February 1, 2026
Format wars: who owns your files?
The philosophy behind ODF: openness, freedom and control – TDF Community Blog
Fans cheer open files and shout “my docs, my rules” — Microsoft gets the side‑eye
TLDR: The post argues ODF is an open, transparent file format that keeps your documents future‑proof and not tied to one company. Early readers are supportive, while the age‑old debate—open standards versus Microsoft convenience—simmers, reminding everyone that file choices are really about control and access.
The Document Foundation just dropped a love letter to the Open Document Format (ODF), calling it about openness, freedom, and control—not just geeky file stuff. Translation: ODF (the native format of LibreOffice) is an open, public recipe for files, while Microsoft Office’s formats live behind Redmond’s gates. That means anyone can build tools for ODF, your files aren’t chained to one company, and what you write today should still open decades from now. Big talk—and the community’s already nodding.
First out of the gate, user fithisux chimed in with a simple “served me very well,” and honestly, that’s the vibe: practical wins. Around the wider open‑source crowd, the usual fireworks flicker—ODF fans chanting “no one owns your docs,” while Office die‑hards argue “everyone sends DOCX, let’s be real.” The memes practically write themselves: “CTRL+S = Save… to one company?” and “My wedding invite opened as hieroglyphs” jokes make a comeback. Supporters hype the long‑term access angle, especially for schools and governments: public info should be readable with free tools. Critics counter with compatibility headaches and “but my macros!”
Bottom line: this post isn’t just about files—it’s about power. ODF says users stay in the driver’s seat; skeptics ask if the road is smooth enough for the masses. Choose your fighter: open standard or convenient lock‑in.
Key Points
- •ODF is an open, publicly specified standard for office documents and the native format of LibreOffice.
- •ODF’s openness allows implementation without permission or licensing, enabling developer and organizational flexibility.
- •The standard promotes long-term readability and durability of documents, independent of vendor decisions.
- •Multiple applications support ODF, enabling users to choose tools while maintaining compatibility, aiding public accessibility.
- •ODF’s open governance prevents unilateral changes; decisions are discussed and documented transparently.