Microsoft Office and WPS office are the world's most well-known software suites. Their useful apps, such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel, are the most generally used software for making presentations, spreadsheets, and formal documents. These applications are crucial tools in most commercial and academic settings because they offer a powerful range of functions that streamline workflow and boost productivity. While Microsoft Office is incredibly productive, it comes at a high cost.
Do you know there is other software you can use to deal with spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation other than Microsoft Office? This article will discuss ten free Microsoft Office software essential in dealing with spreadsheets, word, and PowerPoint documents.
1. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is the default office application for many Linux distributions, and even when it is not, it is one of the top options for Linux users. LibreOffice is free and provided under an open-source license, allowing users to modify and share the software freely. It is popular among financial institutions and organizations in other industries that value privacy because it is open-source.
It is a cross-platform application that works with the following;
Windows.
Mac OS.
Linux operating systems.
LibreOffice provides various apps with capabilities similar to Microsoft Office, such as Writer (word processor), Calc (spreadsheet program), Impress (presentation software), Draw (vector graphics editor), and Base (database management system).
Features of LibreOffice (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
Here are some of the features of LibreOffice:
1. Writer tools: Writer is a robust word processor that lets users create and edit text documents. It contains formatting features like styles, templates, and themes and supports tables, pictures, and charts.
2. The Calc Feature: LibreOffice Calc is a robust spreadsheet program that provides users with various functions and tools for data analysis and manipulation. It provides pivot tables, charts, macro support, and various statistical and financial capabilities.
3. The Impress Feature: It is the presentation feature of LibreOffice.It lets users create and deliver presentations that seem professional. It has several themes, layouts, and support for multimedia features like video and audio.
Benefits of LibreOffice (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
LibreOffice is free and open-source software, meaning users do not have to pay for a license or subscription.
Many of the same features as Microsoft Office are included in LibreOffice.
Disadvantage of LibreOffice (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
Some users may find it less intuitive than the interface of WPS Office or Microsoft Office.
2. WPS Office
WPS Office is a straightforward yet powerful office suite comprised of three tools: Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation. Its functions are similar to those of Microsoft Office in many aspects. It is a cross-platform application that works with the following:
Windows
Mac OS
Linux, Android
iOS operating systems.
WPS Office is a robust and adaptable software package offering users various features and tools for creating and editing documents. It is meant to be fully compatible with Microsoft Office file formats such as.docx ,.xlsx, and .pptx, allowing users to open, edit, and save documents effortlessly. It is a popular choice among users due to its compatibility with Microsoft Office formats and cross-platform functionality. Users may maximize their effectiveness with its simple multi-tab interface and pdf editing tools.
Features of WPS Office
Here are a few things you might find at the WPS office:
1. WPS Writer: Wps Writer is a word processing program that lets users create and edit documents using a variety of formatting choices, such as styles, tables, and graphics.
2. WPS Spreadsheet: A spreadsheet application that allows you to create and update spreadsheets with formulas, charts, and conditional formatting.
3. WPS Presentation: It enables users to create and edit presentations by incorporating animations, transitions, and multimedia elements.
Other features of WPS:
Multi-platform support.
Collaboration with other tools
Cloud integration and storage services.
Benefits of WPS office
Here are some of the benefits of using WPS Office as an office software:
WPS Office is an affordable alternative to Microsoft Office and other office software packages.
WPS Office includes a user interface similar to Microsoft Office, making it a familiar option for customers already familiar with Microsoft Office.
3. Zoho Docs
Zoho Docs is a free office suite that offers users a variety of capabilities for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, as well as collaboration and security features to protect user data.
Zoho Docs is available for:
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
iOS platforms,
It has versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, which it calls Writer, Sheet, and Show. These apps contain capabilities similar to Microsoft Office and can open, edit, and save documents in Microsoft Office file formats.
Features of Zoho Docs (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
Here are some of the features of Zoho Docs:
1. Zoho Writer: For the word processing application.
2. Zoho Sheet: Zoho Sheet is a spreadsheet tool that lets users create and edit spreadsheets.
3. Zoho Show: The presentation program lets users create and edit slideshows. Other features of Zoho Doc include:
Integration with other Zoho applications.
Advanced features.
Zoho Docs integrates with various cloud storage services.
Zoho Docs supports real-time collaboration.
Multi-platform support.
Enterprise-grade security features.
