ODS File Extension

What is ODS file?

Files with the .ODS extension contain compressed spreadsheet files, stored in an open format based on XML. The ODS standard, which is an element of the ODF specification for office suite documents, was created on the basis of the OpenOffice.org spreadsheet format, while currently the format is developed and maintained by an independent organisation – OASIS. It is an open alternative for some of the proprietary formats, such as XLS.

A ODS spreadsheet may include:

• 2D sets of tables with data,
• Various formulas and functions processing this data,
• Visualisations of the data, for instance – charts,
• Macro functions.

Compatibility of ODS format with software

ODS spreadsheets support a wide range of functionalities of Microsoft Office suite formats, however they are not identical. Current versions of Microsoft office suite partially supports ODS files, formerly – in order to open such files, proper plugins needed to be installed. There are several office suites, also free ones, to which the ODS format is native for spreadsheet files. Also, the formats can be converted one into another.

Programs which support ODS file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open ODS files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. ODS files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 04/30/2023

How to open file with ODS extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening ODS files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with ODS extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Apache OpenOffice software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening ODS files is that no program that can handle ODS files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Apache OpenOffice or one to the listed programs: Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice, IBM Lotus Symphony. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Apache OpenOffice installed is by going to developer’s website (Apache Software Foundation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Apache OpenOffice to the latest version

If you already have Apache OpenOffice installed on your systems and ODS files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Apache OpenOffice cannot handle files with ODS may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Apache OpenOffice is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate OpenDocument Spreadsheet files with Apache OpenOffice

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate ODS files with latest version of Apache OpenOffice you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the ODS with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Apache OpenOffice is installed, check the Always use this app to open ODS files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected ODS file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with ODS extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the ODS file is complete and free of errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper ODS file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the ODS in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the ODS is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the ODS file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic ODS file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with ODS extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Apache OpenOffice

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with ODS extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with OpenDocument Spreadsheet file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle ODS files.

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