Open tools for open documents
We're building infrastructure for a world where document formats are open, tools are accessible, and files aren't locked into proprietary formats
Built by developers who believe in open standards.
The problem
Every day, billions of documents are locked away. PDFs that can't be parsed. Word files that won't convert. Spreadsheets confined to proprietary ecosystems. The web runs on documents, yet most formats were designed before the web existed. We believe this system is broken.
Our principles
01
Open by Default
Every specification we create is public domain or MIT licensed. No patents. No royalties. No permission needed.
02
Web-Native First
Documents should work in browsers without plugins. Our formats are built for the modern web.
03
Accessibility is Required
Not an afterthought. Every format includes accessibility as a core requirement, not an optional feature.
Three areas of focus. One mission. We're not trying to boil the ocean. We focus on what matters most: specifications, accessibility, and the tools developers need.
We write and maintain specifications for document formats that anyone can use. No licensing fees. No permission required. Just build. No licensing fees. Open standards and access for all.
View specificationsGet involved
This isn't a company.
It's an alliance.
The Open Document Alliance is built by volunteers, funded by donations, and governed by the community. No shareholders. No exit strategy. Just people who care about open standards.
All projects are licensed under MIT or Apache 2.0. Specifications are public domain (CC0). We believe open means open—no asterisks.