Benefits of Zoho Docs (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
Teams may interact in real-time on documents, making it simple to complete tasks efficiently and effectively.
Zoho Docs supports a variety of file formats.
Zoho Docs has mobile apps for iOS and Android devices that allow you to access and edit your documents anytime.
Disadvantages of Zoho Docs (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
Although Zoho Docs has a free version, the premium plans are more expensive than other document management software.
Some users may be concerned about the safety of their documents when they're saved on the cloud.
4. Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice is a free and open-source office productivity software suite that contains word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, among other things. Users can use the tools given to create mathematical equations, high-quality essays, multimedia presentations, and 3D images.
Features of Apache OpenOffice (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
Impress Features: It can produce and edit multimedia presentations such as slideshows and presentations. Impress has several features with Microsoft PowerPoint, such as templates, animation effects, and slide transitions.
Writer tools: It has a powerful word processing application that supports various formats and features, such as templates, styles, and tables.
Spreadsheet tools (Calc): It has a spreadsheet application that supports advanced functions, data analysis, and charting capabilities.
Database management tools (Base): It has a database application that supports creating and managing databases, forms, and reports.
Other features of Apache OpenOffice include:
Apache OpenOffice includes a graphics application called Draw.
It has a formula editor. Other features of Apache OpenOffice include:
Benefits of Apache OpenOffice (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
Apache OpenOffice is highly customizable.
As open-source software, it allows users with access to the source code.
Apache OpenOffice is available in over 120 languages.
Disadvantages of Apache OpenOffice (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
It has limited features.
Its user interface may not be user-friendly like other software.
5. Microsoft 365
If you prefer to stay within the Microsoft ecosystem, the company has created a free slimmed-down version of Office available online, suitably titled Microsoft 365. It provides limited free Word, Excel, and PowerPoint versions that can be accessed through a web browser by logging in with a Microsoft account.
If you only require simple word processing, tabulation, or presentation features, the online versions of Word, XLS, and PowerPoint should suffice. Microsoft 365 is accessible for both personal and business use, with varying prices and subscription choices based on the user's need. The service is also regularly updated with new features and capabilities to ensure that customers have access to the most up-to-date productivity and collaboration tools and technology.
Features of Microsoft 365 (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
Here are some of the features you’re likely to find in Microsoft 365:
1. Word: Microsoft 365's word processing program contains advanced features such as templates, styles, and macros.
2. Excel: Spreadsheet software that allows users to create and maintain spreadsheets and do computations and data analysis.
3. Presentation: allows users to design and deliver dynamic and compelling presentations.
4. Teams: Microsoft 365's communication and collaboration tool offers video conferencing, chat, file sharing, and integration with other Microsoft 365 tools.
4. Cloud Storage: OneDrive, a Microsoft 365 service, offers customers storage and the ability to sync files across devices.
Benefits of Microsoft 365 (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
Enable the user to access the most recent versions of all Microsoft Office apps.
Microsoft 365 provides strong security features such as multifactor authentication, data loss protection, and encryption.
Disadvantages of Microsoft 365(Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
Because Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based service, customers must have a stable internet connection to access their files and applications.
While Microsoft 365 is a low-cost solution for customers, large enterprises may find it excessively expensive.
6. Google Workspace
Google Workspace is the most popular FREE online office suite. There is no need to download anything because all of the apps are accessible through your web browser. There are Docs for word processing, Sheets for spreadsheets, Slides for presentations, and Forms for surveys. It includes various tools to help organizations manage their communication, data, and projects effectively.
Investing in Google Workspace gives you additional administrative power if you use Google Docs, sheets, Google Slides Calendar, Drive, and other Google products.
Features of Google Workspace (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
Here are some of the features you’re likely to find in Google Workspace:
1. Google Slides: It is part of the Google Workspace suite of productivity tools and is similar to Microsoft PowerPoint.
2. Google Docs: It is used to generate and edit documents in .doc format.
3.Google Sheets:. It is Google Software used for editing and customizing sheets online.
Other features of Google Workplace includes Google Form, Google sites, Google Chats, Google Meet, Google Drive, among others.
Benefits of Google Workspace
They include:
It enables team members to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real-time.
It offers cloud storage, which lets customers securely store data on the cloud and retrieve them from any location with an internet connection.
Disadvantages of Google Workspace (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
While Google Workspace is inexpensive for small firms, the cost can quickly pile up for larger organizations.
