Compare
ODT vs DOCX
ODT is an editable word-processing format in the OpenDocument family. DOCX is an editable document format based on Office Open XML. Choose for your software, collaborators, and organizational requirements.
Which format should you choose?
Choose ODT for an OpenDocument-oriented workflow. Choose DOCX when collaborating in Microsoft Word or submitting a DOCX-required document.
Good fit for ODT
Creating editable documents
- Document exchange in OpenDocument-compatible environments
Good fit for DOCX
Creating editable documents
- Reports and drafts revised collaboratively
Basic information
| Field | ODT | DOCX |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .odt | .docx |
| MIME type | application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.text | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Common uses | Creating editable documents | Creating editable documents |
| How to open | Open it in an ODT-compatible word processor. For collaboration or submission, check recipient support and the display of fonts, tables, images, and comments. | Open it in Microsoft Word or a DOCX-compatible word processor. For important documents, check fonts, figures, comments, and page breaks in the recipient's environment. |
| Export or convert | For a fixed-layout copy to share or print, export to PDF and check the output. PDF export does not guarantee that the file cannot be edited. When converting to DOCX, check headings, tables, images, page breaks, and comments in the destination application. | For final distribution, export to PDF. Before and after export, check font substitution, page breaks, links, and image resolution, and retain the editable DOCX separately. |
Choose by use case
Document exchange in OpenDocument-compatible environments
Creating editable documents
ODTReports and drafts revised collaboratively
Creating editable documents
DOCXKey point 1
ODT supports continued editing in OpenDocument-compatible applications.
More on the differencesKey point 2
DOCX is supported by Word and many other office applications.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Check the recipient's software before sharing. After conversion, inspect layout, tracked changes, comments, tables, images, and references. Use PDF when the primary requirement is a fixed layout for viewing or delivery.
- Both are editable word-processing documents, not fixed-layout output.
- Cross-format conversion can change formatting or document features depending on applications.
- Compatibility depends on the actual file and the features used, not just the extension.
Frequently asked questions
Will an ODT file look exactly the same in Word?
Not necessarily. Test the document in the recipient's version of Word and review layout, comments, changes, and embedded objects.
Will DOCX and ODT look identical in every editor?
Not necessarily. Check the actual document in the recipient's application before delivery.