ODT is the OpenDocument text format used by LibreOffice Writer, Collabora and many government and education systems that standardize on open formats. Recipients outside that world often can't open it. ODT to PDF converts the document with LibreOffice, the same engine that created most ODT files, so the PDF follows your layout closely.
How to use ODT to PDF
- Add the ODT file.
- Select Convert to PDF.
- Download the PDF.
- Check images, footnotes and any table of contents.
Why ODT converts faithfully
Conversions are most reliable when the converting software understands the format natively.
- LibreOffice reads its own format: LibreOffice reads ODT as its own format, so styles, headings, footnotes, tables of contents, images and page layouts are interpreted the way they were designed instead of approximated.
- Headings become bookmarks: Headings usually become PDF bookmarks.
- Fonts are the main difference: The main source of differences is fonts: a font used in the document but not installed on VelloDoc's server is replaced with a similar one.
Open formats and long-term records
- Why organizations choose it: Organizations choose OpenDocument because it's an open standard that doesn't depend on a single vendor.
- ODT master, PDF for distribution: PDF complements it for distribution: the ODT stays the editable master, while the PDF is the version you publish or send.
- For records that must last: For documents that must remain readable for decades, PDF to PDF/A produces an archival variant.
- Where to read more: The format guide covers when each format is the right choice.
Working with other formats
- If it started in Word: If a document started life in Word, Word to PDF handles DOC and DOCX directly.
- Spreadsheets and presentations in OpenDocument format have their own converters, ODS to PDF and ODP to PDF.
- Combining the results: When several converted documents need to become one file, Merge PDF joins them in the order you choose.
When people use ODT to PDF
Public sector documents
Share reports drafted in open formats with citizens and partners who don't use LibreOffice.
Papers from LibreOffice Writer
Submit essays and research papers written in Writer as PDFs that institutions accept.
Sending to Word users
Avoid formatting surprises when a colleague opens your ODT in different software by sending a PDF.
Limitations to know
ODT to PDF needs LibreOffice on the server and converts one document per job. Fonts the server lacks are substituted, and password-protected documents must be unlocked first. The ODT remains your editable source. The PDF is a fixed copy.
ODT to PDF: common questions
Which programs create ODT files?
LibreOffice Writer and Apache OpenOffice use ODT by default, and Microsoft Word, Google Docs and Collabora Online can all save documents in it.
Will the fonts change?
Only if the document uses fonts the server doesn't have. Those are replaced with similar fonts. It can move line breaks slightly.
Can I convert a password-protected ODT?
No. Remove the password in your editor first, then convert the file.
Why is this tool unavailable on some servers?
It needs LibreOffice installed on the server. When LibreOffice is missing, VelloDoc reports that clearly.