Google Workspace stores all data on the cloud, which may pose data security and privacy concerns.
Google Workspace strongly relies on internet connections.
7. Quip
Quip transforms teamwork by removing the barriers that prevent teams from working transparently, efficiently, and collaboratively. Quip is a single platform that integrates a word processor, spreadsheet editor, and presentation builder, making it simple for teams to collaborate on many documents. This tool allows users to browse, create, and modify documents, spreadsheets, and checklists easily. Quip lets you feel like you're in the same room as your buddy, even if you're half a world away. Because everything occurs in real-time, your work gains momentum and moves faster.
Features of Quip (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
1. Quip Documents: A Quip document is not something one person writes and then sends to another. It is an evolving document. A single thread that connects your team, work, and interactions.
2. Quip Spreadsheets: It provides a spreadsheet tool that allows users to create and edit spreadsheets in real time.
3. Quip Presentation: Quip's presentation editor, similar to PowerPoint, allows you to create and edit presentations.
Benefits of Quip (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
Promote real-time collaboration of documents.
It offers security features to the documents stored.
It has an easy and intuitive UI.
Disadvantages of Quip Software (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
It is subscription-based.
It requires an internet connection.
8. Dropbox Paper
Dropbox Paper is a web-based solution for collaborating and organizing work. Dropbox lets multiple people communicate and interact on the same document simultaneously.
Features of Dropbox Paper (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
Document generation with the integration of an external software
Switching from editing to presenting mode is seamless.
LaTeX compatibility
The functionality of the code box
Integration with Trello cards
It is compatible with Dropbox, Google Drive, and Framer Collaboration tools.
Benefits of Dropbox Paper
Users can alter the formatting and layout of their documents.
Dropbox Paper connects with a variety of different applications.
Disadvantages of Dropbox Paper
It does not provide as many features as other document editing applications, such as Microsoft Word and WPS Office.
Several of its more advanced capabilities, such as personalized branding or expanded storage, necessitate the purchase of a paid subscription to Dropbox's premium service.
9. SoftMaker Office
SoftMaker Office is a free office suite that might be used instead of Microsoft Office or WPS Office. It comes with conventional office tools like a word processor, spreadsheets, and a presentation maker. Users can also install third-party applications such as TextMaker.
It is available for:
Windows
Linux
Android operating systems
Features Of SoftMaker Office (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
Some of the features of SoftMaker include:
1. PlanMaker: PlanMaker, the spreadsheet tool from SoftMaker Office, includes advanced features such as pivot tables, conditional formatting, and extensive formula support.
2. TextMaker: SoftMaker has a word processor with advanced features such as templates, styles, and macros.
3. SoftMaker Presentation: SoftMaker Office presentation software contains advanced presentation features such as slide transitions and animation effects.
Benefits of SoftMaker Office (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
SoftMaker Office has a simple interface that is straightforward to use, making it a good choice for beginners.
SoftMaker Office has comprehensive features.
Disadvantages of SoftMaker Office (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
SoftMaker Office's integration with third-party software may be limited, making it less flexible for some users.
SoftMaker Office's collaboration tools may not be as powerful as those in other software packages.
10. Polaris Office
Polaris Office is another software that generates documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It is a cloud-based office software suite providing its client's features and benefits. The free document management software enables users to search, store, and edit files in various formats.
Features of Polaris Office (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
Word processor
User-friendly interface
Presentation program
PDF viewer and editor
Spreadsheets program
Benefits of Polaris Office (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
Some of the benefits of using Polaris are:
Polaris Office has an easy-to-use interface for individuals new to office productivity software.
Polaris Office includes a variety of advanced capabilities, including document encryption, PDF conversion, and spreadsheet pivot tables.
Polaris Office features collaborative features, including comments, chat, and real-time co-editing.
Disadvantages of Polaris Office (Excel, word and powerPoint Software)
They include:
It is Subscription-based.
It has limited free cloud storage.
Polaris Office requires an internet connection to view documents and data, which limits its utility for people that require offline work.
Learn more about Excel, word and powerPoint Software
To sum up, numerous documents, spreadsheets, and presentation software exist. The software you decide to use should meet the goal of your tasks. Like Microsoft Office, other mighty software like WPS can play magic when dealing with Excel, Word, and presentation documents. Additionally, the WPS software is one of the oldest document editing and creation history.
