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Convert ODT to XML - Extract Structured Document Content

Transform OpenDocument files into machine-readable XML for parsing, integration, and data extraction.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Why Convert ODT to XML?

ODT files from LibreOffice or OpenOffice store your content beautifully, but accessing that data programmatically is another story. When you need to feed document content into a database, content management system, or automated workflow, XML is the format that makes it happen.

Converting ODT files to XML extracts the text and structure in a clean, parseable format. Every paragraph, heading, and list becomes tagged data that scripts and applications can process without complex document parsing libraries.

How to Convert ODT to XML

  1. Upload your ODT file - Drag and drop or click to select your OpenDocument file
  2. Select XML as output - Choose XML from the available format options
  3. Download your XML - Get structured, tagged content ready for processing

The entire process runs in your browser. No software installation, no account registration, no waiting.

ODT vs XML: Understanding the Difference

ODT (OpenDocument Text) is actually a ZIP archive containing XML files internally, but those internal files follow the complex ODF specification with styling, formatting, and metadata intertwined. Our conversion extracts the content into a cleaner, simplified XML structure.

  • ODT - Document format optimized for editing and presentation
  • XML - Data format optimized for parsing and machine processing
  • ODT internal structure - Multiple XML files with ODF namespaces and styling
  • Converted XML - Single file with straightforward content markup

In our testing, the converted XML files are typically 60-70% smaller than the original ODT because styling information is stripped away, leaving pure content structure.

Common Use Cases

Content Management Systems

Migrating documents to a CMS? XML import is often the most reliable path. Convert your ODT files to XML and import the structured content directly into WordPress, Drupal, or custom CMS platforms.

Data Extraction and Analysis

Need to pull specific content from documents for reporting or analysis? XML makes it easy to query document content with XPath or parse it with any programming language.

Document Archiving

Long-term digital archives often prefer XML for its simplicity and future-proofing. Unlike proprietary formats, XML remains readable without specialized software decades from now.

Web Publishing Workflows

Converting ODT to XML is often a first step before transforming content to HTML using XSLT stylesheets. This gives you complete control over the output format.

What to Expect from the Conversion

The conversion preserves your document structure - headings, paragraphs, lists, and tables become XML elements. Here is what transfers well and what does not:

  • Preserved - Text content, paragraph structure, headings hierarchy, lists, basic tables
  • Simplified - Complex formatting becomes plain structure
  • Not included - Images, fonts, colors, page layout, headers/footers

If you need to preserve formatting and layout, consider converting to PDF instead. XML is specifically for when you need the data, not the presentation.

Works on Any Device

Our converter runs entirely in your browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • Tablets and smartphones

No plugins, no Java, no Flash. Just modern browser technology that works everywhere.

Pro Tip

If you need to process many ODT files programmatically, convert one to XML first to understand the output structure, then build your parsing logic around that schema before batch converting the rest.

Common Mistake

Expecting pixel-perfect formatting preservation. XML conversion is for data extraction, not document reproduction. Users wanting visual fidelity should use PDF conversion instead.

Best For

Developers and content managers who need to import document content into databases, CMS platforms, or automated workflows where structured data is required.

Not Recommended

When you need to preserve the visual appearance of the document. XML strips all formatting. Use PDF for archiving with layout intact, or HTML for web display with basic styling.

Frequently Asked Questions

ODT is a document format designed for word processing with formatting and layout. XML is a data markup language designed for storing and transporting structured information. ODT files actually contain XML internally, but in a complex format. Converting to plain XML extracts the content in a simpler, more accessible structure.

No, XML conversion extracts content structure (headings, paragraphs, lists) but not visual formatting (fonts, colors, spacing). This is intentional - XML is for data, not presentation. If you need formatting preserved, convert to PDF or HTML instead.

Not directly with the same formatting. The conversion extracts content structure but discards presentation information. You would need to apply new styling when converting XML back to a document format.

Any text editor, web browser, or programming environment can open XML files. Popular options include VS Code, Notepad++, Sublime Text, or specialized XML editors like Oxygen XML. Browsers like Chrome and Firefox also render XML with syntax highlighting.

Yes. The conversion happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your ODT file is processed locally on your device and never uploaded to any server. Your document content stays completely private.

Yes, batch conversion is supported. Upload multiple ODT files and convert them all to XML in a single session. Each file produces a separate XML output file.

The output uses a clean, hierarchical structure with elements for document sections, headings, paragraphs, and lists. The exact schema is designed for easy parsing rather than following a specific XML standard like DocBook or DITA.

Choose XML when you need to process, transform, or import the content into other systems. Choose HTML when you want to display the document in a web browser. XML is more flexible for data workflows; HTML is better for direct viewing.

Yes, tables are converted to XML table elements with rows and cells preserved. Complex table features like merged cells may be simplified in the conversion process.

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