Format Atlas

Guides

Choose an Office editing format

For new work, match the collaborators' software. After converting older files, inspect the result; consider PDF for final view-only delivery.

Which format should you choose?

Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.

  • Word-centered document editing → DOCX
  • OpenDocument document editing → ODT
  • Collaborative spreadsheets → XLSX or ODS
  • Collaborative slides → PPTX or ODP
  • Final viewing or printing → PDF

Choose editable formats for the recipient

DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, ODT, ODS, and ODP are editable. Compatibility depends on applications, features, and fonts, so check the recipient's tools and organization rules first.

Inspect converted legacy files

DOC, XLS, and PPT persist in existing collections. After conversion, check page breaks and tables in documents, formulas and charts in spreadsheets, and fonts and animation in slides.

Formats to consider

DOCX

Good for: Document collaboration centered on Word

Less suitable for: Final delivery for viewing only

ODT

Good for: Document editing with OpenDocument tools

Less suitable for: Transfer without checking recipient support

XLSX

Good for: Spreadsheet collaboration centered on Excel

Less suitable for: Simple exchange of values only

ODS

Good for: Spreadsheet work with OpenDocument tools

Less suitable for: Transfer without checking the recipient's spreadsheet app

PPTX

Good for: Slide collaboration centered on PowerPoint

Less suitable for: Final view-only delivery

ODP

Good for: Slide editing with OpenDocument tools

Less suitable for: Handoff without checking appearance before presentation

PDF

Good for: Final viewing and printing

Less suitable for: A source the recipient must edit

Before you export

  • Fonts, images, macros, add-ins, and external references can behave differently across apps even with the same extension.
  • Keep collaborative editing formats distinct from final view-only output.

Related comparisons

DOCX vs RTFDOCX is a current document format for continued editing with body text, styles, tables, and images. RTF supports basic character and paragraph formatting for document exchange, but is not suited to advanced editing features or complex layout fidelity.DOC vs DOCXDOC is an older binary Word format. DOCX is the current Word document format based on Office Open XML.XLS vs XLSXXLS is the older binary Excel workbook format, while XLSX is a spreadsheet format based on Office Open XML. Both can store formulas and formatting, but XLSX is the current choice for most modern Excel workflows.ODS vs XLSXODS is the OpenDocument spreadsheet format, while XLSX is based on Office Open XML. Both support editable workbooks, but feature behavior and rendering can vary across spreadsheet applications and versions.PPT vs PPTXPPT is the older binary PowerPoint format; PPTX is the newer Office Open XML presentation format. Choose based on the software and recipients, then test converted slides in the actual presentation environment.ODP vs PPTXODP is the OpenDocument presentation format, while PPTX is based on Office Open XML. Both store slide decks, but editing behavior and feature support depend on the presentation software and organization workflow.

Guides

Checking dependencies and playback before presentation handoffSeparate editable slides from viewing copies, gather linked assets and test the slide show in the intended application and equipment.Choose a document editing formatUse DOCX or ODT for formatted collaboration according to the recipient's tools, Markdown for versioned technical text, and TXT for plain characters.Choosing a Spreadsheet Exchange FormatUse CSV to exchange values in a single table. Choose XLSX when the recipient needs formulas, formatting, or multiple worksheets.Choose a document delivery formatFor document delivery, decide whether the recipient needs a fixed presentation or an editable source.

References and specifications