Convert ODS to PRN

Understanding ODS and PRN file formats

ODS (OpenDocument Spreadsheet) is a spreadsheet file format used by applications like LibreOffice Calc and Apache OpenOffice Calc. It is an open standard for spreadsheet documents, supporting multiple sheets, formulas, charts, and formatting.

PRN (Print or Printer file) is a plain text file format that represents data as it would appear when printed. In the context of spreadsheets, a PRN file typically contains tabular data separated by spaces or tabs, making it easy to import into other applications or print directly.

Why convert ODS to PRN?

Converting an ODS file to PRN is useful when you need a plain text representation of your spreadsheet for printing, data import into legacy systems, or sharing with users who require a simple, universally readable format.

How to convert ODS to PRN

The most reliable way to convert ODS to PRN is by using spreadsheet software that supports both formats. LibreOffice Calc is highly recommended for this task due to its robust support for ODS and export options.

Steps to convert using LibreOffice Calc

1. Open your ODS file in LibreOffice Calc.
2. Go to File → Save As.
3. In the Save as type dropdown, select Text CSV (.csv).
4. Click Save. In the export dialog, you can choose the field delimiter (tab or space) to match PRN requirements.
5. Rename the resulting file extension from .csv to .prn if needed.

This process creates a PRN file with your spreadsheet data in a plain text, delimited format.

Alternative: Using Microsoft Excel

1. Open the ODS file in Microsoft Excel (Excel 2016 or later supports ODS).
2. Go to File → Save As.
3. Select Formatted Text (Space delimited) (*.prn) as the file type.
4. Click Save.

This will directly create a PRN file from your spreadsheet.

Best software for ODS to PRN conversion

• LibreOffice Calc – Free, open-source, and supports both ODS and PRN export.
• Microsoft Excel – Paid, but offers direct PRN export and ODS compatibility.

For batch conversions or automation, consider command-line tools like unoconv (for LibreOffice) or scripting with Pandas in Python.

Summary

Converting ODS to PRN is straightforward with LibreOffice Calc or Microsoft Excel. Both allow you to export your spreadsheet as a plain text PRN file, making your data accessible for printing or use in other applications.