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 with a veritable “maze” of tags, even for the simplest content. This binds users to the Microsoft ecosystem, providing the first example of standard-based lock-in.…
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” of tags used even for the simplest content, which binds users to the Microsoft ecosystem in the first example of standard-based lock-in.…
15 Sep 2025
TDF Annual Report 2024
The Annual Report of The Document Foundation describes the foundation’s activities and projects, especially in regard to LibreOffice and the Document Liberation Project.
We’ve been posting sections of the 2024 report here on the blog, and now the full version is available in PDF format on TDF’s Nextcloud server in two different versions: low resolution (6.6MB) and high resolution (56.2MB).…
09 Sep 2025
New “LibreOffice Expert 2025/2026” magazines available for schools and local communities
A few weeks ago, Linux New Media released an updated version of its “LibreOffice Expert” magazine, which contains tutorials, tips and tricks about the office suite. And some articles were contributed by members of the LibreOffice community! The magazines come with DVDs that include LibreOffice for Linux, Windows and macOS, alongside extra templates, extensions, videos and guidebooks.…
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 conversion. This preserves the nuances of the ODF XML structure, supports all its features and reduces the risk of formatting issues or data loss.…
25 Jul 2025
Understanding ODF File Types: .odt, .ods, .odp, and Beyond
If you’ve ever wondered what those .odt, .ods, or .odp files are all about – or if you’ve stumbled across them and weren’t sure what to do – this post is for you.
.odt: The Open Document Text File
Think of .odt as the open counterpart to .docx. It’s the default file format for LibreOffice Writer.…