OpenOffice has continued to compete with the long-standing industry giant, Microsoft Office, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a free office suite. It boasts compatibility with all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
However, it's worth noting that the interface may not cater to individuals who prefer a more organized and streamlined experience.
To gain a deeper understanding of OpenOffice and determine if it's worth your investment of time, take a moment and take a look into this article below.
What is OpenOffice Writer?
OpenOffice is an exceptional office suite that lives up to its name, as it embraces the open-source philosophy. In other words, it is freely available for use, allowing users to enjoy a comprehensive range of essential features that are typically associated with any top-notch office suite.
Features
OpenOffice Writer offers a diverse array of features like:
Comprehensive formatting options: Users can customize text by using font styles, sizes, colors, and paragraph formatting.
Compatibility with various file formats: It supports many formats like DOC and DOCX, ensuring compatibility with other word processing suites.
Templates and styles: It offers pre-designed layouts for various documents like letters and resumes. This saves time and effort.
Collaboration and reviewing: It allows users to collaborate with changes and comments. This simplifies reviewing and accepting/rejecting edits and making suggestions.
Mail merge: Users can merge the data from spreadsheets or databases to create customized letters and envelopes. This allows streamlined mass mailing.
How to Use OpenOffice Writer?
There are many features available on OpenOffice Writer. Below are some basic formatting tutorials:
1. Basic Document Formatting
Step 1: Use the toolbar for font style, size, and color.
Step 2: Adjust alignment and line spacing.
2. Spell Check
Step 1: Click on "Spelling and Grammar" in the toolbar.
Step 2: The spell check dialog box opens with highlighted errors.
Step 3: Choose suggestions or add words to the dictionary.
3. Add Header and Footer:
Step 1: Click "Insert" followed by "Header" or "Footer” and “Default.”
Step 2: Double-click to edit.
4. Save and Export the Document:
Step 1: Click on "File" followed by "Save" or "Save As".
Step 2: To export, click on "File" followed by “Export” or "Export as PDF".
Pros and Cons of OpenOffice Writer
Pros
Free and open-source
Wide range of features and functionalities
Cross-platform compatibility
Easy document formatting and styling options
Collaboration and version control capabilities
Extensive language support
Cons
Unappealing user interface:
Slower development and updates compared to commercial alternatives:
Limited customer support options.
How to Download OpenOffice Writer?
Follow these steps to download OpenOffice Writer:
Step 1: Open your web browser and go to the official OpenOffice website
Step 2: Click on the "Download" button.
Step 3: Select your operating system and click on the "Download full installation" button.
Step 4: Once a mirror site link opens, the download should start automatically. If not, then click “Download”.
Step 5: Wait for the download to complete.
Step 6: Locate the downloaded file in your "Downloads" folder.
Step 7: Double-click on the downloaded file to run the installer. A security warning may appear; click "Yes”.
Step 8: The OpenOffice installation wizard will open. Click "Next”.
Step 9: Select the destination folder for the installed file. Click "Next”.
Step 10: Click the “Install” button to start the installation process.
Step 11: Once the installation is complete, click the "Finish" button.
WPS Office: Best Alternative to OpenOffice Writer
An amazing alternative to OpenOffice Writer is the WPS Office. This free office suite provides strong productivity tools with improved functionality. It allows users to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, all in one place.
Many of the aforementioned shortcomings of OpenOffice Writer are addressed by WPS Office. While WPS Office's user-friendly modern interface contributes towards convenience, OpenOffice Writer has an outdated appearance. It further enhances the user experience by offering customer support and more frequent upgrades, which is unavailable in OpenOffice.
Features
The following features make WPS Office stand out:
Modern and User-Friendly Interface: WPS Office offers a contemporary interface with a user friendly design, allowing easy navigation for enhanced productivity.
Comprehensive Office Tools: WPS Office is an all-in-one software with a range of features and formatting options. This allows users to easily edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
High Compatibility: WPS Office is compatible with many file formats, including those of Microsoft Office. This ensures smooth collaboration with different office tools.
Cloud Storage Integration: WPS Office is integrated with cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive. This allows free online access and collaboration.
Multi-Platform Support: WPS Office works well on Windows, MAC, Linux, iOS, and Android, ensuring a smooth user experience across different devices.
Here is an overview of WPS Office VS OpenOffice:
OpenOffice |
WPS Office |
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|---|---|---|
Platforms Supported |
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Pricing |
Free |
Free with a paid version |
Features |
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FAQs
1. Is OpenOffice Writer compatible with Microsoft Word?
Yes, OpenOffice Writer can open and edit documents created in Microsoft Word. It aims to ensure seamless compatibility with different word processing software.
2. Can I customize the user interface of OpenOffice Writer?
Yes, OpenOffice Writer offers customization options, allowing you to personalize the user interface according to your preferences, including views, layouts, and toolbar configurations.
3. Are there additional features I can add to OpenOffice Writer?
Yes, OpenOffice Writer supports extensions and add-ons that provide additional features, templates, and tools to enhance its functionality and cater to specific needs.
4. How can I get support for OpenOffice Writer?
OpenOffice Writer is a community-driven project with limited official support. However, you can seek assistance from the user community through forums, mailing lists, and online resources.
OpenOffice Writer and WPS Office—Choosing the Right Word Processing Suite
Although OpenOffice Writer is an efficient tool for document creation, it lacks a modern interface, development, and customer support.
When one is looking for a highly comprehensive office suite, WPS Office can’t be overlooked. Free, feature-rich, and compatible with multiple platforms, this word processing programme is bound to be highly productive. With good customer support and frequent improvements, WPS Office ensures a smooth working experience.
