Download Google Sheets as ODS (LibreOffice) - Free & Instant
ODS (OpenDocument Spreadsheet) is the native format for LibreOffice, OpenOffice, and other open-source spreadsheet apps. This guide shows you how to download any Google spreadsheet as an ODS file directly from the link — instantly, for free, with no Google account required.
⚡ Quick Answer
Go to SheetsBox.com → paste your Google Sheets URL → select ODS → click Download. Your file downloads instantly. The sheet must be set to public first.
Method 1 — Download via SheetsBox (No login needed)
Copy your Google Sheets URL
Open your Google Sheet and copy the URL from your browser's address bar. Make sure the sheet is set to "Anyone with the link can view".
Paste the URL into SheetsBox
Visit sheetsbox.com and paste the Google Sheets link into the input field.
Select ODS and download
Click the ODS format button, then click "Download Google Sheet as ODS". The file downloads instantly to your device.
gid= parameter that SheetsBox uses to export only that tab.Method 2 — How to Save a Google Sheet as ODS Inside Google Sheets
If you're signed in with edit access: open your sheet → click File → Download → OpenDocument format (.ods). This downloads the currently active tab immediately.
What is an ODS file?
ODS stands for OpenDocument Spreadsheet. It's the native spreadsheet format of LibreOffice Calc and Apache OpenOffice Calc, and it's an open, non-proprietary standard — meaning no single company owns or controls it. That's the main reason people choose it: an ODS file isn't locked to any one vendor's software.
Functionally, ODS does the same job as Excel's XLSX: it stores your data, formulas, formatting, and multiple sheets in a single file. The difference is philosophical and practical — ODS is the format of choice in open-source environments, government and academic institutions that require open standards, and anywhere LibreOffice is the main spreadsheet app. Modern versions of Microsoft Excel (2010 and later) can also open and save ODS files, so choosing ODS doesn't lock out Excel users.
ODS vs XLSX — which should you use?
| Feature | ODS | XLSX |
|---|---|---|
| Open standard (no vendor lock-in) | ✅ Yes | ❌ Microsoft proprietary |
| Works in LibreOffice / OpenOffice | ✅ Native format | ✅ Supported |
| Works in Microsoft Excel | ✅ From Excel 2010+ | ✅ Native format |
| Preserves formulas | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Preserves formatting | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Best for Linux / open-source users | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Works but XLSX preferred |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the ODS file open correctly in LibreOffice?
Yes. ODS is LibreOffice Calc's native format, so it opens with full formatting, formulas, and data intact.
Does ODS preserve Google Sheets formulas?
Yes — standard spreadsheet formulas (SUM, IF, VLOOKUP, etc.) are preserved. Some Google-specific functions like GOOGLEFINANCE or IMPORTRANGE won't carry over since they rely on Google's servers.
Can I open an ODS file on Windows without LibreOffice?
Yes. Microsoft Excel (2010 and later) can open ODS files natively. You can also use WPS Office or Google Sheets (via import).
Is ODS smaller in file size than XLSX?
Generally yes — ODS files tend to be slightly smaller than XLSX for the same data. For most spreadsheets the difference is negligible.
Can I download a Google Sheet as ODS without a Google account?
Yes — that's exactly what SheetsBox does. As long as the sheet is set to public, you can download it without a Google account in ODS format with no login required.
Download your Google Sheet as ODS now
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