LibreOffice: A Free Microsoft Office Alternative That Could Save You Money
Looking for a free Microsoft Office alternative? Discover how LibreOffice gives you word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and more without a subscription, plus the important drawbacks to know before switching.
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Staff Writer
9/22/20268 min read
If you regularly use Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint but don’t want to pay for Microsoft 365, there is another option worth knowing about: LibreOffice.
LibreOffice is a free, open-source office suite developed by a worldwide community and supported by The Document Foundation, a nonprofit organization. It includes applications for creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, diagrams and mathematical formulas.
For people who primarily need traditional desktop office software, LibreOffice can solve one of the biggest frustrations surrounding productivity software: getting useful office applications without another recurring subscription.
But is LibreOffice really a practical replacement for Microsoft Office?
For many everyday users, it could be. For others—particularly people who regularly exchange complicated Microsoft Office files or rely on Microsoft-specific features—the answer is more complicated.
Here’s what you should know.
What Is LibreOffice?
LibreOffice is a free office productivity suite that includes six primary applications:
Writer – word processing
Calc – spreadsheets
Impress – presentations
Draw – diagrams and vector graphics
Base – database management
Math – mathematical formula editing
Writer, Calc and Impress are the applications most likely to interest someone looking for alternatives to Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
LibreOffice is available for Windows, macOS and Linux. The software can be downloaded directly from the LibreOffice website.
Benefit #1: LibreOffice Is Actually Free
Let's start with the obvious benefit: LibreOffice can be downloaded and used for free.
LibreOffice states that donations are optional and that users can download the software without making a donation.
That makes it attractive to students, job seekers, retirees, freelancers, small businesses, families and anyone else who needs traditional office software but doesn't want another monthly or annual bill.
Microsoft does provide free web versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint through Microsoft 365 for the web, so it would be inaccurate to say that paying Microsoft is the only way to use its productivity applications.
There is, however, an important difference.
Microsoft's free versions are web-based, while LibreOffice provides full desktop applications that you install on your computer.
Microsoft's paid Microsoft 365 Personal subscription includes the desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other applications. At the time of publication, Microsoft lists Microsoft 365 Personal at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year in the United States.
If you don't need Microsoft's additional services and simply want desktop software for documents, spreadsheets and presentations, LibreOffice eliminates that subscription expense.
Benefit #2: You Can Work Offline
One of LibreOffice's biggest advantages is easy to overlook.
Once LibreOffice is installed on your computer, you don't need an internet connection simply to create or edit a document stored locally.
That can be particularly useful if you:
Have unreliable internet service
Travel frequently
Work in places without internet access
Prefer keeping certain documents on your own computer
Don't want your basic office software to depend on a browser
This is also one of the distinctions between LibreOffice and Microsoft's free web-based Office applications.
Microsoft's free offering provides Word, Excel and PowerPoint through the web and requires files to be saved and shared through OneDrive. LibreOffice is traditional desktop software that can work directly with files stored locally on your computer.
Benefit #3: It Can Open and Save Microsoft Office Files
Switching office software wouldn't be particularly useful if you couldn't work with files other people send you.
Fortunately, LibreOffice supports common Microsoft Office formats.
For example:
Microsoft Word: .doc and .docx
Microsoft Excel: .xls and .xlsx
Microsoft PowerPoint: .ppt, .pps and .pptx
LibreOffice can open these Microsoft formats, and you can also save files in Microsoft Office formats.
That's particularly important if you create a résumé in LibreOffice Writer but need to send someone a DOCX file, or if someone sends you an Excel XLSX spreadsheet that you need to open in LibreOffice Calc.
However, compatibility is not perfect, and we'll discuss that important limitation later.
Benefit #4: It Covers Most Everyday Office Tasks
Not everyone needs every advanced feature found in Microsoft Office.
A large number of everyday computer tasks involve things such as writing letters, preparing résumés, creating reports, making household budgets, tracking expenses, building basic spreadsheets or putting together presentations.
