Flat / ODT hosting
ODT hosting: share OpenDocument text files online
Give your OpenDocument text a reading link. Publish an ODT from your browser or the CLI so readers can open a PDF preview and download the original document.
Checking your upload limits... · Public · Limits
Drop your ODT files here
or choose them from your device.
Select ODT filesWhat readers see at your ODT link
Flat converts an ODT document to PDF for browser reading. Readers can move between pages and zoom in without installing LibreOffice Writer. The screenshot shows a real conversion of the sample proposal.
The PDF is a reading copy. Readers who need to edit text or use the document's original structure can download the ODT and open it in a compatible editor. Conversion does not change that original file.
A single file opens in the viewer. Several files open in the explorer, where readers can choose a file. Public links need no Flat account. Original downloads remain available if a preview cannot load.
The main link opens Flat's viewer. The exact path /proposal.odt serves the original file, without changing its contents.
How to upload ODT files and get a link
Prepare your file
Save the finished document as ODT in Writer or another OpenDocument-compatible editor. Include its images in the document, then check headings, tables, page breaks, and fonts. Upload the ODT itself without unpacking it.
If you need the precise page layout from your editor, export a PDF reading copy there. Publish it alongside the ODT when recipients also need an editable original.
Publish from your browser or terminal
In your browserGo to uploaderDrop, publish, copy the link.
Drop your finished files into the uploader above, or select them from your device. Enter your email if signed out, then choose "Publish files".
Selected files need unique names and publish at the top level. Use the CLI for folders; the browser uploader does not accept folders or extract ZIPs.
TerminalNode.js 20+One command. Files or folders.
npx -y @getflat/cli deploy ./proposal.odtReplace the example path with your file. Pass a folder to publish related files with their relative paths intact. The CLI prints the published URL.
Check before sharing
Compare the generated PDF with your saved document, especially page breaks, tables, and image placement. Download the ODT and check it in the recipient's editor when further editing is part of the handoff.
Signed-out uploads expire after 1 hour by default. Sign in before expiry to keep them online, or sign in before publishing for no default expiry.
What you can share with ODT hosting
Writer reports and proposals
Send a finished report as a browser-readable link, with the OpenDocument original available for a recipient who needs to work on it.
Reusable document templates
Let people read the sample layout before downloading the ODT to complete in their own editor. Their edits do not change the shared upload.
Keep a version, or keep an address.
Share this version
Every upload gets its own link. Publishing revised files creates a new link and leaves the earlier version unchanged. Use the version link when someone needs to review a specific upload.
Update files at one address
Use a named onflat.page address or your own domain. Sign in, then publish with the CLI using --domain. Publish revised files with the same domain to point that address to the new upload.
Named addresses are included on Free. Adding your own domain requires a paid plan. The browser uploader does not set up or repoint these addresses.
ODT hosting questions
Is hosting free, and what are the limits?
Yes. Signed-in Free includes 5 MiB per upload, 1 GiB of storage, and 5 GiB of monthly transfer, with no default expiry. The per-upload limit covers all files in that upload. Paid plans raise these limits.
Do readers need a Flat account?
No. Public links open without a Flat account. Anyone with the link can open the uploaded files. Password-protected links also require the visitor password.
Can I password-protect my upload?
Yes. Password protection is available on every plan. Add --password YOUR_PASSWORD to your CLI deploy command. It protects access to the upload and its files, but does not prevent someone with access from saving a copy. The browser uploader creates public uploads.
Can I replace files without changing the link?
A version link always refers to its original upload. For same-address updates, use a named address or your own domain. Publish revised files with the same --domain value in the CLI to point that address to the new upload.
What happens when an upload expires?
Flat stops serving it. An expired upload cannot be recovered. Signed-out uploads expire after 1 hour by default. For browser uploads, use the sign-in link shown after publishing. For CLI uploads, run npx -y @getflat/cli login. Complete sign-in before expiry to keep the upload online. If you chose a shorter expiry in the CLI, that deadline stays in place.
Do readers need LibreOffice to open my link?
No. A successfully generated PDF preview opens in the browser. Editing the original requires the downloaded ODT and a compatible word processor.
Is ODT the same as ODS or ODP?
No. ODT is for text documents. ODS spreadsheets use a data-grid preview, while ODP presentations use PDF slide previews. Save the format that matches your document.
Will the PDF match my document exactly?
Check it before sharing. Conversion can substitute fonts or change page layout. If the result differs, publish a PDF exported from your own editor. The ODT remains downloadable if conversion fails.
Can readers edit the ODT together in Flat?
No. Flat provides a reading preview and the original download. Make changes in your word processor, then publish a revised file. It does not provide collaborative editing or document comments.
How large can an upload be?
Upload allowances depend on your plan and cover all files in the upload. Compare current plan limits. Preview availability also depends on format and processing support. The original file remains available to download if a preview is unavailable.
Can I embed the viewer on another website?
Flat's generated viewer cannot be embedded in an iframe and keeps Flat branding on every plan. Link to the viewer for reading or to the exact file URL for the original.
Another document format?
Find the guide for your document file.
Give your ODT files a link.
Publish your file, check the preview, and share the URL.
Publish filesFree to start · View pricing