While MS Office, particularly MS Word, is widely used for office productivity, installing and running it on a Linux system can be a challenge. Don’t fret, we've got you covered. Here, we'll introduce you to five outstanding alternatives to MS Word tailored for Linux users.
#1 WPS Office
WPS Office is a comprehensive office suite available for multiple platforms, including Linux. It offers a range of applications, including Writer (word processing), Presentation (slides), and Spreadsheets (excel).
Key Features:
Familiar Interface: Similar to Microsoft Office, providing a user-friendly experience.
High Compatibility: Excellent compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats.
Multi-Language Support: Available in multiple languages, catering to a diverse user base.
PDF Editing: Allows users to edit PDF documents, a feature not commonly found in other office suites.
Benefits:
Offers a seamless transition for users accustomed to Microsoft Office.
Provides a free version with robust features.
Pricing details
Free Version: WPS Office offers a free version with basic features.
Premium: The Premium version, which includes additional features and removes ads, is available on a subscription basis. Prices may vary based on the platform and region
#2 OnlyOffice
OnlyOffice is a cloud-based office suite with desktop versions available for Linux. It emphasizes collaboration and document management.
Key Features:
Real-Time Collaboration: Allows multiple users to work on a document simultaneously.
Integration: Integrates well with various cloud storage platforms and services.
Document Management: Includes tools for document versioning and access control.
Plugins and Extensions: Customizable with a range of plugins for extended functionality.
Benefits:
Strong focus on team collaboration and document management.
Offers a cloud-based solution for seamless access from different devices.
Pricing details
Community Edition: OnlyOffice offers a free Community Edition with basic features.
Enterprise Edition: The Enterprise Edition, which is suitable for businesses and organizations, is available on a subscription basis. Pricing is based on the number of users.
#3 LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a widely popular and open-source office suite, known for its extensive feature set and community-driven development.
Key Features:
Writer, Calc, Impress: Offers applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Active Community: Benefits from a large and active user community for support and development.
Cross-Platform: Available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Extensive Language Support: Supports a wide range of languages.
Benefits:
Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs.
Regularly updated and improved by a dedicated community.
Pricing details
Community Edition: OnlyOffice offers a free Community Edition with basic features.
Enterprise Edition: The Enterprise Edition, which is suitable for businesses and organizations, is available on a subscription basis. Pricing is based on the number of users.
Pricing details
Free and Open Source: LibreOffice is completely free and open-source with no licensing costs. It is supported by donations and contributions from the community.
#4 FreeOffice
FreeOffice is a user-friendly office suite designed for both personal and professional use.
Key Features:
TextMaker, PlanMaker, Presentations: Core applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Microsoft Office Compatibility: Provides seamless compatibility with Microsoft file formats.
Intuitive Interface: Offers a user-friendly and familiar interface.
PDF Export: Allows users to export documents directly to PDF format.
Benefits:
Offers a free version with essential features.
Provides a simple and intuitive user experience.
Pricing details
Free Version: FreeOffice is available for free with basic features.
SoftMaker Office NX Home: This is a subscription-based version that includes additional features and premium support.
#5 SoftMaker
SoftMaker Office is a commercial office suite known for its speed and efficiency, available for Linux and other platforms.
Key Features:
TextMaker, PlanMaker, Presentations: Core applications with a focus on performance.
Microsoft Office Compatibility: Ensures high compatibility with Microsoft file formats.
Resource Efficiency: Known for being lightweight and fast in terms of system resource usage.
Macro Support: Supports Microsoft Office macros.
Benefits:
Offers a balance of performance and compatibility.
Provides a trial version for users to evaluate before purchasing.
These overviews should give you a good sense of what each office suite offers in terms of features and benefits.
Pricing details
SoftMaker Office Standard: This is the standard version available for a one-time purchase. Prices may vary based on the platform and region.
SoftMaker Office Professional: This version includes additional features and is available for a one-time purchase. Prices may vary based on the platform and region.
Why Choose WPS Office as the Alternative for Microsoft Word on Linux
WPS Office is a powerful and versatile office suite that offers a comprehensive set of features for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. It is available for free on Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, making it a great option for users who need a reliable and cross-platform office solution.
Here are some of the reasons why you should choose WPS Office as the alternative for Microsoft Word on Linux:
Easy to install and use: WPS Office is very easy to install and use on Linux. You can download the installer from the WPS Office website and run it with a double-click. Once installed, WPS Office will open all of your Microsoft Word documents without any problems.
Excellent compatibility: WPS Office is fully compatible with Microsoft Word documents. This means that you can open, edit, and save Word documents in WPS Office without any loss of formatting or data.
Comprehensive features: WPS Office offers a wide range of features for word processing,
including:
A user-friendly interface with a familiar ribbon menu
A variety of document templates and styles
Advanced editing and formatting tools
Powerful collaboration features
Free and open source: WPS Office is available for free under the GNU General Public License. This means that you can use and modify the software without any restrictions.
How to Edit Word Documents with WPS Office on Ubuntu Linux
To edit Word documents with WPS Office on Ubuntu Linux, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download the WPS Office installer from the WPS Office website.
Step 2: Double-click the installer to start the installation process.
Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office.
Step 4: Once installed, open WPS Office Writer.
Step 5: Click the File menu and select Open.
Step 6: Navigate to the Word document that you want to edit and double-click it.
Step 7: The Word document will open in WPS Office Writer.
Step 8: Make any changes that you want to the document.
Step 9: When you are finished editing the document, click the File menu and select Save.
FAQs about word for linux
How can I ensure compatibility when sharing documents with Microsoft Word users?
Save documents in common formats like .docx or .doc.
Avoid complex formatting for better compatibility.
Can I use functions other than Word on WPS Office, like Excel, PPT?
Yes, WPS Office is a comprehensive suite that includes WPS Writer (Word), WPS Spreadsheets (Excel), and WPS Presentation (PowerPoint) among other applications. You can easily utilize the respective functions for creating, editing, and viewing documents in these formats. This integrated suite eliminates compatibility concerns and allows you to work with various document types without any issues. Feel free to explore the full range of features and functions provided by WPS Office, ensuring you make the most out of this versatile office suite.
Summary
In the quest for a reliable Microsoft Word alternative on Linux, WPS Office shines as a top contender. While MS Office can be challenging to install on Linux, WPS Office offers a seamless solution. This versatile suite stands out for its multi-language support, intuitive interface, and exceptional compatibility with MS Word files. With a user-friendly layout, WPS Office ensures a smooth transition for Linux users. Its robust feature set and global accessibility make it the go-to choice. For a hassle-free and efficient word processing experience, WPS Office stands tall among the alternatives.
