Free online FODG to ODG converter

LibreOffice Draw and other OpenDocument-compatible tools may require an ODG package when a drawing currently exists as a flat FODG XML file. Converting it preserves an editable vector diagram for sharing, archiving, or continued work in standard drawing software.

What the FODG format is

FODG means Flat OpenDocument Graphics. It stores a drawing as one readable XML file instead of the compressed package used by ODG. The XML can contain vector shapes, connectors, text, styles, layers, and metadata for diagrams, mind maps, flowcharts, and other Draw documents.

LibreOffice Draw is the main program associated with FODG files. You may encounter the format when a document is saved with the flat OpenDocument option, generated for XML-based processing, or exchanged with software that needs direct access to the document structure.

What the ODG format is

ODG is the standard OpenDocument Graphics format for editable drawings. LibreOffice Draw and Apache OpenOffice Draw use it for flowcharts, organization diagrams, mind maps, technical illustrations, and page-layout drawings.

An ODG file is a ZIP-based package containing XML content plus separate resources such as images, styles, settings, and thumbnails. Compared with FODG, it is usually smaller and more convenient for normal document storage and exchange. Its OpenDocument structure also makes it suitable for long-term archiving and editing in compatible office suites.

How to actually convert FODG to ODG

With LibreOffice Draw

1. Open the .fodg file in LibreOffice Draw.
2. Check page size, connectors, text, embedded images, and fonts.
3. Choose File → Save As.
4. Set the file type to ODG – OpenDocument Graphics.
5. Enter a new filename ending in .odg, then select Save.
6. If LibreOffice asks about the format, choose Use ODF Format.

For batch or automated conversion, use LibreOffice in headless mode:

libreoffice --headless --convert-to odg --outdir converted input.fodg

Create the destination directory first if necessary. The converted file is written to converted/input.odg. On some systems, the executable is named soffice:

soffice --headless --convert-to odg --outdir converted input.fodg

You can also convert the file for free on the 101convert.com website without installing software. Upload only documents that are appropriate for third-party processing.

Quality and compatibility

Because FODG and ODG use the same OpenDocument drawing model, conversion through LibreOffice normally preserves vector geometry, text, styles, layers, and connectors without rasterizing the drawing. The main change is the storage container: flat XML becomes a packaged ODG file.

Review the result if the drawing uses fonts unavailable on the conversion system, linked images, embedded objects, custom extensions, or effects unsupported by the receiving application. Missing fonts can change line wrapping and connector placement. Keep the original FODG file until the ODG has been opened and checked in the target program.