ONLYOFFICE Desktop EditorsLinux
vs
Microsoft Office ExcelWindows
ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Office Excel
Updated
Our verdict
ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors is a solid, free replacement for standard spreadsheet tasks on Linux. It handles formulas, charts, and pivot tables effectively, making it suitable for office workers, students, and developers who need reliable .xlsx compatibility without subscription fees. However, it is not a perfect drop-in replacement for power users relying heavily on complex VBA macros or advanced Excel-specific data modeling features. If your workflow depends on custom VBA automation, you may face friction. For general data entry, analysis, and reporting, it is a capable and honest choice that avoids the cost and licensing overhead of Microsoft Office.
- License
- AGPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 10.0.0 (October 13, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports core spreadsheet functions including formulas, charts, and pivot tables
- Full compatibility with Office Open XML formats like .xlsx and .xls
- Keyboard shortcuts for efficient navigation and data entry
- Data import and export capabilities for CSV and other formats
What is different
- Lacks native VBA macro support, requiring alternative scripting or plugin solutions
- Includes AI integration features for translation and OCR not found in standard Excel
- Tab-based interface allows multiple documents in one window, unlike Excel's separate windows
- Open-source license (AGPL-3.0) versus Microsoft's proprietary licensing model
Opening your Microsoft Office Excel files
ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors has full support for Office Open XML formats, including .xlsx and .xls files. You can open, edit, and save these files without losing formatting or data integrity. The application is designed to be fully compatible with Microsoft Office file formats, ensuring seamless transitions between platforms. There are no known issues with basic spreadsheet structures, formulas, or charts when converting between Excel and ONLYOFFICE.
Switching from Microsoft Office Excel to ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors, step by step
- Install ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors from your Linux package manager or Flathub
- Open your existing .xlsx files in ONLYOFFICE to verify compatibility
- Test complex formulas and pivot tables to ensure they calculate correctly
- Review any VBA macros and plan alternative automation using plugins or scripts
- Configure keyboard shortcuts to match your Excel habits if necessary
- Set up cloud sync options like Nextcloud or ownCloud if collaboration is needed
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
Does ONLYOFFICE support VBA macros from Excel files?
ONLYOFFICE does not natively support VBA macros. If your spreadsheets rely heavily on VBA automation, you will need to rewrite these scripts using alternative methods or plugins. Basic macro functionality may be limited or unavailable.
Can I use ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors offline?
Yes, ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors works fully offline. You can create, edit, and save documents without an internet connection. Cloud sync options are available but optional, allowing you to connect to services like Nextcloud or ownCloud when needed.
Is ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors free to use?
Yes, ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors is free and open-source under the AGPL-3.0 license. There are no subscription fees or usage limits for individual or commercial use. You can install and use it without paying.
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