LibreOffice WriterLinux
vs
OpenOffice.org WriterWindows
LibreOffice Writer as a Linux alternative to OpenOffice.org Writer
Updated
Our verdict
LibreOffice Writer is a strong replacement for OpenOffice.org Writer, especially for users who need reliable .docx and .odt support, modern PDF export, and active maintenance. It handles standard word processing tasks—formatting, styles, mail merge, tables—better than the deprecated OpenOffice.org. Since it's actively developed and integrates well with Linux desktops, it's ideal for home users, students, and small offices. Those relying on niche OpenOffice macros or very old document templates may need minor adjustments, but most will transition smoothly.
- License
- MPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 26.8.2.2 (October 29, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support .odt and basic .docx editing
- Offer similar UI layouts with toolbars and style panels
- Include spell-checking, headers/footers, and table support
- Handle mail merge using external data sources
- Use extensions for added functionality
What is different
- LibreOffice has active security updates; OpenOffice.org does not
- Better .docx fidelity in LibreOffice due to ongoing format improvements
- LibreOffice includes more export options and customizable PDF settings
- Macros in LibreOffice support Python; OpenOffice.org relies more on Basic
- OpenOffice.org had a built-in HTML editor—missing in current LibreOffice
Opening your OpenOffice.org Writer files
LibreOffice Writer opens .odt and .doc files created in OpenOffice.org Writer without issues. It handles most formatting, styles, and embedded images correctly, though complex layouts may need minor fixes. Exporting to PDF follows modern standards with password protection and metadata support. LibreOffice saves natively to .odt and can export directly to .docx, making sharing with modern Word users reliable. Files using deprecated OpenOffice.org filters may require manual review.
Switching from OpenOffice.org Writer to LibreOffice Writer, step by step
- Uninstall OpenOffice.org to avoid conflicts
- Install LibreOffice Writer via your package manager or Flathub
- Import existing documents and test formatting
- Restore templates from ~/.config/libreoffice if available
- Update any macros to work with LibreOffice’s Basic or switch to Python
Key features of LibreOffice Writer
- Full support for .docx, .odt, and PDF formats
- Advanced text layout and desktop publishing tools
- Integrated spell-checking and grammar assistance
- Support for macros using Basic and Python
- Extensive template library for letters and reports
- Cross-platform compatibility for Linux, Windows, and macOS
- Direct PDF export with customizable settings
- Integration with other LibreOffice modules like Calc and Impress
How to install LibreOffice Writer on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.libreoffice.LibreOfficeFrequently asked questions
Can I open old OpenOffice.org .odt files in LibreOffice Writer?
Yes. LibreOffice Writer reads all OpenOffice.org .odt files. Formatting is preserved in most cases, though complex styles may need minor adjustments.
Is LibreOffice Writer slower than OpenOffice.org Writer?
It can feel slightly heavier due to more features, but performance on modern Linux systems is solid. Startup time is acceptable, especially with preloading enabled.
Do LibreOffice templates work with OpenOffice.org?
Most do, but some advanced features in LibreOffice templates may not render correctly in OpenOffice.org, which is no longer updated.
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