When saving documents, spreadsheets, or presentations, you may sometimes be asked to choose between different file formats. The two most common options are Office Open XML and OpenDocument.
For most customers, the simple recommendation is:
Use Office Open XML formats, DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX, unless you specifically need OpenDocument.
These are the standard file formats used by Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and they are usually the best choice for everyday use.
What Is Office Open XML? #
Office Open XML is the default format used by Microsoft Office.
Common file types include:
- DOCX for Word documents
- XLSX for Excel spreadsheets
- PPTX for PowerPoint presentations
These formats are recommended if you use Microsoft Office, share files with businesses, schools, public authorities, or other people who mainly work with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
They also provide the best support for advanced formatting, formulas, layouts, templates, and other Microsoft Office features.
What Is OpenDocument? #
OpenDocument is another file format used mainly by open-source office programs such as LibreOffice and OpenOffice.
Common file types include:
- ODT for text documents
- ODS for spreadsheets
- ODP for presentations
OpenDocument can be a good choice if you mainly use LibreOffice, OpenOffice, or another office suite that uses this format by default.
Which Format Do We Recommend? #
For most users, we recommend using:
- DOCX instead of ODT
- XLSX instead of ODS
- PPTX instead of ODP
This gives you the best compatibility with Microsoft Office and reduces the risk of formatting problems when sharing files with others.
When Should I Use OpenDocument? #
OpenDocument may be useful if:
- You mainly use LibreOffice or OpenOffice
- Someone specifically asks you to send the file in OpenDocument format
- You work in an environment where OpenDocument is required
If none of these apply, the Microsoft Office formats are usually the safer and easier choice.
Summary #
If you are unsure which format to choose, save your files as DOCX, XLSX, or PPTX (Office Open XML).
These formats work best with Microsoft Office and are the most common choice for businesses, schools, and everyday document sharing.