.ODS File Extension

ODS files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: OpenDocument Spreadsheet

Files with .ods extension stand for OpenDocument Spreadsheet Document format. Data is stored inside ODF file into rows and columns. It is XML-based format and is part of the ODF 1.2 specifications pub...

General Information

Title ODS File Extension
Extension .ods
Full Form OpenDocument Spreadsheet
File Type Spreadsheet File
Developer OASIS
MIME Type application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.spreadsheet

File Function

Primary Function Data storage, Organization
Additional Functions Data analysis, Reporting
Features Open format, Interoperable

File Characteristics

Quality Highly structured
Supports Layers Multiple sheets
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Financial Analysis Yes
Data Management Yes
Reporting Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Macro viruses
Best Practices Signature verification, Macro security

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release May 2005
Latest Version OpenDocument 1.3 (2020)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .odt, .odp, .ods, .odg

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
LibreOffice Calc Free Windows, Mac, Linux
Apache OpenOffice Calc Free Windows, Mac, Linux
Microsoft Excel Commercial Windows, Mac

Type 2: Outlook Express 5 Mailbox

Outlook Express 5 uses a Folders.ods file. This file contains an index of mailboxes. If deleted, Outlook Express recreates it at startup. Only versions 4 and 5 of Outlook Express open ODS folders. The...

General Information

Title ODS File Extension
Extension .ods
Full Form Outlook Express 5 Mailbox
File Type Mailbox File
Developer Microsoft
MIME Type application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.spreadsheet

File Function

Primary Function Store emails
Additional Functions Store attachments, configuration

File Characteristics

Quality Depends on content
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Email Storage Yes
Data Transfer Yes
Backup Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Data leakage
Best Practices Regular backups, encryption

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1997
Latest Version Outlook Express 6 (2001)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .pst, .mbox, .eml

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Outlook Express Part of Windows Windows
Microsoft Outlook Subscription Windows, Mac
Mozilla Thunderbird Free Windows, Mac, Linux