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Experience the Power of Open-Source: Download ibreOffice For Free 2024

April 28, 2023 3.2K views

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 Calc interface


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).

LibreOffice Download



  • 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

LibreOffice Calc download



  • 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.

LibreOffice Productivity Tools


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.

WPS Office Productivity Tools



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.

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WPS Office- Free All-in-One Office Suite
  • 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.

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Algirdas Jasaitis

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.

WPS Cloud



  • 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.

WPS Office- The Best Free Office Suite

While LibreOffice is a fantastic option that offers a wide range of features and compatibility with all Microsoft Office file formats, WPS Office is another contender that's worth considering. With its sleek interface, full suite of office software, and compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats, WPS Office is an excellent choice for those who need a reliable and user-friendly office suite for everyday tasks. So, if you're looking for a free and reliable office suite, then WPS Office is definitely worth a try. Upgrade your office suite experience today and try out WPS Office for free!


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