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File conversion

Convert ODS to OTS

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Sep 2, 2026
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Is it possible to convert ODS to OTS?
Yes - ODS converts to OTS.

Open the .ods file in LibreOffice Calc and choose File > Save As > ODF Spreadsheet Template (.ots). All cell data, formulas, styles, and charts carry over intact - only the MIME type inside the archive changes.

3 programs
Also to OTS: STC

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert ODS to OTS?

People save ODS files as OTS when they want a master file - a monthly report, budget sheet, or invoice form - that opens a fresh unnamed copy on double-click instead of the original, preventing accidental edits. Both ODS and OTS are part of the OpenDocument standard introduced in 2005 and share identical internal ZIP/XML structure.

How to convert ODS to OTS

LibreOffice Calc FREE

Open the .ods file, go to File > Save As, and choose ODF Spreadsheet Template (.ots) from the format list. All content, formulas, and styles are preserved.

Apache OpenOffice Calc (OpenOffice.org Calc) FREE

Open the .ods file and use File > Save As, then select ODF Spreadsheet Template (.ots) as the file type.

NeoOffice APP

Open the .ods file in NeoOffice and use File > Save As to select the OTS template format.

Programs that convert ODS

NeoOffice
Apache OpenOffice Calc (OpenOffice.org Calc)
LibreOffice Calc

About these formats

.ODS OpenDocument Spreadsheet

An ODS file is an OpenDocument Spreadsheet, the vendor-neutral format standardized by OASIS in 2005 and used natively by LibreOffice Calc and Apache OpenOffice. You can open it in…

Open .ODS details →
.OTS OpenDocument Spreadsheet Template

An OTS file is an OpenDocument Spreadsheet Template - the template counterpart to .ods, used in LibreOffice Calc and Apache OpenOffice. Opening an .ots file creates a new unnamed…

Open .OTS details →

Quality & what to watch

  • ODS and OTS are structurally identical; the only difference is the MIME type stored inside the ZIP: application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.spreadsheet-template instead of the spreadsheet MIME.
  • Double-clicking an .ots file opens a new unnamed copy; to edit the template itself, use File > Open inside LibreOffice rather than double-clicking.
  • Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets do not recognise the .ots template role and open it as a plain spreadsheet.

Frequently asked questions

Is any data lost when converting ODS to OTS?
No. All cell data, formulas, named ranges, conditional formatting, charts, and embedded images carry over intact.
Can I convert OTS back to ODS?
Yes - open the .ots file in LibreOffice Calc and use File > Save As > ODF Spreadsheet (.ods); the process is fully reversible.
Can Excel open an OTS file?
Excel can open .ots as a regular spreadsheet but does not recognise its template behaviour; double-clicking opens the file itself rather than creating a new unnamed copy.
Can I also use LibreOffice's template manager instead of Save As?
Yes - File > Templates > Save As Template stores the file in LibreOffice's internal template folder so it appears in the New Document dialog.