LibreOffice is an offshoot of the OpenOffice project and is developed by a team of enthusiastic coders who lend their services without pay. This same team delivers regular updates and new features to ensure that it keeps pace with premium office software.
LibreOffice comes with six component programs that provide everything you need from an office suite, including Writer (word processing), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), Draw (vector graphics), Math (mathematical formulae), and Base (databases).
LibreOffice is also compatible with all Microsoft Office file formats, making it an actual rival to Microsoft Office rather than just a free alternative. It lets you save and open many different formats, including Microsoft file types (such as DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, and many more), which is ideal if you're collaborating with users of Microsoft Office or have previously used Microsoft's suite but have decided to try LibreOffice.
WPS Office is also compatible with all Microsoft Office
LibreOffice Functions & Features
A full suite of office software including Writer (word processing), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), Draw (vector graphics), Math (mathematical formulae), and Base (databases).
Compatible with all Microsoft Office file formats, allowing users to easily save and open many different file types, including DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, and more.
A choice of interface styles, including a traditional system of icons and toolbars, and an optional NotebookBar (similar to the ribbon used in Microsoft Office).
Regular updates and new features provided by a large team of enthusiastic coders who are lending their services without pay.
No advertising or features hidden behind paywalls, making it a truly free and open source software.
A variety of downloadable templates available in the project's online repository, which can be used to create professional-looking documents.
Plugins and extensions available to add additional features and improve accessibility options.
Cross-platform compatibility, allowing users to use LibreOffice on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
These are just a few of the many features that make LibreOffice an excellent choice for anyone in need of a fully-featured office suite for free.
System Requirement for LibreOffice
Microsoft Windows:
Windows 7 SP1 with KB3063858 update, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012 through 2022, Windows 10 or 11
Pentium-compatible PC (Pentium III, Athlon or more-recent system recommended)
256 MB RAM (512 MB RAM recommended)
Up to 1.5 GB available hard disk space
1024x768 resolution (higher resolution recommended), with at least 256 colors
Administrator rights are needed for the installation process. It is a recommended best practice to back up your system and data before you remove or install software.
Java is required for certain features of the software, but not most, and notably required for Base.
Apple macOS (Mac OS X):
macOS 10.14 or newer
Intel or Apple silicon processor (via Rosetta - native Apple silicon support is being developed)
512 MB RAM
Up to 800 MB available hard disk space
1024x768 graphic device with 256 colors (higher resolution recommended)
It is a recommended best practice to back up your system and data before you remove or install software.
Java is required for certain features of the software, but not most, and notably required for Base.
LibreOffice 4.3 can still run on OS X 10.6+, but please understand that this support ended when 4.3 was retired on May 27, 2015.
GNU/Linux:
Linux kernel version 3.10 or higher
glibc2 version 2.17 or higher
Pentium-compatible PC (Pentium III, Athlon or more-recent system recommended)
256Mb RAM (512 MB RAM recommended)
Up to 1.55 GB available hard disk space
X Server with 1024x768 resolution (higher resolution recommended), with at least 256 colors
Gnome 3.18 or higher, with the at-spi2 1.32 package (required for support for assistive technology [AT] tools), or another compatible GUI (such as KDE, among others)
Java is required for certain features of the software, but not most, and notably required for Base.
It is a recommended best practice to back up your system and data before you remove or install software.
Free Ways to Download LibreOffice
How to Download LibreOffice on Windows for Free
Go to the LibreOffice website at www.libreoffice.org
Click on the "Download" button at the top of the page.
On the next page, select the version you want to download (e.g LibreOffice 7.1.6).
Choose your operating system (Windows) and language, and click "Download".
Wait for the download to finish.
Open the downloaded file and follow the installation wizard to install LibreOffice on your computer.
How to Download LibreOffice on Mac for Free
Go to the LibreOffice website at www.libreoffice.org
Click on the "Download" button at the top of the page.
On the next page, select the version you want to download (e.g., LibreOffice 7.1.6).
Choose your operating system (macOS) and language, and click "Download".
Wait for the download to finish.
Open the downloaded file (it should be a .dmg file) and drag the LibreOffice icon to your Applications folder.
Double-click the LibreOffice icon in your Applications folder to launch the program.
How to Download LibreOffice Using Cloud Apps
Go to the RollApp website at https://www.rollapp.com/libreoffice
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the "Start Using LibreOffice Online" button.
You'll be requested to sign in or create a new RollApp account. If you don't already have an account, follow the directions to create one.
After signing in, you'll be directed to a website where you can launch LibreOffice Online. Press the "Launch" button.
