PDF to ODT – A Friendly Guide You Can Use
Converting PDF to ODT means turning a PDF file into an ODT file (OpenDocument Text) used by programs like LibreOffice Writer, OpenOffice, etc. After conversion, you can edit text, images, layouts in a word-processor.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
What “PDF to ODT” means
Why convert PDF to ODT
What may change or be lost during conversion
Methods to convert (desktop, online, apps)
Best tools (external)
Mistakes to avoid
A detailed example
FAQs
Internal links (three times) and external links exactly twice
Let’s begin!
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Table of Contents
What Does “PDF to ODT” Mean?
Why Convert PDF to ODT?
Limitations & What Changes
Methods to Convert PDF to ODT
4.1 Desktop / Offline Tools
4.2 Online Converters
4.3 Apps / Mobile ToolsTop Tools for PDF → ODT Conversion
Benefits of ODT Format
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
Step-by-Step Example: PDF → ODT
FAQs
PDF to ODT converter
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1. What Does “PDF to ODT” Mean?
When you convert PDF to ODT, you convert a PDF document into the ODT format (OpenDocument Text). ODT is used by LibreOffice Writer, OpenOffice Writer, and similar editors. After conversion:
You can edit text, change images, rearrange layout.
The file is in a word processing format, not a fixed page format.
PDF is like a sealed picture of your document; ODT is like working file where you can change things.
2. Why Convert PDF to ODT?
You might want to convert PDF to ODT for these reasons:
To edit text or correct mistakes
To reuse content in LibreOffice or OpenOffice
To change formatting (fonts, margins)
To make a fillable document
To collaborate using free open source software
ODT is more flexible, especially when you want to work with content.
3. Limitations & What Changes
Converting PDF to ODT is not perfect. Some things may change or be lost:
Complex layout (columns, tables, images) may shift
Fonts missing in ODT may be substituted
PDF elements like background, watermarks, header/footer may not convert cleanly
If PDF was scanned (images), you’ll need OCR to detect text
Some styling (colors, bold, italics) may not map exactly
So always review the ODT file and adjust minor things after conversion.
4. Methods to Convert PDF to ODT
You can convert using desktop tools, online converters, or mobile / app tools.
4.1 Desktop / Offline Tools
Using a program on your computer often gives more privacy and control.
LibreOffice / OpenOffice: Some versions let you open PDF or import content, then save as ODT. But support is limited.
Pandoc: A powerful document converter that supports converting formats including ODT. Wikipedia
Offline PDF editing suites: Some PDF editors support “export as ODT” or “save as writer document” features (but rarer).
Advantage: files stay on your computer, no upload needed.
4.2 Online Converters
These are easiest — upload, convert, download.
Here are good ones (external):
Convertio — PDF to ODT converter. Convertio
PDF24 Tools — PDF to ODT free online converter. PDF24 Tools
Zamzar — convert PDF to ODT in minutes. Zamzar
FreeConvert — PDF → ODT conversion. FreeConvert
Online2PDF — supports PDF → ODT. Online2PDF.com
Online-Convert.com — PDF to ODT option. online-convert.com
PDF Candy — convert PDF to ODT. PDF Candy
To use:
Go to the converter website.
Upload or drag & drop your PDF.
Select ODT as output.
Start conversion.
Download the converted file.
Be mindful of file size limits and privacy policies.
4.3 Apps / Mobile Tools
On phone or tablet:
Some PDF apps let you export or share as ODT (if they support ODT).
Online converters work via mobile browser too.
5. Top Tools for PDF → ODT Conversion
Here are two prominent tools (external) to mention:
Convertio (PDF to ODT) — popular, easy to use. Convertio
PDF24 Tools (PDF to ODT) — free, reliable online service. PDF24 Tools
These are good references for your readers to try.
6. Benefits of ODT Format
Why ODT is good:
It’s editable in free software like LibreOffice / OpenOffice
You can change content, formatting, layout
It’s open standard (not proprietary)
Good for collaboration in open source environments
Smaller file size for typical documents
Converting PDF to ODT unlocks editing power in open source tools.
7. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
Be careful not to:
Skip OCR when PDF is just images → result must have real text
Use bad converters that corrupt formatting
Forget to check font mismatches
Not adjust layout after conversion
Trust random converters for sensitive documents
Always test with one page and examine the result.
8. Step-by-Step Example: PDF → ODT
Let’s convert using PDF24:
Go to PDF24 Tools → PDF to ODT converter (online). PDF24 Tools
Upload your PDF file (drag or click).
The tool shows conversion progress.
Download the ODT file when done.
Open in LibreOffice Writer and review layout, text, images.
Make fixes (fonts, alignment, margins).
Another example via Convertio:
Visit Convertio → PDF to ODT. Convertio
Upload PDF.
Convert.
Download ODT.
Open and check.
If your PDF is scanned, use converter that supports OCR (if available) to get actual text in ODT.
9. FAQs
Q: Can I convert scanned PDF to ODT?
A: Yes, if the converter supports OCR (Optical Character Recognition). Otherwise, text remains image and won’t be editable.
Q: Will formatting (fonts, styles) remain exactly same?
A: Usually close, but minor changes may occur. You may need to fix fonts or layout after conversion.
Q: Is it safe to upload PDF to online converters?
A: Many tools use HTTPS and delete files after a short time, but for sensitive docs use offline or trusted converters.
Q: Can I convert multiple PDFs to ODT at once (batch)?
A: Some online or desktop tools support batch conversion. Check tool’s features.
Q: Do embedded images convert properly?
A: Usually, but sometimes images may shift, lose clarity, or be imported differently.
Q: Can LibreOffice directly open PDF and save as ODT?
A: LibreOffice Draw can open PDFs sometimes, but direct ODT saving from PDF is not always supported. Many users prefer a dedicated converter first. Zamzar+1