OpenOffice is a mature office suite that serves as a popular alternative to Microsoft Office. Despite its reputation, many Mac users are unaware of OpenOffice's capabilities and wonder if it's worth trying. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of OpenOffice for Mac, addressing its features and guiding you on downloading and using it.
OpenOffice for Mac
OpenOffice for Mac is a free office suite designed for Mac users. It includes tools for creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. With a user-friendly interface, OpenOffice for Mac is easy to use and compatible with various file formats. It's a cost-effective option that provides reliable office productivity features.
Features
Writer: It's a word processing tool that helps you create and edit documents easily.
Calc: This spreadsheet application allows you to perform calculations, create charts, and manage data effectively.
Impress: It's a presentation tool that lets you create visually appealing slideshows with animations and multimedia integration.
Draw: With this feature, you can create diagrams, flowcharts, and other graphical elements.
Base: It's a database management tool that enables you to create and manage databases, design forms, and generate reports.
Math: This component allows you to write and edit mathematical equations and formulas.
OpenOffice for Mac also supports various file formats, making it compatible with Microsoft Office files. Whether you need to write documents, analyze data, make presentations, or manage databases, OpenOffice for Mac provides the necessary tools to enhance your productivity.
Reviews
User’s comment
"Open Office is an excellent alternative to Microsoft Products" By Richard G 4.5/5 star
"Before LibreOffice, there was OpenOffice. Many good things to come!" Adrián A. 3.5/5 star
The application has an average rating of 4.4 stars with 477 votes and reviews, typical reviews cover the following issues:
Pros
Free and open-source software suite
Can accomplish various office tasks, including document creation and editing
Provides document processing and spreadsheet modules
Compatible with Microsoft Word and Excel formats
Saves time with its ability to read Microsoft Office documents
Reliable and rarely crashes or freezes
Suitable for those seeking a free alternative to commercial office software
Cons
Platform-specific issues may arise, potentially leading to work disruption or loss.
Compatibility with Microsoft Office documents can be challenging, especially for .doc files.
Adaptability to OpenOffice may vary among coworkers, with some finding it adaptive and others considering it a nightmare.
Transitioning from Microsoft Office to OpenOffice can be a significant challenge.
Despite document compatibility concerns, users can get accustomed to OpenOffice over time.
The visual appearance of OpenOffice is not particularly attractive to users.
Price
OpenOffice is available for free, including the version for macOS (Mac operating system). You can download and use OpenOffice on your Mac without any cost. It is an open-source software that is distributed under the Apache License, which allows users to use, modify, and distribute the software freely
How to Download and Install OpenOffice on Mac
System requirements
The system requirements for OpenOffice on macOS (Mac operating system) are as follows:
Operating System: macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) or later
CPU: Intel processor
RAM: Minimum 512 MB (1 GB recommended)
Disk Space: At least 400 MB free space for a default installation
Display: 1024x768 resolution or higher
How to – Steps
To download and install OpenOffice on your Mac, you can follow these steps:
Step 1 Visit the official OpenOffice website at https://www.openoffice.org/.
Step 2 On the homepage, click on the "Download" button located at the top right corner.
Step 3 You will be redirected to the download page. Ensure that the "Download full installation" option is selected.
Step 4 Choose the version of OpenOffice you want to download. Generally, the latest stable version is recommended.
Step 5 Once you've selected the version, click on the download link for macOS.
Step 6 The OpenOffice installer will start downloading. Wait for the download to complete.
Step 7 Locate the downloaded file (e.g.,"Apache_OpenOffice_X.X.X_MacOS_x86-64_install.dmg") in your Downloads folder or the location where your browser saves downloaded files.
Step 8 Double-click the downloaded file to open the disk image (.dmg) file.
Step 9 A window will appear showing the OpenOffice installer package. Double-click on the installer package file (e.g., "OpenOffice_X.X.X_MacOS_x86-64_install_en-US.pkg").
Step 10 The installer will launch, and you will be guided through the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 11 Read and accept the license agreement.
Step 12 Choose the installation type (typically, the default options are recommended) and click "Continue" or "Install."
Step 13 You may be prompted to enter your administrator password. Provide the password and click "Install Software" to proceed.
Step 14 The installation process will begin, and it may take a few minutes to complete.
Step 15 Once the installation is finished, you will see a confirmation message. Click on "Close" or "Finish."
Looking for an alternative to OpenOffice on your Mac? Consider WPS Office. It's user-friendly, compatible with Microsoft Office formats, and allows you to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations effortlessly. With a visually appealing interface and regular updates, WPS Office offers excellent stability and performance. It's a reliable choice for Mac users seeking a powerful office software suite.
Amazing Free Office Suite for Mac - WPS Office
WPS Office is an amazing free office suite for Mac users. It offers several advantages, particularly in terms of compatibility. Unlike some other office suites, WPS Office has a strong compatibility with Mac systems. It works seamlessly on macOS versions such as Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, and previous versions.
One of the key strengths of WPS Office is its ability to edit all kinds of Microsoft documents directly on your Mac desktop. Whether you're working with Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, or PowerPoint presentations, WPS Office ensures smooth and hassle-free editing and formatting.
Price
The price for WPS Office, the amazing free office suite for Mac, is completely free of charge. You can download and use WPS Office on your Mac without any cost. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking for a high-quality office suite that doesn't require any financial investment.
Pros
WPS Office for Mac has several advantages:
Free and Ad-free: It doesn't cost anything to use, and there are no annoying ads to distract you while working.
Online Use for Free: You can access and use WPS Office online without any charges on the official website, providing flexibility and convenience.
Easy to Use: The interface is user-friendly, similar to Microsoft Office, making it easy to navigate and learn how to use quickly.
These benefits make WPS Office a fantastic option for Mac users who want a free and hassle-free office suite that is simple to use
WPS Office for Mac
WPS Office for Mac is a user-friendly and powerful office suite. It is compatible with Microsoft Office file formats, allowing you to open, edit, and save documents seamlessly. With customizable templates and a familiar interface, creating professional-looking documents is effortless. Best of all, it's free to use, making it a great choice for Mac users.
Step to download:
1. Open your web browser and visit the official WPS Office website at www.wps.com/office/mac/ .
2. On the website, click on the "Download" button or a similar button that indicates the download option for Mac.
3. The download should start automatically. If not, you may be prompted to click on a specific link or button to initiate the download.
4. Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file (usually in your "Downloads" folder) and double-click on it to begin the installation process.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your Mac. This may involve agreeing to the terms and conditions, choosing the installation location, and entering your system password.
6. After the installation is complete, you can launch WPS Office from your Applications folder or by searching for it in Spotlight.
FAQs
Is OpenOffice for Mac safe?
Yes, OpenOffice for Mac is generally safe to use. The developers of OpenOffice prioritize security and promptly address any reported vulnerabilities. However, it's always a good idea to download OpenOffice from official and trusted sources, keep the software up to date, and practice safe computing habits to minimize any potential risks.
Which is better: LibreOffice or OpenOffice?
As of March 2021, LibreOffice has a larger selection of design templates in the presentation tool IMPRESS compared to OpenOffice
Summary
The article provides an overview of OpenOffice software for Mac, discussing its strengths and weaknesses, as well as providing a step-by-step guide for downloading and installing it. It also highlights some of the limitations of OpenOffice. However, it suggests that WPS Office offers exceptional features that can meet all user requirements and overcome the shortcomings of OpenOffice. Users are encouraged to download WPS Office and take advantage of its convenient and useful features.
