The group behind LibreOffice says Microsoft gamed the international vote that made Word's DOCX format an official standard in 2008.
The Document Foundation, which makes LibreOffice, laid out its case in a blog post on 23 October.
It's an old fight, but it raises a question worth answering for your own files: should you save as DOCX or ODT?
What LibreOffice Is Claiming
DOCX is the file format behind Word, and its official name is Office Open XML, or OOXML.
LibreOffice uses a different standard, OpenDocument, whose text files end in ODT.
According to The Document Foundation, Microsoft pushed DOCX through the ISO standards process in a way that was never meant for it.
- Too big to review. The specification ran to about 6,000 pages, yet it went through a "fast-track" process meant for short, finished documents.
- Packed committees. National committees suddenly filled with new members - Italy's went from 5 to more than 80, many linked to Microsoft and its partners.
- Rejected, then approved. ISO members voted the format down in September 2007, then approved it by a narrow margin in April 2008.
- Not the version that was approved. Office then used a looser "Transitional" version of the format, not the "Strict" one ISO signed off.
Keep in mind that The Document Foundation is Microsoft's direct rival in office software. Microsoft hasn't responded publicly to the post.
DOCX or ODT - Which Should You Use?
For most people, the answer depends on who opens the file next. Here's the quick version.
| Save as | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| DOCX | Sending files to people who use Word, or to work and school | Complex layouts can shift slightly in LibreOffice and other free apps |
| ODT | Files you write and keep in LibreOffice, and long-term archives | Word opens ODT, but some formatting can change |
| Final versions that must look the same on every device | Not meant for editing - keep the original too |
The Strict version of DOCX is still hidden in Word. In Save As, it's listed as "Strict Open XML Document", while the normal "Word Document" option saves the looser Transitional version.
Free Apps That Open Both
You don't need Microsoft 365 to work with DOCX files. LibreOffice opens and saves both DOCX and ODT for free.
WordCraft is a newer free option with a Word-style ribbon. It reads and writes DOCX and ODT, but it's still in early testing, so keep a copy of anything important.
Just need to read a file someone sent you? The free DOCX file viewer and ODT file viewer open them in your browser, with nothing to install.
Sharing a final version?
Save it as a PDF. It looks the same everywhere, opens in the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, and you can still make small changes with PdfCraft.
Quick questions
Can Word open ODT files?
Yes. Word for Windows opens and saves ODT files, but complex formatting such as tables, fonts and page layout can change slightly.
Is DOCX an open standard?
Officially, yes - ISO approved it in 2008. The Document Foundation argues the approval was gamed and that Office uses a different version from the one approved.
Can LibreOffice open DOCX files?
Yes. LibreOffice opens and saves DOCX, so you can swap files with Word users. Very complex documents may need small layout fixes.
Which format is best for keeping files for years?
ODT is a good choice if you use LibreOffice, because it's an open standard that many apps read. For a copy that never changes, also save a PDF.
What is Strict Open XML in Word?
It's the stricter version of DOCX that ISO approved. Word can save it from the Save As list, but its normal DOCX option uses the looser Transitional version.
The fight over who wrote the DOCX rules is old, but the practical answer is simple - DOCX for sharing with Word users, ODT for your own files, PDF for the final copy.
Try WordCraft for free, or tell us which format you save in.
Latest news comments
AllInteresting development with the Fire TV Stick 4K — losing Kodi sideloading is a big deal for a lot of users. For those ...
News: The New Fire TV Stick 4K Can't Run Kodi - Here's Which Fire Stick Still Can 3 commentsBrave just enabled it by default for stable users yesterday (1.97). Not specified is chromeOS will be passively gaining decode capability too, and ...
Team replied News: JPEG XL Is Back in Chrome: What It Means and How to Open JXL Files 1 commentI didn't know it was EU, AND france. That doesn't sound like a good idea. Related to coding or privacy.
News: Meet Qwant: The Private, EU-Built Alternative to Google 1 comment