Home  /  File formats  /  ods

ODS file format

Extension.ods
Categorydocuments
Programs
Microsoft Office 2007
Microsoft Office 2010
Main programOpenOffice Calc
Descriptionods (OpenDocument Spreadsheet) The .ods file format is a spreadsheet file format used by LibreOffice Calc, OpenOffice Calc, and other office suites that support the OpenDocument standard. It's an XML-based file format and an open alternative to proprietary formats like Microsoft's .xls and .xlsx. ODS files can contain complex spreadsheets with cells, rows, columns, formulas, charts, and graphicsThey are commonly used in environments that prefer or require open-source software.
Technical detailsThe `.ods` (OpenDocument Spreadsheet) format is a part of the OpenDocument Format (ODF) for office documents, with these key features: - Standardization: Standardized by OASIS and ISO/IEC (ISO/IEC 26300), ensuring a public specification and transparent development process. - XML-Based: Comprises compressed XML files, technically making it a ZIP archive, for robust data exchange and interoperability. - Spreadsheet Elements: Supports rows, columns, cells, formulas, charts, and advanced formatting like conditional formatting and cell styles. - Compatibility: Broadly supported by various office suites like OpenOffice.org, LibreOffice, Google Docs; limited compatibility with Microsoft Excel for complex sheets. - Open Standard: Freely available for implementation without licensing fees, promoting software diversity and compatibility. - Compression: Benefits from ZIP compression, efficient for large spreadsheets. - Macro Support: Can include macros in various scripting languages, with potential security risks. - Metadata: Supports document management metadata like title, author, creation date. - Formula Syntax: Has unique formula syntax, possibly leading to compatibility issues with other formats like .xlsx. - Multiple Sheets Support: Allows multiple sheets within a single document. - Object Embedding: Enables embedding of objects and linking to external databases. - Accessibility Features: Includes features for accessibility. - Encryption and Security: Offers options for encryption and password protection. The `.ods` format offers a flexible, interoperable solution for spreadsheet applications, particularly favored in open-source environments.
MIME type
application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.spreadsheet
application/x-vnd.oasis.opendocument.spreadsheet