How to Integrate ONLYOFFICE with Nextcloud (A Comprehensive Guide)

Embarking on the journey of integrating ONLYOFFICE with Nextcloud offers a seamless approach to document editing and collaboration. With this guide, we aim to provide you with clear steps, practical tips, and insights based on real-world experiences. Let's dive in!

Introduction to the OnlyOffice and Nextcloud Integration

OnlyOffice is an open-source, web-based office suite that includes word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications. It is designed to facilitate real-time collaboration on documents, allowing multiple users to work on the same file simultaneously. Here are some key features of OnlyOffice:

Features:

1. Document Collaboration: Multiple users can work on documents in real-time, making it an excellent choice for team collaboration.

2. Rich Editing Tools: OnlyOffice offers a wide range of formatting and editing tools, similar to popular desktop office suites.

3. Version Control: It tracks changes and allows users to revert to previous versions of a document.

4. Integration: OnlyOffice can be integrated with various platforms, including Nextcloud, making it easy to manage and edit documents within a single environment.

5. Mobile Support: Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android, enabling users to work on documents from their smartphones and tablets.

6. Document Management: It provides document management features, such as file organization, access control, and file sharing.

Supported Platforms:

OnlyOffice is a cross-platform solution, and it can be accessed via web browsers on various operating systems. It can also be self-hosted on Linux servers.

System Requirements:

System requirements for OnlyOffice may vary depending on the deployment method (cloud or self-hosted), but generally, it requires a web server, database server, and specific system resources. It's compatible with popular web servers like Nginx and Apache.

Pricing:

OnlyOffice offers different pricing options, including a free open-source version for self-hosting and commercial licenses for businesses. The cost depends on the number of users and the level of support required.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Real-time collaboration

• Rich editing tools

• Integration with Nextcloud and other platforms

• Cross-platform support

• Version control and document management

Cons:

• Self-hosting may require technical expertise

• Limited offline editing capabilities

Integration with Nextcloud:

The integration of OnlyOffice with Nextcloud brings together document collaboration and file management in a single, seamless environment. Here's how the integration works:

1. Document Editing: Users can open and edit documents stored in their Nextcloud accounts directly in OnlyOffice. Changes are saved automatically.

2. Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, with changes visible in real-time.

3. Access Control: Nextcloud's access control and file sharing features can be applied to OnlyOffice documents, ensuring data security.

4. Versioning: OnlyOffice's version control can be combined with Nextcloud's file versioning, allowing users to revert to previous versions of documents.

5. Unified Environment: Users can manage their files and collaborate on documents without switching between different applications.

   
   

Docker is a containerization platform that simplifies the process of developing, packaging, and deploying applications. It allows you to create and run applications in containers, which are lightweight, isolated environments that contain everything needed to run the application, including code, runtime, libraries, and system tools. Docker has gained immense popularity in the world of software development and deployment due to its efficiency, portability, and ease of use.

Advantages of Using Docker to Install Productivity Software:

1. Save Time: Docker simplifies installation by reducing the need for multiple dependencies and lengthy setup. A single command deploys the tool along with its dependencies.

2. Avoid Dependency Errors: Fewer dependencies mean fewer opportunities for installation and configuration errors, making it more user-friendly.

3. Save Resources: Docker allows for consistent environments, reducing the need for extensive manual setup or hiring system administrators. It also maximizes machine resources by running multiple isolated containers.

4. Update Faster and Easier: Docker simplifies updates by allowing you to store data on the host machine and update the software with just a few commands, ensuring data security.

5. Keep the Machine in Order: Docker enables testing project management tools without cluttering your system. Easily remove unwanted tools with a single command, maintaining a clean and organized machine.

How to Install OnlyOffice Using Docker Compose

Step 1: Install Docker Compose

Visit the official Docker Compose page and follow the installation instructions.

Step 2: Clone the GitHub repository

After Docker Compose has been installed, you need to clone the GitHub repository:

https://github.com/ONLYOFFICE/Docker-CommunityServer

Step 3: Install ONLYOFFICE Workspace

Next, navigate to the repository folder:

cd Docker-CommunityServer

In this folder, you will proceed with the installation and configuration of ONLYOFFICE Workspace.

How to Connect OnlyOffice Docs to Nextcloud

Install the Connector

Step 1: Log in to your Nextcloud instance as an administrator.

Step 2: Click the user name and select "Apps."

Step 3: Go to the "Tools" category.

Step 4: Find "ONLYOFFICE" in the list of available applications.

Step 5: Click the "Download and enable" button.

Setup Connector for Nextcloud

Step 1: Server Settings

Go to  Settings > Administration > ONLYOFFICE.

In the "Server settings" section:

ONLYOFFICE Docs address: Specify the URL address where the Document Editing Service is installed. This is mandatory. If you're using a custom port, specify it (e.g., http://127.0.0.1:8081/).

