LibreOffice is an open-source office application with features and functionality matching the likes of Microsoft Office while being completely free. It is perhaps the best free alternative to MS Office.
Download LibreOffice free latest full version for Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows Vista & Windows XP PC. Get its offline installer setup file via our direct high-speed download links for both 32-bit & 64-bit Windows versions.
What is LibreOffice and What Can it Do?
Apache OpenOffice is a free-to-download and use, open-source office productivity suite available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Similar to Microsoft Office, it offers a variety of programs to handle common office tasks. These programs include Writer for word processing, Calc for spreadsheets, Impress for presentations, Draw for vector graphics, Math for creating and editing formulas, and Base for managing databases.
Despite being open-source, Apache OpenOffice delivers a feature-rich suite that can compete with paid options. It can open and save documents in a variety of formats, including the popular Microsoft Office formats, ensuring compatibility with colleagues and clients who use those programs.
We’ve only scratched the surface. Here’s a closer look at some of LibreOffice’s notable features.
LibreOffice Features
- Core Applications:
- LibreOffice Writer: Feature-rich word processor for creating and editing text documents, letters, reports, resumes, etc. Offers similar functionalities to MS Word.
- LibreOffice Calc: Powerful spreadsheet application for creating and editing spreadsheets, formulas, charts, and data analysis. A suitable alternative to Microsoft Excel.
- LibreOffice Impress: Presentation tool for creating compelling presentations with slides, animations, speaker notes, and various layouts just as you would with Microsoft PowerPoint.
- LibreOffice Draw: Vector graphics editor for creating and editing drawings, illustrations, diagrams, flowcharts, and more.
- LibreOffice Math: Formula editor for creating and editing complex mathematical equations and symbols.
- LibreOffice Base: Database management application for creating, managing, and querying databases. Similar to what functions Microsoft Access performs.
- LibreOffice Charts: Dedicated application for creating charts and graphs, offering a wider range of chart types and customization options compared to Apache OpenOffice.
- File Format Support:
- The native file format is OpenDocument Format (ODF) – an ISO/IEC standard ensuring open access and future compatibility.
- Opening and saving files in Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) for seamless exchange and collaboration.
- Supports import and export of various other file formats like text files, PDFs, and image formats.
- Other Features:
- Extensions: Extensive library of downloadable extensions to add new features and functionalities like grammar-checking tools, bibliography managers, or presentation themes.
- Customization: User-friendly interface with customizable toolbars, menus, and keyboard shortcuts for personalized workflow.
- Collaboration Tools: Built-in features like commenting, tracking changes and real-time co-editing facilitate document collaboration.
- Data Import and Export: Enables importing and exporting data to and from various sources like databases and CSV files.
- Open Source: Freely available and open-source, allowing for customization and community-driven development.
- Multilingual Support: Supports a wide range of languages for a global audience.
How to Download and Install LibreOffice
LibreOffice download and installation is a simple process, still, if you need help with that then follow the steps below:
Step 1: Start the Download of LibreOffice setup file from the top of this page and launch it, once open click Next to continue.
Step 2: Select the installation type and click on Next to proceed.
Note: Choosing Typical will install all included Libre Office applications at the default installation location. Choosing Custom will let you choose which apps to install and where to install them.
Step 3: After you’re done customizing the setup and it is ready, click on Install to begin the installation.
Step 4: Once installation is complete click on Finish to close the window.
Step 5: LibreOffice is now successfully installed on your PC and you can start using it!
System Requirements of LibreOffice
The suite is designed to run on a variety of systems. Here’s a breakdown of the minimum and recommended requirements:
- Processor:
- Minimum: Pentium-compatible (Pentium III or Athlon recommended)
- Recommended: More recent processor
- RAM:
- Minimum: 256 MB
- Recommended: 512 MB (or more for smoother performance)
- Storage:
- Minimum: Up to 1.5 GB of free disk space
- Recommended: Enough free space to accommodate your files
- Operating System:
- Windows: From Windows 7 (SP1 or later) till Windows 11
- Linux: Kernel version 2.6.18 or higher (3.10 or higher recommended)
- Display:
- Minimum: 1024×768 resolution with at least 256 colors
- Recommended: Higher resolution display for better viewing experience (1024×768 minimum)
LibreOffice Vs OpenOffice
Choosing between LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice can be tough since they offer similar features. Here’s a breakdown of some noticable differences:
- Updates: LibreOffice gets updated more frequently, meaning you get bug fixes and new features faster. However, this might also introduce occasional glitches. Apache OpenOffice updates are less frequent but may be more stable.
- Features: Both offer core applications like Writer, Calc, and Impress. LibreOffice has an extra tool called Charts for creating graphs and presentations.
- Languages: LibreOffice language is set during installation and requires a reinstall to change. Apache OpenOffice offers more flexibility with languages. You can install language packs even after the initial setup.
- File Format Compatibility: Both can open various file formats, but LibreOffice has a slight edge. It can not only open but also save files in formats like .docx and .xlsx (Microsoft Office formats), making collaboration easier.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs. If you prioritize frequent updates and don’t mind occasional bugs, LibreOffice might be better. If language flexibility and stable operation are crucial, Apache OpenOffice could be the way to go. One thing that gives LibreOffice a huge advantage is being able to share files in Microsoft Office formats, if this is important to you then go with LibreOffice.
Alternatives
Some popular alternatives to this office suite are:
- Microsoft Office 365
- Microsoft Office 2021
- Apache OpenOffice (Free & Open Source)
- WPS Office
FAQs
Yes, LibreOffice is completely safe to use despite being a free and open-source software. We have personally tested this app through various security software and found it to be free of any malware. For additional information read LibreOffice’s privacy policy.
You can download LibreOffice templates by visiting the official LibreOffice Extensions Repository. Here you can find all available templates, extensions, and much more stuff to customize your office experience.
To enable dark mode follow these instructions: “Launch LibreOffice > Tools > Options > LibreOffice > View > Appearance > Mode: > Dark > Apply > OK“.
If you’re wondering how to save a LibreOffice document as a PDF you can go to “File > Export As > Export as PDF“.
