Opening ODT files

Did your computer fail to open an ODT file? We explain what ODT files are and recommend software that we know can open or convert your ODT files.

What is an ODT file?

The .odt file extension is given to office document text files that have been created in the OpenOffice and StarOffice word processing applications. These applications use the the OASIS OpenDocument XML standard, which allows users to use documents across multiple operating systems and applications.

The OpenOffice and StarOffice applications are freeware alternatives to the Microsoft Office Suite. The programs were actually created with the intention of reducing Microsoft's market share and to provide the public with a free alternative to the costly Microsoft applications. Files with the .odt extension may contain word processing documents like Microsoft Word docs or spreadsheet documents that are comparable to the spreadsheets produced in Excel.