Both feature interfaces that are simple, familiar, and easy to use. To access this sidebar in LibreOffice, select View and then choose Sidebar from the menu that pops up. LibreOffice also has a Sidebar Deck, but it’s not opened by default like it is in OpenOffice. It’s filled with many of the same tools and options you can find at the top of your screen, but in a handy menu that’s easier to get to and features easier-to-see buttons and icons. In addition, OpenOffice offers what it calls a Sidebar Deck, which is a series of sidebar menus that appear on the right side of your screen. But it does resemble Google Docs, so if you prefer the minimalist look of Google Docs and its straightforward menus, OpenOffice might be the best choice for you. In contrast, OpenOffice is a bit drab and gray-looking and has smaller menu icons that line the top of its windows. The large icons also make scanning the menu ribbon to find what you need even easier. The ribbon icons are rather large, and the overall look is brighter and much more colorful. LibreOffice looks very much like a Microsoft Office app, down to the menu ribbon of buttons and options that line the top of your screen. That said, your personal preference for either one may come down to one factor: Are you a Google Docs person or a Microsoft Office person? Neither LibreOffice nor OpenOffice have interfaces that are too unfamiliar or difficult to use. User interface and ease of use screenshot However, be careful when downloading or using these unofficial ports and distributions. One notable port is AndrOpen Office, which is the Android port of OpenOffice.

The OpenOffice website provides links to additional third-party ports and distributions that are not endorsed or maintained by the Apache Software Foundation. OpenOffice, however, has a slight edge over LibreOffice.

Both are comparable alternatives to Microsoft’s premium Office suite but without the associated cost.įor platform availability, both are available on Windows, Linux, and MacOS. LibreOffice and OpenOffice are both free to download and use. Let’s get the pricing info out of the way first. Platform availability and price screenshot Technically, the latest released version of LibreOffice is 7.0.3, but this version hasn’t been tested as long as version 6.4.7 has and is generally for early adopters. Note: The following comparisons are based on the latest versions of LibreOffice and OpenOffice: LibreOffice 6.4.7 and OpenOffice 4.1.8.

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