If your MS-Word files are suddenly saving as .odt instead of .docx, you are not alone. It usually happens when the default save format gets changed, often after opening files from tools like LibreOffice or Apache OpenOffice.
The problem is that ODT files don’t always play nicely with Word. Formatting can shift, many features can break, and things like macros or design elements may not even work.
Now, let me tell you how to fix this problem.
Why MS-Word Saves Files in ODT Format
The .odt (Open Document Text) format is one of the open source file formats. Although MS-Word supports the .odt format, it does not support every feature or function in that file format. Therefore, when Word saves a file in an .odt format, certain features are removed or converted, and the formatting may be altered.
Additionally, advanced tools such as macros, themes, or watermarks will not work with the ODT, so most users prefer the .docx format because it is the native Word format.
How to Stop Saving in ODT Format
To stop saving in ODT format, change the format by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Open MS-Word
Step 2: Click on File
Step 3: Go to Options
Step 4: Select Save
Step 5: Find “Save files in this format”
Step 6: Change it to a Word Document (*.docx)
Step 7: Click OK
That’s it. MS-Word will now save everything in .docx by default.
What is the problem with the ODT Format?
The major problems with the ODT format are that it doesn’t work at all on macros, document protection, or watermarks. They even change the original layout of your content. Your document may look fine at first, but things can break when reopened or shared.
Only use ODT if you are working with open-source tools like LibreOffice or if you need cross-platform compatibility. Otherwise, stick to .docx. It’s safer and more reliable.
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