What is an .ODP file?

Developers created the .ODP file to be a universally accepted presentation file type to be across various presentation programmes. Once an integral part of the OpenOffice suite, but now used by similar successors and other free presentation software, an .ODP file contains a series of presentation slides.

These slides may contain text, images, videos and animation, among other things.

What does .ODP stand for?

.ODP stands for OpenDocument Presentation - as OpenDocument was a text editing programme in the OpenOffice Suite.

While OpenOffice was eventually discontinued, its programmes were adopted and maintained by similar projects. Because of this, despite the fact that .ODP’s original office suite is no longer operational, the name, purpose and original intention looks as though it’s here to stay.

History of the .ODP file.

First released in the late 90s, the .ODP format has been through numerous changes and been handled by a variety of companies. Open-source means that the software can be downloaded, changed and shared for free.

While OpenOffice is no longer maintained or updated, there have been several offshoots that took the existing content and began independent development. Today LibreOffice is the most popular of these, actively developing and improving the .ODP files and the wider OpenOffice suite.

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What are .ODP files used for?

Creating and designing presentations.

One of the easiest ways to create presentations is via presentation focused software. While some specific programmes have a default file type, most will also accept and save in the .ODP format. So, whether you want to share the latest workplace developments or create a fun showreel of your latest holiday snaps, .ODP can help you to create sleek and professional presentations.

Saving and sharing presentations.

.ODP files are used for saving and sharing presentations. Because .ODP files are universally recognised, they can be used and understood by numerous presentation software. These include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Microsoft PowerPoint 365.
  • Google Slides.
  • LibreOffice.
  • Apache OpenOffice.
  • Calligra Suite.

You can also open .ODP files in Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android systems.

Find out more about other document file types and open doc formats today.

Pros and cons of .ODP files.

Pros.

  • Universally compatible file type. One of the components of open software is the accessibility and reliability it offers. ODP is a great example of a file type that can be used by multiple programmes effectively and efficiently. With .ODP, you can share the presentations you’ve created across multiple programmes.
  • Free and open software. If you don’t have the budget for Microsoft PowerPoint 365 or simply want to save costs, .ODP can help. Free presentation software often relies on .ODP as its default file format and, unlike free online options, most programs using .ODP can also be used off-line.

Cons.

  • Support may eventually stop. Open-sourced software such as LibreOffice began because OpenOffice wasn’t maintained as well as it could be. While there are no foreseeable plans for LibreOffice and similar companies to give up on their software, there’s no guarantee they’ll maintain support in the future.
  • Other presentation software is more popular. Applications such as PowerPoint are widely used in the business world, so presentations using this software and format may be expected or encouraged for your own pitches and presentations in the workplace.

How to open an .ODP file.

.ODP is a hugely compatible file type so opening an .ODP file should be easy. First, you’ll need a programme capable of opening .ODP files. If you don’t have one install already, you can find free versions with LibreOffice and Apache online.

  1. Double click the .ODP file you want to open. If it doesn’t open, right click the file and find Open with
  2. From here, find your presentation software, select it and press OK.

If you’d prefer to use online software, you can also open .ODP files in Google Slides. To do this, simply:

  1. Open Google Slides
  2. Open File and select Open, alternatively press Ctrl+O (⌘ + O)
  3. From here, simply find your chosen .ODP file, select it and press Open.

How to create and edit an .ODP file.

To create an .ODP file, you’ll need presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint 365, open-source software or online software. Start by opening your programme of choice and start working on your presentation.

When you’re ready to create your .ODP file, save your presentation. Typically, this can be done by heading to ‘File’ followed by ‘Save As’. When confirming the details of your file save, make sure that you select the .ODP format.

How to convert ODP to PDF.

Many file types can be converted to PDF using Adobe Acrobat’s free online tools.

Simply drag and drop the file you wish to make into a PDF or upload it and then choose ‘Save As’ when you are done.

Alternatively, you can first convert your .ODP to a PPT file - and then use Adobe’s PPT to PDF converter quickly and easily to do the rest.

Learn more about similar file types to .ODP.

.ODF

Learn more about the open-source file format, designed to be accessible, easy to use and most of all, free.

.ODT

OpenDocument, better known as .ODT, is an open-source text processor. Explore the history, uses and benefits of .ODT today.

.PPT

For many users, Microsoft’s PowerPoint programme paved the way for presentation software and is still a staple of their working life. Discover everything you need to know about .PPT today.

.PPTX

The latest and updated version of Microsoft’s PowerPoint file type, find out more about the modern .PPTX file.

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.ODP File Format: FAQs

How do you open an .ODP file on a Mac?

You can open .ODP files on a Mac the same way you might open them on Windows, using OpenOffice. For example, In Microsoft PowerPoint, you would start by going to File > Open. From there, you’d need to find your file of choice and select Open. You might see a notification asking permission to convert your file, if this is the first time you’ve opened an .ODP file on the device.

What is the difference between an .ODP and a PDF?

An .ODP file is an open-source document designed to share and save presentations. A PDF is a versatile document created by Adobe and used for a multitude of different work and personal purposes. Both can contain text and images. ODP files can be changed within presentation programmes, while PDFs can be edited and even signed online.

How do I convert .ODP to PowerPoint?

One of the easiest ways to convert an .ODP file is in PowerPoint. Start by opening your .ODP file in Microsoft PowerPoint 365. Head to File > Save as, find the Save as type drop down bar and select your chosen file type. If you want to convert your .ODP file to PowerPoint, then select PowerPoint Presentation.

Can Adobe open ODP files?

Yes, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Acrobat DC can both read ODP files.

To open an ODP file in Adobe Acrobat Reader, simply navigate to the "File" menu, select "Open," and then locate and select the ODP file you wish to open. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the ODP file directly into the Acrobat Reader window.

Once the file is open, you can view and navigate the slide show presentation within the Adobe software. Note that some features of the original ODP file may not be fully supported in Adobe Acrobat, so you may experience some limitations when viewing or editing the file.

Is an ODP document editable?

Yes, you can edit .ODP files using presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or LibreOffice. Google Slides can also open .ODP files and let you edit the contents. Once you’ve opened your .ODP files you can add or remove slides, edit text, add images and much more.

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