One of the main differences between LibreOffice and Office, Microsoft‘s office suite, is the document format used by default. The Document Foundation suite uses a file format known as OpenDocument Format. This format stands out mainly for offering us an open format, which has become a standard. In this way, any developer can include it within their programs without compatibility problems or “patches” as occurs with the Microsoft format.
ODF has been on the market for a relatively short time compared to DOC or DOCX. Therefore, it still lacks functions and features that allow it to continue growing as an alternative to Microsoft’s Open XML formats. And recently, OASIS has just confirmed that the new OpenDocument Format 1.3 has become a new standard.
What is the Open Document Format (ODF)
The open document format, or OpenDocument Format, is the format used by default by the LibreOffice suite programs, and by other office suites, by default. These documents are known because, instead of using the well-known Microsoft Office extension DOCX , they use different extensions, such as .odt, .ods, .odp or .odg, depending on the program with which they were created.
The OpenDocument format is developed by OASIS, which is currently also in charge of its maintenance and its corresponding updates. It is a format, based on XML, that can work independently of applications. Every time changes are made to the format, it is sent to ISO for approval as a standard.
Although Office uses its own proprietary file format, Microsoft’s suite also supports documents saved in OpenDocument Format. Every time, this open format has fewer differences with the Microsoft format, which is good news since, thanks to this, all office suites are increasingly compatible with all formats.
What’s new in the new ODF 1.3
The development of this new version of the standard has been frozen since the summer of last year. Since then, although functions were already finished, the last months of development have focused on debugging to be able to pass the standard controls.
The novelties included in the new version of this document format can be divided into two. The first one is the support to be able to sign documents . Until now, ODT, and other open ODF formats, did not support digital signatures, and it was a highly required feature by users. Finally, as of the new OpenDocument Format 1.3, it is now possible to include a digital signature within this file format. The second of the most important novelties is the support for encryption based on OpenPGP . From now on we will be able to send encrypted documents in this format to improve their security and prevent unauthorized anyone from accessing the content.
In addition, this new version also improves change tracking, document security and allows you to add more details to document elements.
Thanks to these new features, ODF is one step closer to being a perfect format for companies and organizations. The new security, signature and encryption measures of version 1.3 are sure to be well received, especially with regard to the use of suites such as LibreOffice within public administrations.