How to Convert ODT to PDF: 2 Easy Ways
In the world of digital documents, converting from one format to another is one of the most frequent cases. One of these most commonly converted formats is ODT to PDF. There are many reasons why we often need to transition between these two formats. Whatever it is, sharing, printing, or storing, none of them are impossible without that conversion.
In this article, we are going to enlighten 2 various solutions of ODT to PDF converter. These methods enable us to go through the process thoroughly and understand how this conversion should be done.
What is an ODT document?
ODT stands for OpenDocument Text, which is a word-processing file format. It is part of the OpenDocument Format (ODF) standard maintained by the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS).
ODT files are edited in programs such as LibreOffice and Apache Open-Office, among others, which support the ODF standard. ODTs store different kinds of media objects such as text, pictures or tables.
Being non-proprietary and having a well-structured data representation as XML-based, ODT usually comes with out-of-the-box strong preservation and access measures. That is to say, with its well-defined, structured data format, ODT documents can be kept in the original readable extension over time.
How to convert ODT to PDF?
Icecream PDF Converter
Icecream PDF Converter allows you to transform any document, images, eBook or another file to PDF format and do the opposite - to other formats. The software delivers an easy-to-use interface and batch conversion, which allows to deal with your documents in bulk.
To convert an ODT file to PDF using this app, follow these simple steps:
- Download the free PDF converter for PC. Install and then open it.
- Pick the "To PDF" mode. Click the "Add file" button and browse the ODT you want to convert to PDF. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the file directly into the converter's window.
- With the gear icon, you can customize the document's settings according to your preferences. Enter the new filename, title, publisher, and add the password. Select the destination folder where you want the converted PDF file to be saved.
- Hit the "Convert" button to initiate the processing.
- Once the conversion is complete, you can navigate to the output folder you selected earlier to find the PDF.
Pros:
- User-Friendly Interface. This handy PDF converter comes with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. Individuals with different skillsets can easily navigate through the application and complete the conversion process. The design is neat and uncluttered to ensure that the workflow remains smooth.
- Batch Conversion. The software operates on a batch-processing model to convert multiple files in one go and save your precious time and efforts.
- Reliable Performance. The converter is known for its reliable performance and accurate conversion results. It ensures that the formatting, layout, and content of the original documents are preserved during the conversion process, maintaining the integrity of the files.
- Offline Availability. This is a desktop free PDF conversion application, which means it can be used offline without requiring an internet connection. This feature provides users with the flexibility to convert documents securely.
- Wide Range of Supported Formats. The supported formats for conversion to and from PDF include DOCX, XLSX, and others, as well as image formats such as JPG and PNG.
Consequently, in our opinion Icecream PDF Converter is an absolute must have for those who wish to save Open Office files in the PDF format. Its intuitive GUI, variety of supported file formats and ability to work with multiple documents simultaneously makes it a true multitool for document processing.
LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a free and open-source productivity software, which includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentations, a graphics editor, and more. It can open a variety of file types, including extensions using the OpenDocument Format (ODF), and its competitors’ formats (including those of Microsoft Office); and it can export to PDF files.
To convert an ODT file to PDF with the program follow these steps:
- Download the program and complete the installation process. Launch the application.
- Click "Open File", then browse for the ODT document for conversion.
- Navigate to the "File" menu. Select "Export As". From the dropdown menu, choose "Export as PDF...".
- In the new dialog box, you can configure various options such as page range, image compression, and security settings. Adjust them as needed. Hit "Export" to proceed.
- Enter the filename and pick the folder for storing the document. Press "Save".
- Navigate to the destination folder you specified earlier to find the converted PDF file.
Pros:
- No Cost. You can convert ODT to PDF for free. No expensive application is needed. People, businesses, and institutions can all save money by using this app.
- Open-Source. Since the app is open-source, this means it can be modified and constantly adapted by a collective of coders from all around the world. It constantly grows, updates, and innovates, ensuring that the users stay on the edge of technology.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility. The PDF converter is available for multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This ensures compatibility across different platforms and provides flexibility for users who work in diverse environments.