LibreOffice provides applications capable of handling those types of tasks.
Writer includes features for creating and formatting documents.
Calc provides spreadsheet functions, formulas, charts and other data-analysis tools.
Impress allows users to create presentations, including multimedia presentations.
For someone whose primary question is, "How can I type documents and create spreadsheets without paying for Microsoft Office?" LibreOffice may provide far more functionality than they actually need.
Benefit #5: There's No Subscription to Keep Active
Subscription fatigue is real.
Streaming services, cloud storage, software, security products and other online services can quickly turn into a long list of recurring charges.
LibreOffice doesn't require you to maintain a paid subscription to continue using the software.
Download it, install it and use it.
There is no subscription that suddenly makes your locally installed LibreOffice applications unavailable because you stopped paying a monthly or annual fee.
For someone trying to reduce recurring expenses, that's a meaningful advantage.
Benefit #6: LibreOffice Uses Open Document Standards
LibreOffice uses the OpenDocument Format (ODF) as its native document format.
You'll commonly see:
.odt for Writer documents
.ods for Calc spreadsheets
.odp for Impress presentations
ODF is an open standard rather than a proprietary format controlled by a single office-software vendor.
You aren't required to use ODF exclusively, however. As mentioned earlier, LibreOffice can also open and save common Microsoft Office file formats.
Benefit #7: It Works on Multiple Operating Systems
LibreOffice isn't limited to Windows computers.
Official versions are available for Windows, macOS and Linux, although exact operating-system requirements depend on the LibreOffice version being installed.
This can be particularly useful in households or organizations where people use different types of computers.
Before downloading LibreOffice, check its current system requirements to make sure the latest version supports your computer and operating system.
Benefit #8: It Includes More Than a Word Processor and Spreadsheet
LibreOffice isn't just Writer and Calc.
The suite also includes Impress for presentations, Draw for diagrams and vector graphics, Base for databases and Math for editing mathematical formulas.
That gives users several productivity applications within one free package.
Someone who initially downloads LibreOffice simply because they need a free word processor may discover that they can also use it for spreadsheets, presentations, diagrams or other projects.
What Are the Downsides of LibreOffice?
LibreOffice offers a surprising amount of functionality for software that costs nothing, but that doesn't mean it is the right choice for everyone.
There are some significant limitations you should understand before replacing Microsoft Office with it.
Downside #1: Microsoft Office Compatibility Isn't Perfect
This is probably the biggest issue for people who regularly exchange Microsoft Office files.
LibreOffice itself acknowledges that some complex Microsoft Office documents can display differently after being opened or converted.
Potential compatibility problems can involve items such as formatting, tables, revision marks, Microsoft WordArt, certain form controls, PowerPoint multimedia effects, pivot tables, conditional formatting, newer chart types and some Excel functions or formulas.
The more complicated the original Microsoft Office file is, the greater the possibility that something won't transfer exactly as expected.
For a simple letter or basic spreadsheet, you may never notice a meaningful problem.
For a heavily formatted corporate report, sophisticated Excel workbook or elaborate PowerPoint presentation, compatibility deserves much more attention.
Practical tip: If you are sending an important file to someone who will open it in Microsoft Office, save a Microsoft-format copy and check the document carefully before sending it. For documents that don't need to be edited by the recipient, exporting to PDF can sometimes help preserve the intended appearance.
Downside #2: LibreOffice Is Not Microsoft Office
This sounds obvious, but it's important.
Writer is not Word. Calc is not Excel. Impress is not PowerPoint.
The applications perform many similar functions, but the menus, commands, workflows and features aren't identical.
If you've spent years using Microsoft Office, there may be an adjustment period while you learn where tools are located and how LibreOffice handles particular tasks.
This can matter even more in a workplace where everyone else uses Microsoft Office and internal instructions, templates or training materials assume that you do too.
Downside #3: Advanced Microsoft Features May Not Translate
If you're a casual spreadsheet user, LibreOffice Calc may handle what you need without a problem.