Disable certificate verification (insecure): Check this box if you are using a self-signed certificate for ONLYOFFICE Docs to disable certificate verification. Note that this is an insecure solution, and using a CA-issued certificate is recommended.

Secret key: Specify the secret key used to sign the data. Starting from ONLYOFFICE Docs v7.2, JWT is enabled by default, and the secret key is generated automatically. Ensure the same secret key is specified in the connector settings.

Step 2: Advanced Server Settings (Optional)

Use these settings if your network configuration requires specific internal addresses for requests.

ONLYOFFICE Docs address for internal requests from the server: Specify the address used to access Document Editing Service from Nextcloud.

Server address for internal requests from ONLYOFFICE Docs: Specify the address used to access Nextcloud from Document Editing Service.

Step 3: Common Settings

In the "Common settings" section:

1. Restrict access to the editors to following groups: Check this box and select user groups that should not be allowed to use ONLYOFFICE editors in Nextcloud.

2. Use ONLYOFFICE to generate a document preview: Check this box to enable thumbnail generation via ONLYOFFICE. This will use some disk space.

3. Open file in the same tab: Check this box to open files in the current browser tab. If unchecked, files will open in new browser tabs.

4. Provide advanced document permissions using ONLYOFFICE Docs: Check this box to specify extra permissions in the Advanced tab of the document panel.

   
   

Step 4: Editor Customization Settings

In the "Editor customization settings" section, you can customize the editor's behavior:

Keep intermediate versions when editing (forcesave): Enable or disable this function.

1. Select the interface elements of the editors that you want to hide/show: Customize the editor's interface elements.

2. Review mode for viewing: Choose the default document review display mode.

3. Default editor theme: Select the default editor theme (Light, Classic Light, or Dark).

Step 5: Common Templates

In the "Common templates" section:

Click the "Add icon" to upload docx, xlsx, or pptx templates for creating new documents.

You can download or delete templates from this list using the corresponding icons.

Step 6: Security

In the "Security" section, you can:

1. Embed a watermark to protect documents.

2. Enable or disable running macros.

3. 
   

After configuring these settings, click the "Save" button located below each section to save the changes. This will complete the configuration of the ONLYOFFICE connector for Nextcloud. Your users can now seamlessly edit and collaborate on documents using ONLYOFFICE within Nextcloud.

How to Edit Word/Excel/PowerPoint for Free with WPS Office

WPS Office is a popular, free-to-use office suite that provides word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, making it a practical choice for editing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents. Here's a brief overview of WPS Office's features and advantages:

1. File Compatibility: Seamlessly opens and edits Microsoft Office file formats, including .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, and .pptx.

2. WPS Cloud: Offers cloud storage and collaboration through WPS Cloud, allowing access to documents from anywhere with an internet connection.

3. Formula Support: WPS Spreadsheet is Excel-compatible, supporting a wide range of Excel formulas and functions for complex spreadsheet tasks.

4. Rich Editing Tools: Each application (Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation) includes formatting, styles, templates, and collaboration tools for easy document creation and editing.

5. User-Friendly Interface: A clean and intuitive UI makes it accessible for users of all experience levels.

6. PDF Support: Allows document conversion to PDF and offers PDF viewing and editing capabilities.

How to Edit Word/Excel/PowerPoint for Free with WPS Office

Step 1: Download and install WPS Office from the WPS website

Step 2: Launch WPS Office and Open the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document that you want to edit.

Step 3: Make your desired changes to the document.

Step 4: After editing, save your changes by clicking "Menu" and selecting "Save" or "Save As" to specify a different location or format.

FAQs

What is the limitation of ONLYOFFICE Nextcloud?

In the free version of ONLYOFFICE, there is a limitation on concurrent connections, allowing up to 10 users at the same time. On the other hand, the free version of Nextcloud Office is more flexible, offering no restrictions on the number of connected users or open documents.

How do I save from ONLYOFFICE to Nextcloud?

ONLYOFFICE editors in Nextcloud save changes in their cache while you work. When you finish, changes are sent to Nextcloud storage (e.g., DOCX, XLSX, PPTX). "Force Save" offers direct storage saving, enhancing data security. Enable it in ONLYOFFICE settings under Administration by selecting "Keep intermediate versions when editing."

Summary

In this comprehensive guide, we've detailed the seamless integration of ONLYOFFICE with Nextcloud, offering a powerful collaborative workspace. Additionally, we've highlighted the impressive capabilities of WPS Office, providing an excellent alternative to Microsoft Office. Explore enhanced file compatibility, the convenience of WPS Cloud, and smooth integration with Microsoft Excel. This guide empowers you to optimize your office suite experience for seamless productivity and collaboration.