODM triggers the software to contact OverDrive's server, validate DRM permissions, acquire the license, then download the real media files (such as MP3s, PDFs, or EPUBs) for offline use. Users can transfer or play the downloaded media on supported devices if the publisher's permissions allow it.

On a technical level the .ODM file is formatted in XML. It usually begins with the ASCII signature <?xml version="1.0"?> and contains tags such as OverDriveMedia, DRMINFO, AcquisitionUrl, ExpirationDate, and Metadata. The file will include field names like AUTHOR, LANGUAGE CODE, FORMAT NAME, PLAYONPCCOUNT, BANNERURL, CONTENTTYPE and others that define quality, license, creator roles, thumbnail or banner images, and distribution limits.

ODM opener for Windows

We have identified one ODM opener that is compatible with this specific type of ODM file.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of ODM files. Remember, different programs may use ODM files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about ODM file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.