ONLYOFFICE Desktop EditorsLinux
vs
Microsoft 365Windows
ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors as a Linux alternative to Microsoft 365
Updated
Our verdict
ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors is a solid replacement for Microsoft 365 if you primarily work with .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files and need offline editing. It handles core word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations well, with strong format fidelity. The tabbed interface and plugin system add convenience. However, it lacks a built-in email and calendar client, so you'll need a separate solution like Thunderbird. Real-time collaboration works but requires external cloud setup. It's best for individuals or small teams who don't rely on Outlook or deep Microsoft integration.
- License
- AGPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 10.0.0 (October 13, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Full editing support for .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx formats
- Offline document creation and editing
- Tab-based interface for managing multiple documents
- PDF viewing, editing, and form filling
- Plugin system for extending functionality
What is different
- No built-in email or calendar client
- Real-time collaboration requires external cloud setup (e.g., Nextcloud)
- AI features require manual configuration and external models
- Interface less polished than Microsoft 365
- Limited advanced Excel formula and macro support
Opening your Microsoft 365 files
ONLYOFFICE reliably opens and saves .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files with good formatting accuracy. Most styles, tables, and charts render correctly, though complex layouts or niche features may need minor fixes. Export to PDF works well, including password protection. It does not support older binary formats like .doc or .xls by default. If you exchange files frequently with Microsoft 365 users, stick to simple formatting to avoid issues.
Switching from Microsoft 365 to ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors, step by step
- Install ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors via Flathub or official package
- Open existing .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files to verify formatting
- Install plugins for code highlighting, image editing, or Markdown if needed
- Set up cloud integration (e.g., Nextcloud) for collaboration
- Use the AI chat feature with a local or cloud model if desired
- Enable password protection or digital signatures for sensitive documents
Key features of ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors
- Full Office Open XML support (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)
- Tab‑based UI for multiple documents
- AI chat and AI agents for translation, OCR, form auto‑fill
- Plugin system for image editing, code highlighting, Markdown conversion
- Password protection and digital signatures
- Offline editing with optional cloud sync (Nextcloud, ownCloud, etc.)
- Cross‑platform (Linux, Windows, macOS)
How to install ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.onlyoffice.desktopeditorsFrequently asked questions
Can I use ONLYOFFICE without an internet connection?
Yes, it works fully offline. Cloud sync and AI features require internet, but document editing does not.
Does it support macros or VBA?
No, it does not support VBA or macros. Complex Excel automation will not work.
How do I collaborate in real time with others?
Connect ONLYOFFICE to a compatible cloud service like Nextcloud or ownCloud to enable real-time co-editing.
2 other alternatives to Microsoft 365
LibreOfficeLibreOffice is a free, open‑source office suite with Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base and Math.Open sourceFreeFlatpakLibreOffice vs Microsoft 365
WPS OfficeWPS Office is a proprietary office suite for Linux that includes Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets…FlatpakWPS Office vs Microsoft 365