This is the third and final post on the topic of the artificial complexity of the OOXML format. This complexity is the result of careful design aimed at preventing interoperability. Developers have to deal
Open Document Format Archive
10 Oct 2025
The artificial complexity of OOXML files (the PPTX case)
03 Oct 2025
The artificial complexity of OOXML files (the DOCX case)
The complexity of the OOXML format is linked to its design and was deliberately created to make the format more difficult for non-Microsoft software developers to implement. Compatibility issues are caused by a veritable “maze”
27 Sep 2025
The artificial complexity of OOXML files (the XLSX case)
The post, published on 18 July 2025, which explained why an artificially complex XML schema, such as that used by Microsoft 365 (formerly Microsoft Office) files, is in fact a subtle tool for locking in
12 Sep 2025
How to resolve common compatibility issues with ODF files
Troubleshooting opening, formatting, and data loss issues with Open Document Format files
ODF files are great for sharing documents across multiple platforms, but they don’t always work perfectly, especially when using Microsoft Office or other software based on proprietary formats. If you’ve encountered problems opening,
15 Aug 2025
Guide to migrating from proprietary formats to ODF
In the digital world, document formats are essential. Proprietary formats such as Microsoft Word’s DOCX or Excel’s XLSX dominate the workplace, but at the same time they lock users into a specific vendor and
08 Aug 2025
Best practices for creating and editing Open Document Format (ODF) files
Adhering to these guidelines can enhance productivity and guarantee that documents remain consistent, robust and accessible over time, irrespective of the platform.
Firstly, use an editor such as LibreOffice that natively supports the format without