How to open .ODM files on Mac
To open .ODM files on Mac, install LibreOffice (Writer) (or Apache OpenOffice if available for your setup).
Step-by-step instructions
- Install LibreOffice (Writer) (or Apache OpenOffice if available for your setup).
- Control-click the .ODM file → Open With → LibreOffice/OpenOffice Writer.
- If linked subdocuments are not found, ensure the original subdocument files are present and in the expected locations, then reopen.
Common issues
The .ODM opens but subdocuments are missing or empty
Master documents commonly link to external subdocuments. If those files were not shared with the .ODM, were renamed, or were moved, the links can break and content will not appear.
- Ask the sender for the full set of files (the .ODM plus all referenced subdocuments) and keep them together.
- Restore the original folder structure (relative paths often matter) and reopen the .ODM in LibreOffice/OpenOffice Writer.
- If you must reorganize files, use the master document tools in Writer to update links after moving documents.
Windows/macOS says it can’t open the file or asks for an app
The system does not have an application associated with OpenDocument master documents.
- Install LibreOffice Writer or Apache OpenOffice Writer.
- Use “Open with” and select Writer, then optionally set it as the default for .odm files.
The file opens, but formatting or pagination looks different
Master documents combine multiple subdocuments; differences in styles, page settings, or version-specific layout behavior can change the combined result.
- Open and check each subdocument for consistent styles and page settings, then refresh/reopen the master document.
- Try opening the .ODM with LibreOffice Writer if you were using a different ODF editor, and ensure you are using an up-to-date version.
The .ODM was emailed or downloaded and now won’t open
The download may be incomplete, or the .ODM arrived without its dependent subdocuments.
- Re-download the file and verify its size is consistent with what the sender provided.
- Request the project as a complete package (master document plus all subdocuments) rather than only the .ODM.
Still can’t open your .ODM file?
Recover a deleted or lost .ODM file
If the file was deleted by mistake or the drive was formatted, data recovery software may be able to get it back. Stop writing to that drive right away, because new data can overwrite what you want to recover.
Windows software that recovers deleted or lost files from PCs and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and memory cards, after deletion, formatting or a crash.
Wondershare RecoveritWindows and Mac software that recovers deleted or lost files from computers and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and SD cards.
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Security note
Treat .ODM files as potentially unsafe if they come from unknown sources: they can cause your office suite to automatically attempt to load linked subdocuments, increasing exposure to untrusted content.