Free online ODT to DOCX converter

Microsoft Word, a document-management system, or a recipient may require a DOCX file instead of an ODT file. Converting it creates an editable Word-compatible copy while preserving the original ODT as a source file.

What the ODT format is

ODT, or OpenDocument Text, is an open word-processing format based on the OpenDocument standard. LibreOffice Writer, Apache OpenOffice Writer, Calligra Words, and other compatible applications create ODT files; it is also common on Linux systems.

An ODT file can contain formatted text, styles, tables, images, headers, footers, footnotes, comments, tracked changes, and embedded objects. It is a compressed ZIP package containing XML files and related resources. DOCX uses a similar packaged structure, but its XML schemas and layout behavior are designed primarily for Microsoft Word.

What the DOCX format is

DOCX is Microsoft Word’s default XML-based document format. Microsoft Word, Word for the web, Microsoft 365, and many business systems support it. DOCX is commonly requested for contracts, forms, resumes, academic submissions, and collaborative editing.

DOCX usually provides better compatibility with Word-specific templates, review features, mail merge, fields, and document-management systems. It is not automatically smaller or more accurate than ODT; the main advantage is compatibility with software built around Word.

How to convert an ODT file

Using LibreOffice Writer

1. Open the .odt file in LibreOffice Writer.
2. Check page breaks, tables, images, headers, footers, comments, and tracked changes before saving.
3. Choose File → Save As.
4. Set the file type to Word 2007–365 (*.docx).
5. Choose a destination, enter a filename ending in .docx, and select Save.
6. When LibreOffice warns about the Word format, select Use Word 2007–365 Format.
7. Reopen the DOCX, preferably in Microsoft Word, and check its layout and content.

LibreOffice also supports command-line conversion. Create the output directory first, then run:

libreoffice --headless --convert-to docx --outdir ./converted input.odt

The converted file is written to ./converted. On some systems the executable is named soffice instead of libreoffice. Use a separate output directory to keep the source file unchanged.

Using Microsoft Word

1. Open Word and choose File → Open → Browse.
2. Select the ODT file. Word may display a compatibility warning while opening it; confirm the conversion if prompted.
3. Review the document for changed pagination, fonts, tables, images, and unsupported features.
4. Choose File → Save As, select Word Document (*.docx), and save a new copy.

Converting without installed software

You can convert the file for free on 101convert.com without installing software. Upload the ODT file, choose DOCX as the output format, start the conversion, and download the result. Do not upload confidential documents unless the service’s privacy and retention terms are acceptable.

Quality and compatibility considerations

Basic paragraphs, character formatting, styles, tables, and ordinary images usually convert successfully. Differences are more likely with LibreOffice-specific page styles, custom fonts, complex tables, floating objects, fields, embedded spreadsheets, macros, and advanced tracked-change or comment data.

Pagination can change because ODT and DOCX use different layout engines and font metrics. Install the fonts used by the source document, or replace them with suitable common fonts before converting. Missing or substituted fonts can change line wrapping, page counts, table widths, and page breaks.

After conversion, inspect every page and verify hyperlinks, headings, numbered lists, table borders, footnotes, comments, and tracked changes. Check embedded objects separately: unsupported objects may be removed, converted to static content, or become unavailable for editing. Macros and other executable content may not transfer.

Keep the original .odt file. If the document will be printed or submitted, open the DOCX in the application that will perform the final layout and compare its rendering with the original before exporting a final PDF.