FODG

Flat XML OpenDocument Drawing

FODG is an uncompressed XML-based vector graphics file format used primarily by LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice Draw.

What is Flat XML OpenDocument Drawing?

FODG is an XML-based file format used for vector graphics and drawings created within the Apache OpenOffice and LibreOffice suites. Unlike the standard compressed .ODG format, .FODG stores all drawing data, styles, and metadata in a single, uncompressed XML text file. This makes it easier to inspect, edit manually with text editors, and process programmatically using version control systems or automated scripts.

Advantages

Stored as uncompressed plain XML, making it easy to read and edit with a text editor.
Easier to track changes and diff files using Git or other version control systems.
Fully compatible with standard OpenOffice Draw and LibreOffice Draw features.
No need for archive extraction tools to inspect the underlying document structure.

Limitations

Significantly larger file sizes compared to standard zipped .ODG files.
Limited native support outside of LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice ecosystem.
Not optimized for web viewing without prior conversion to PDF, SVG, or PNG.

How to open Flat XML OpenDocument Drawing files

LibreOffice Draw Apache OpenOffice Draw Any plain text editor (for viewing raw XML) ConvertX (for converting to PDF)

Common use cases

Collaborative development where vector graphic files need to be tracked in version control.
Programmatic generation or modification of vector drawings via XML scripts.
Creating technical diagrams, flowcharts, and posters in LibreOffice Draw.

FODG converters

FODG → PDF

Explore other formats

WOFF2 Web Font OpenEXR Image VHDX Virtual Hard Disk AVI Video File Epson RAW Image (.erf) M4A Audio File GLTF 3D Model Opus Audio File MP4 Video File DOC Document XLSX Spreadsheet OpenType Font

Frequently asked questions

ODG files are ZIP archives containing XML and asset files, resulting in smaller sizes. FODG files store the exact same data in a single, uncompressed XML text file.

You can use LibreOffice Draw to export the file to PDF, or use the online ConvertX tool (fodg-to-pdf) for quick conversion.

Yes, because it is plain XML, you can open and edit FODG files in any standard text editor like Notepad++ or VS Code.