Microsoft 365 now supports ODF 1.4 support in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Microsoft 365 Insiders have a special opportunity to try the ODF 1.4 support in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Redmond-based tech giant announced the new feature in its latest blog post.

With this change, ODF files in Microsoft 365 apps will now save only to the ODF 1.4 format. ODF 1.4 adds support for a number of features—which we’ll explore below—that are already supported by the Open Office XML format (.docx, .xlsx, and. pptx).

Microsoft

Firstly, ODF means OpenDocument Format. This is important because it’s a way to make documents, spreadsheets, and presentations better in how they are saved and shared. With support for ODF 1.4, Microsoft shows that they are doing more – files from Word, Excel, or PowerPoint will be saved as the newest version of this format.

But why is it so important? This update is filled with improvements that assure you that you will make your documents easier to access and the work process more efficient.

One of the most exciting parts about this update is the variety. Imagine being able to put tables in shapes in Word or start lists from nothing. For people who care a lot about looks, the update ensures images and shapes do not overlap, keeping your documents clean and organized.

For those using Excel, there are improvements like better adjustments for error values and the capacity to save color filter configurations. PowerPoint also has a rise in performance, with support for slide numbering starting from zero and improved text direction inside table cells.

You may be thinking, “How can I access these features?” It’s not complicated at all. If you are a Microsoft 365 Insider in the Beta Channel, then everything is already prepared for your discovery of these updates on Windows or Mac.

This feature is available in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to Beta Channel users running:

• Windows: Version 2404 (Build 17531.20078) or later
• Mac: Version 16.84 (Build 24041420) or later 

Microosoft

This update is an excellent addition for Microsoft 365 users. It improves functionality in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint while meeting the requirement of easier and quicker document management.

If you are a tech lover or like to try out new software updates, the new Microsoft 365 ODF support is worth checking into. Let us know your opinion on this.

In other news, Microsoft extended its AI model, Copilot, to various subscription plans. Regardless of their license, almost every Microsoft 365 user should be able to use AI capabilities in platforms such as PowerPoint, Excel, or Word.