ODF ensures that documents remain accessible, portable, and free from restrictions. Now that version 1.3 has been widely adopted and version 1.4 is on the horizon, it’s time to have a look at the new features and upcoming releases. ODF 1.3: What’s New ODF 1.3 was finalised in January 2021 by OASIS. It introduced a number of long-awaited improvements, particularly in the areas of security, digital signatures, and document integrity. 1. Digital signatures and document security: One of the most significant enhancements in ODF 1.3 was the formal specification for digital signatures: It now supports XAdES (XML Advanced Electronic Signatures). You can sign entire documents, individual parts (e.g. only spreadsheets), or even multiple sections. Improved metadata provides information about who signed, when and under what circumstances. This is a significant development for public administrations and organisations that require reliable document verification. 2. OpenPGP support for encryption ODF 1.3 now offers optional OpenPGP-based encryption in addition to the traditional Blowfish method. Higher cryptographic standards and better integration with tools such as GnuPG are also included. It encourages key-based encryption for personal and business documents. 3. Change management: The format now offers greater granularity for change management. Supports change tracking in tables,