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LibreOffice Online: Features, How to Use, and Alternatives

August 25, 2023 849 views

LibreOffice Online is one of the productivity tools that has a comprehensive array of applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. This Office suite not only enhances work efficiency but also revolutionises the way users perform their tasks. However, the availability of many versions of the software makes it difficult for users to decide whether to use LibreOffice Online or not.

This article will address this issue by highlighting LibreOffice Online's key features and advantages. And the article will provide a step-by-step demo to download and use the software successfully.

Overview LibreOffice Online:

LibreOffice Online is a web-based version of the popular open-source office suite LibreOffice. It allows you to create, edit, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more, directly from a web browser. This online version has all the features of the traditional LibreOffice desktop applications. In addition, the online version offers real-time collaboration and seamless access to documents from various devices.

Collabora is a company that specialises in providing enterprise-level solutions and it has a close relationship with LibreOffice. Collabora contributes significantly to the development of LibreOffice and provides consultancy and support services to organisations that want to use LibreOffice.

Accessing LibreOffice online



Features and Functions:

LibreOffice offers a wide range of features and functions across its various applications, making it a versatile office suite for different tasks. Following is the list of its key features:

  • The key functions include word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, vector graphics, and database.

  • The software has high compatibility with other file formats

  • It offers real-time collaboration through LibreOffice Online

  • The software offers various templates and personalised designs of documents

  • Extra functionality of the tools can be added through extensions and add-ons

Getting Start with LibreOffice Online:

System Requirements:

LibreOffice Online has no strict standalone system requirements like traditional software installations. Instead, it has only server requirements as it is deployed on servers and accessed through web browsers. A compatible operating system like Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian is required. In addition, a host is required that can run the Docker container, and a subdomain is required to run the Collabora Online server.

Steps to Download LibreOffice Online:

LibreOffice Online can be downloaded using three different methods: setting up a server, docker, and packages. The most common method is through setting up a server, which will be explained in below mentioned step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Setup Server: Set up a server with a compatible operating system like Ubuntu or CentOS.

Setting up the required server


Step 2: Install Collabora Online: Install Collabora Online, which is used as the backend for LibreOffice Online

Installation of Collabora Online



Step 3: Configure Collabora Online by setting up reverse proxy settings and SSL certificates

Configuration of Collabora Online



Step 4: Install LibreOffice Online: Install the LibreOffice Online front-end, which provides a web-based interface for users.

Installation of LibreOffice Online


How to Use LibreOffice Online?

You can use LibreOffice online by simply following the steps listed below:

Step 1: Access LibreOffice Online: Open the LibreOffice online interface

Accessing the LibreOffice online interface



Step 2: Create a New Document: Click on the "Writer document" button to create a new document

Clicking on the Writer Document button



Step 3: Editing and Formatting: After creating a new document, you can edit and format the document as per your requirements

Editing and formatting the document using toolbars



Amazing Free Office Suite Alternative - WPS Office

WPS Office is a comprehensive office suite that offers a range of applications for word processing, spreadsheet management, presentation creation, and PDF editing. WPS Office is compatible with various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The following are the key advantages of WPS Office:

Features offered by WPS Office



  • User-Friendly Interface: WPS Office provides a user-friendly interface that is intuitive for both new users and experienced office professionals.  

  • Compatibility: It offers compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, reducing the need for format conversion.

  • Feature-Rich Free Version: WPS Office offers a free version with a wide range of features and tools.

  • Templates and Resources: The availability of templates and customization options enhances the quality of documents.

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    • Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

    • Edit PDF files with the powerful PDF toolkit.

    • Microsoft-like interface. Easy to learn. 100% Compatibility.

    • Boost your productivity with WPS's abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.

FAQs

1. What is the weakness of LibreOffice?

One of the major weaknesses of LibreOffice is its outdated interface which consists of traditional icons and toolbars. Moreover, the software lacks built-in cloud storage functionality, another major weakness.

2. What is the most stable version of LibreOffice?

LibreOffice 7.4.7, which has a release date of 2023-05-11, is the most stable and latest version of LibreOffice.

3. Is LibreOffice as good as Excel?

LibreOffice has the same ratings and customer feedback in comparison with Microsoft Excel in terms of its ease of use and value for money. However, LibreOffice lacks in ratings regarding customer support and functionality.

Summary

In conclusion, LibreOffice is a formidable open-source office suite that has a global user base, ranging from individuals and students to businesses and governments. By offering a suite of applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more, LibreOffice has proven its capability to cater to a diverse range of user needs. The article highlighted the step-by-step process of downloading and using LibreOffice Online. In addition, the article recommended WPS Office as a viable alternative to other office suites, offering a combination of user-friendly features, cross-platform support, and compatibility with industry-standard file formats.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.