Allow RollApp access to your Google Drive or other cloud storage accounts.
After LibreOffice has been installed, you can use it just like any other office suite programme. Documents, spreadsheets, and presentations can be created, edited, and saved.
To get the desktop version of LibreOffice, go to the RollApp page and select the "Download" button at the top. Then, follow the directions to download and install the software on your device.
Limitations of LibreOffice
Compatibility Issues
LibreOffice may not always be compatible with Microsoft Office files, particularly when it comes to complex formatting, macros, and advanced features.
Limited Support
While there is a large and active user community that can provide help and support, LibreOffice does not offer official technical support for free users.
Learning Curve
Switching to a new office suite can require a learning curve, as users must familiarize themselves with new menus, shortcuts, and features.
Slower Performance
In some cases, LibreOffice may be slower or less responsive than Microsoft Office, particularly when working with larger or more complex files.
Lack of Integration
LibreOffice may not integrate as smoothly with other software and tools as Microsoft Office, which is tightly integrated with other Microsoft products and services.
Limited Cloud Capabilities
While LibreOffice offers some cloud capabilities, it does not offer the same level of integration with cloud services as Microsoft Office, which is designed to work seamlessly with OneDrive and other cloud storage services.
Best Alternative to LibreOffice
WPS Office
WPS Office is another popular office suite software that provides users with a wide range of features for free. It is available for Windows 10, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms and is designed to meet the needs of both personal and business users.
WPS Office comes with three core applications, including Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets, which offer a similar set of tools and functionalities as Microsoft Office. It also supports a range of file formats, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, making it easy for users to collaborate with others who use different office software.
However, what sets WPS Office apart from other office suites is its user-friendly interface and ease of use. Its intuitive interface and sleek design make it easy for users to navigate and find the tools they need. Additionally, it offers a range of templates and built-in features to help users create professional-looking documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
Key Features
When it comes to choosing between WPS Office and LibreOffice, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. However, there are a few reasons why WPS Office might be the best alternative for LibreOffice users:
Familiarity- For users who are used to Microsoft Office's interface, WPS Office might be a better option as it offers a similar layout, making the transition easier.
Cloud Support- WPS Office offers built-in cloud support, allowing users to save and access their documents on popular cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
PDF Support- WPS Office offers built-in support for PDF files, allowing users to create and edit PDF documents without the need for additional software.
Mobile Apps- WPS Office offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing users to work on their documents on-the-go.
Customer Support- WPS Office offers dedicated customer support and a comprehensive online help center to assist users with any issues they might encounter.
Comparison of Key Features and Functions in LibreOffice, WPS Office, and OpenOffice
Features |
LibreOffice |
WPS Office |
OpenOffice |
Price |
Free and open-source |
Free and premium options |
Free and open-source |
Operating Systems Supported |
Windows, macOS, Linux |
Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
Windows, macOS, Linux |
Core applications |
Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw |
Writer, Presentation, Spreadsheets |
Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw |
File format compatibility |
Supports a wide range of formats, including Microsoft Office |
Supports a wide range of formats, including Microsoft Office |
Supports a wide range of formats, including Microsoft Office |
User interface |
Basic and traditional |
Sleek and modern, similar to Microsoft Office |
Customizable, basic and traditional |
Cloud support |
Limited to third-party providers |
Built-in support for popular cloud services |
Limited to third-party providers |
PDF support |
Basic support, requires additional software for advanced features |
Built-in support for creating and editing PDF files |
Basic support, requires additional software for advanced features |
Mobile apps |
Limited to third-party providers |
Available for iOS and Android |
Limited to third-party providers |
Customer support |
Online help center and community forums |
Dedicated customer support and online help center |
Online help center, FAQs, user forums, and bug reporting system |
FAQs
What is the difference between LibreOffice fresh and LibreOffice still?
LibreOffice fresh is the most recent version of the software, with regular feature upgrades, whereas LibreOffice still is a more stable version with primarily bug fixes and security updates.
How do I download LibreOffice on Android?
To get LibreOffice for Android, go to the Google Play Store and search for it, then click the "Install" option to begin the download and installation procedure.
How often is Libreoffice updated?
Every six months, LibreOffice is updated with new features and bug fixes.
Does Libreoffice support cloud collaboration?
Yes, LibreOffice facilitates cloud collaboration by integrating with numerous cloud storage systems such as Google Drive and Dropbox.
Can you collaborate on LibreOffice?
Yes, multiple users can work on a document with LibreOffice at the same time, allowing for real-time editing and collaboration.