- Feature-Rich. There is a comprehensive suite of productivity tools. In addition, it supports a wide range of file formats, allowing users to work with various types of documents seamlessly.
- Interoperability. The program supports both its native OpenDocument Format (ODF) and Microsoft Office formats (e.g., DOCX, XLSX, PPTX), facilitating interoperability with other office suites and ensuring compatibility when exchanging documents with users of different software.
Cons:
- User Interface. Functional, but with so many different tools available, some users might find it a little cluttered.
- Compatibility Issues. Documents might look slightly different when opened elsewhere, and certain features might not be compatible with other applications that do not use the same proprietary XML standard.
- Resource Consumption. The software may consume a lot of resources such as memory and the CPU. Especially when dealing with a lot of large and complex documents.
Overall, LibreOffice remains a popular choice for users seeking a free, open-source with lots of features office suite that provides cost-effective productivity solutions across multiple platforms.
PDF vs ODT
The table below highlights key aspects of both PDF and ODT formats.
| Feature | PDF (Portable Document Format) | ODT (OpenDocument Text) |
|---|---|---|
| File Extension | .odt | |
| Purpose | Universal format for sharing and distributing digital documents. | Open standard format for word processing documents. |
| Compatibility | Works with most systems and devices. | Usually supported by software with ODF capabilities. |
| Editability | In general, not editable, except with specialized software. | Very easily editable, using any standard word processor such as LibreOffice. |
| Formatting | Preserves document layout. | Maintains layout and structure, and supports rich formatting. |
| Interactivity | Supports hyperlinks, bookmarks, and multimedia elements. | Limited support for interactivity, primarily text-based. |
| Security | Offers security features like password protection. | Supports encryption and password protection. |
| File Size | Can be large, especially for documents with images. | Generally smaller compared to equivalent PDF files. |
| Metadata | Supports metadata such as author, title, and keywords. | Allows for metadata inclusion and customization. |
| Accessibility | May require additional steps for accessibility compliance. | Supports accessibility features like alt text and headings. |
| Preservation | Suitable for archiving and preserving document integrity. | Designed for long-term preservation and compatibility. |
Why convert ODT to PDF?
PDFs are cross-platform – you can open them on almost any device or operating system. This is particularly useful if the recipient doesn’t have an application that reads ODT files.
Another advantage is the fact that PDFs preserve the layout of the document in the original fonts and formatting. This enables the file to look exactly the same on different devices or software. This is particularly important for professional or formal communications.
Additionally, PDF format offers various security features, such as password protection and encryption, which can help safeguard sensitive information.
FAQ
- Can I convert encrypted ODT files to PDF?
- In most cases, you need to decrypt the document before converting it to PDF.
- Does changing from ODT to PDF affect the document's layout?
- Generally, the layout remains intact during conversion, but some complex formatting might require adjustments.
- Is the quality of images in the converted PDF file affected?
- The picture quality generally remains the same, but it may vary depending on the conversion tool and the complexity of the original document.
- Can I convert ODT files with embedded multimedia elements to PDF?
- It may not be feasible to translate multimedia, and they might need to be treated separately from the rest of the document, depending on which converter you use.
- Does the converted PDF retain hyperlinks from the original ODT file?
- Yes, hyperlinks are typically kept untouched during the conversion process, ensuring the integrity of linked content in the PDF document.
- Can I convert ODT files with footnotes, endnotes, and annotations to PDF?
- Yes, all these formatting and annotating elements are typically preserved during conversion, maintaining the document's scholarly or editorial integrity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, converting ODT files to PDF gives flexibility and easiness in how you share, distribute and preserve your documents.
As discussed above, many programs are available to facilitate this process and we just showed you two of the most efficient and user-friendly – Icecream PDF Converter and LibreOffice. Having these apps at hand, you can freely convert their ODT files into the most popular PDF format.
The described conversion methods will empower you to effectively manage your digital documents while ensuring compatibility and integrity across various platforms and devices. Try them now!
Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps
