OpenDocument: Open Document Format for Office Applications


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Developing an XML-based file format specification for office applications.

The OASIS Open Document Format for Office Applications (OpenDocument) Technical Committee (TC) is an open XML-based document file format for office applications to be used for documents containing text, spreadsheets, charts, and graphical elements. The file format makes transformations to other formats simple by leveraging and reusing existing standards wherever possible. As an open standard under the stewardship of OASIS, OpenDocument also creates the possibility for new types of applications and solutions to be developed other than traditional office productivity applications.


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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the OpenDocument Format (ODF)?

The OpenDocument Format (ODF) is an open, international standard for office documents including text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and graphics. It was developed by the OASIS OpenDocument Technical Committee and is published as an ISO/IEC international standard (ISO/IEC 26300).

ODF is designed to provide an open, XML-based file format specification for office applications, ensuring that documents can be freely created, accessed, and modified regardless of the application or platform used. This helps prevent vendor lock-in and ensures long-term document preservation and accessibility.

Key features of ODF include its status as an open standard with freely available specifications that anyone can implement without licensing fees or restrictions, ensuring true interoperability so documents can be opened and edited across multiple applications and platforms. The XML-based format is future-proof, guaranteeing documents remain accessible even as technology evolves, while remaining feature-rich with support for complex formatting, styles, metadata, multimedia, and formulas. ODF is widely supported and implemented by numerous applications including LibreOffice, Apache OpenOffice, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and many others.

Common ODF file extensions include:
.odt (text documents)
.ods (spreadsheets)
.odp (presentations)
.odg (graphics/drawings)
.odf (formulas)

ODF has been adopted by governments, educational institutions, and organizations worldwide as their standard document format for improved accessibility, transparency, and long-term data preservation.

Why ODF?

Organizations and individuals choose the OpenDocument Format (ODF) because it provides freedom from vendor lock-in, ensuring they’re not dependent on any single company’s software or business decisions. As an open standard with publicly available specifications, ODF guarantees long-term document preservation—files created today will remain accessible decades from now, even if current applications become obsolete.

ODF offers significant cost savings since it can be implemented without licensing fees or royalties, and many high-quality supporting applications are available at no cost. The format enables true interoperability, allowing seamless document exchange across different applications, operating systems, and devices without formatting issues or data loss.

As an XML-based format, ODF provides transparency and security, making it easy to inspect files, detect potential security issues, and implement automated workflows. The open nature of ODF encourages innovation and competition among developers, resulting in better features and more choices for users. Additionally, many governments and organizations have adopted ODF to meet regulatory requirements for accessibility, transparency, and compliance with open standards policies. 

What are the benefits of joining the OpenDocument TC?

Joining the OpenDocument TC offers valuable opportunities to shape the future of one of the world’s most widely adopted office document standards. As a member, you gain direct influence over the development and evolution of ODF, ensuring the standard meets your organization’s needs and use cases while contributing to a technology used by millions globally.

Members benefit from early access to draft specifications, proposed changes, and technical discussions before they become public, allowing you to prepare implementations and provide informed feedback. You’ll collaborate with leading experts from major software vendors, government agencies, and standards organizations, building professional relationships and gaining insights into best practices for document format implementation.

Participation in the TC demonstrates your organization’s commitment to open standards and interoperability, enhancing your reputation within the industry and among customers who value vendor neutrality.

Who should participate?

Participation in the OASIS OpenDocument TC is open to all through membership in OASIS. The TC welcomes participation from a diverse range of stakeholders invested in office document standards. This includes developers of office applications and XML or document processing solutions, as well as document managers, records managers, and archivists focused on long-term digital preservation. Organizations and individuals representing various office document use cases are encouraged to join, along with specification writers who work with office document content or components. Whether you’re a software vendor, enterprise implementer, government agency, or standards professional, your expertise and perspective can help shape the future of ODF to meet evolving industry needs.

How much time is required to participate in the OpenDocument TC?

Participation in the OpenDocument TC does not require a significant time commitment. Members typically meet once a month for an hour and collaborate extensively via email and shared documents. If your availability is limited and you prefer not to affect quorum, you have the option to join as an Observer. Observers can stay informed and contribute without the obligation of full participation, though OASIS membership is still required. View more info on committee participation [here].

How do I view the mailing list archive?

The OpenDocument TC’s mailing list archive, used by members to conduct Committee work, is available here. TC membership is required to post to this list. TC members are automatically subscribed.

New Members Welcome


Whether you want to actively contribute in decision-making or just observe progress from the inside, you will need to be an OASIS member.

If your employer is already on our current member list, submit this request form to be added to the TC Roster. If not, find out how to join OASIS.

Non-members may monitor the mailing list archives online, view approved documents, and provide feedback to our comments list. Contact Us for more information.