If your job depends on complicated Excel workbooks, macros, specialized formulas, Microsoft-specific automation or other advanced functionality, don't assume Calc will be a drop-in replacement.
LibreOffice's own documentation identifies differences and potential compatibility problems involving formulas, pivot tables, charts, conditional formatting and other Excel features.
Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) compatibility also requires particular attention. LibreOffice documents some VBA support, but Microsoft Office macros and scripts should not automatically be assumed to behave exactly the same way.
For business-critical files, test your actual documents before making a complete switch.
Downside #4: Real-Time Collaboration Is a Different Experience
One of Microsoft 365's strengths is its integration of Office applications with Microsoft's cloud ecosystem.
Microsoft's free web versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint also support online real-time collaboration.
LibreOffice's core desktop suite is primarily designed around locally installed applications rather than duplicating Microsoft's cloud-based Microsoft 365 experience.
If multiple people need to simultaneously edit documents online, Microsoft's web-based tools—or another cloud-first productivity suite—may be more convenient for that particular workflow.
Who Should Consider LibreOffice?
LibreOffice makes the most sense for people who need capable desktop office software without paying for a subscription.
It may be particularly appealing to people who:
Mainly create documents, spreadsheets and presentations
Want software installed directly on their computer
Need to work offline
Want to reduce recurring software expenses
Occasionally need to open or save Microsoft Office files
Prefer open-source software
Don't depend heavily on Microsoft-specific advanced features
On the other hand, someone who works every day with complicated Word documents, advanced Excel workbooks, Microsoft-specific macros or a Microsoft 365-based collaboration environment may find that remaining with Microsoft Office is more practical.
Is LibreOffice Worth Trying?
If the main thing stopping you from having full desktop office software is cost, LibreOffice is certainly worth considering.
It won't perfectly replace Microsoft Office for every person or every workflow. That distinction matters.
But many people don't need every advanced feature Microsoft provides. They need to write a letter, update a résumé, create a budget, build a spreadsheet, prepare a presentation or open a document someone emailed them.
LibreOffice can perform those kinds of everyday productivity tasks without requiring a paid subscription.
And because the software is free to download, you don't have to make an expensive commitment just to find out whether it works for you.
You can install LibreOffice, try it with the kinds of documents you normally create, and decide for yourself whether it meets your needs.
For someone looking to cut software expenses without giving up traditional desktop productivity tools, that's a pretty compelling offer.
DISCLAIMER
This article is provided for general informational purposes only. ShareThisInfo.com is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Document Foundation, LibreOffice or Microsoft. Product features, compatibility, system requirements, pricing and availability can change over time. Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. LibreOffice is a trademark of The Document Foundation. Always verify current software requirements, pricing, licensing terms and compatibility information with the applicable provider before downloading software or making purchasing or business decisions.
Sources
LibreOffice Official Website — Overview of LibreOffice and its Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base and Math applications.
LibreOffice Official Website
LibreOffice FAQ — Information about LibreOffice being free to download and optional donations.
LibreOffice Frequently Asked Questions
LibreOffice Microsoft Office Compatibility Documentation — Information about opening and saving Microsoft Office formats and potential conversion/formatting limitations.
About Converting Microsoft Office Documents
LibreOffice Guide to Using Microsoft Office Files — Details on opening and saving DOC/DOCX, XLS/XLSX and PPT/PPTX files.
Using Microsoft Office and LibreOffice
LibreOffice System Requirements — Current operating-system and hardware requirements.
LibreOffice System Requirements
LibreOffice Downloads — Official download page and currently available LibreOffice releases.
Download LibreOffice
Microsoft 365 Free Web Applications — Microsoft's official information about free web-based versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Free Microsoft 365 Online Apps
Microsoft 365 Plans and Pricing — Microsoft's current U.S. pricing and information about desktop Office applications included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Microsoft 365 Plans and Pricing
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