What is an OTT file?
OTT files serve as foundational template documents, meticulously formatted to adhere to the international OASIS OpenDocument standard. You’ll typically create and utilize these templates within powerful, open-source word processors like OpenOffice Writer. The true utility of an OTT file lies in its ability to store a wide array of predefined settings. When you start a new document from a template, it automatically inherits these configurations—eliminating repetitive setup tasks. This includes consistent page margins, specific border styles, standardized headers and footers, and other essential page layout properties. Consequently, OTT templates are indispensable in professional and corporate environments, frequently serving as the official framework for company letterheads, business correspondence, and a variety of standardized forms to ensure brand consistency and operational efficiency.
Brief History
ODP file format specifications are based on the standard developed as ODF specifications. These specifications have evolved over past in the form of three versions developed and published by OASIS as follow:
2005: Version 1.0 was published in May 2005
2007: Version 1.1 was published in Feb 2007
2011: Version 1.2 was published in Sep 2011
There were pretty minor changes in transition from ODF 1.0 to 1.1 versions. The ODF 1.2 version is the latest version for ODF specifications and should be consulted by developers for development of applications related to ODS reading/writing.
Key Characteristics of the OTT File Format
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| File Extension | .OTT |
| Format Type | Open Standard (Zipped XML) |
| Full Name | OpenDocument Text Template |
| Primary Use | To create new documents with pre-defined formatting and content. |
| Associated Programs | LibreOffice Writer, Apache OpenOffice Writer, Microsoft Word (with compatibility) |
| Base Format | It is essentially a zipped package containing XML files for content, styles, settings, and embedded objects. |
| MIME Type | application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.text-template. |
File Format Specifications
OpenDocument format supports document representation as a single XML document as well as a collection of several subdocuments within a package as ZIP archive. Each of the files from the ZIP archive stores part of the complete document. Each subdocument stores a particular aspect of the document. For example, one subdocument contains the style information and another subdocument contains the content of the document. A typical ODF document has the following components:
- content.xml – Document content and automatic styles used in the content.
- styles.xml – Styles used in the document content and automatic styles used in the styles themselves.
- meta.xml – Document meta information, such as the author or the time of the last save action.
- settings.xml – Application-specific settings, such as the window size or printer information.
Besides these, in package can be many other subdocuments like document thumbnail, images, etc. Document files are the subset of ODF files where the content (sheets) is stored in //content.xml// subdocument.
FAQ
Q1: What is the main difference between an OTT and an ODT file?
A: An OTT is a template used to create new documents, while an ODT is the actual document file you edit and save.
Q2: Can I open an OTT file in Microsoft Word?
A: Yes, modern versions of Microsoft Word can open OTT files, but they may be treated as a regular document, and some formatting might not translate perfectly.
Q3: How do I create my own OTT template?
A: Design a document in LibreOffice or OpenOffice Writer with all your desired styles and content, then go to File > Save As and choose “OTT (OpenDocument Text Template)” as the file type.
Q4: Is the OTT format free to use?
A: Yes, the OTT format is an open international standard, free from licensing restrictions, making it free to use and implement.
Q5: Why does my OTT file open as a new, untitled document?
A: This is the intended behavior; it protects the original template from being altered and allows you to start a new document based on it immediately.
