LibreOffice
A full free office suite for documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.
Quick facts
- Price model
- Open source
- Starting price
- Free
- Best for
- Word processing · Spreadsheets · Presentations without a subscription
- Replaces
- Microsoft 365, Google Workspace desktop apps
- Platforms
- MacWindowsLinux
- Last verified
- 2026-06-22
Why it's listed
No account, no renewal date—just install and own your documents locally.
LibreOffice includes Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base, and Math—enough to replace most everyday Microsoft Office tasks. Files save in open formats by default, with strong compatibility for Office file types.
The catch
Jump to setup guide ↓Complex documents with heavy macros or niche Office features may need testing; UI is classic, not modern.
How to set up LibreOffice
Leave Microsoft 365 for everyday docs—install once, save open formats, sync your Documents folder without a cloud subscription.
- Time
- 20–35 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Verified
- 2026-06-22
Before you start
- List files you rely on (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)
- Pick install platform from libreoffice.org/download
- Choose sync: Syncthing, Nextcloud, or manual backup—LibreOffice does not include cloud
Install the suite
Download LibreOffice for Mac/Windows/Linux. Run installer—includes Writer, Calc, Impress. No account required.
Set default save formats
Tools → Options → Load/Save → General: set ODF defaults if you want open formats, or Office 2007-365 formats if collaborators expect .docx. Pick one policy and stick to it.
Open your existing Office files
File → Open on a sample .docx and .xlsx. Check fonts, tables, and charts. Complex Excel macros may break—test before canceling 365.
Pin to dock / replace defaults
macOS: right-click a .odt → Get Info → Open with Writer. Windows: Settings → Apps → Default apps for file types. Makes LibreOffice the path of least resistance.
Sync the Documents folder (optional)
Install Syncthing or Nextcloud client pointing at ~/Documents. Edits on laptop appear on desktop—no OneDrive bill. See our Syncthing or Nextcloud setup guides.
Export PDFs when sharing
File → Export as PDF for teachers, landlords, and anyone who should not edit. Keeps you compatible without sending editable Office files.
Troubleshooting
- Formatting looks wrong
- Missing fonts—install equivalents or embed fonts on export. Simplify complex Word templates.
- Excel formulas fail
- Check named ranges and external links. Heavy Power Query work may need Excel once a year—still cheaper than 365.
- Collaborators need real-time co-editing
- LibreOffice is local-first. For live collab use Nextcloud OnlyOffice module or share PDFs—different tradeoff.
Keep it working
- Update quarterly via Help → Check for updates
- Keep one export folder structure year over year
- Back up Documents like any other household data
Official docs: wiki.documentfoundation.org/Documentation
Good fit for
- Students
- Home offices
- Anyone avoiding Office 365
Not ideal for
- Teams deep in Google Docs collab
- Heavy Excel power users with niche add-ins
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