Microsoft Office is one of the best office programs, but you’ll pay for it. You canget it relatively cheap. Still, nothing beats a free, open source alternative like LibreOffice. It’s a good office program primarily developed for Linux. You can use it on anymodern, high-end Chromebook. It also has Windows and macOS versions.
LibreOffice’s main downside is the interface, which looks like it hasn’t been updated since the 90s. Launching it for the first time can feel foreign. Whether you’re having your first go at it or have been using it for a long time, we curated a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of LibreOffice.
1Install extensions to expand functionality
Extensions are the simplest way to expand the functionality of an existing tool. Web browsers like Firefox andChrome have a ton of extensionsfor almost any use.
Word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs also have several extensions. LibreOffice isn’t much different. If you don’t think it has enough features, download extensions to add more functionality. Follow these steps:
Restart LibreOffice after installing an extension for the changes to take place.
2Speed up LibreOffice by deactivating Java
Older versions of LibreOffice had speed issues that made the app sluggish to load and use. A popular fix was allowing it to use more RAM by tweaking things like the general memory cache and per-object memory cache. These solutions are no longer relevant unless you use an old software version, as the developers have baked them into newer versions.
If you experience lags with version 6.5 or higher, turn off Java runtime. Java runtime is necessary for database functions (like Microsoft Access). If you don’t use it, turn off the feature. You can always turn it back on when needed. Here’s how:
3Learn keyboard shortcuts for a faster workflow
Using keyboard shortcuts is one of the easiest ways to speed up your workflow and boost productivity. Here are some important ones.
General shortcuts
Formatting shortcuts
Navigation shortcuts
Function keys
4Use custom styles to define the look of your document
Styles in LibreOffice let you set custom looks for the elements in a document, including text, images, layouts, and more. You can create a custom style once and apply it with one click when you need it.
LibreOffice has six main style categories:
To create new styles or edit existing ones:
5Save styles as templates to use across documents
The styles feature helps you define custom looks for the elements in a document. Templates help you set a layout and appearance across documents. You can change the default document template by following these steps:
6Embed fonts in documents
If youcreate a document using a special font, anyone viewing the file needs the same font installed on their system to appear as you intended. Not everyone can go through the process of installing a new font on their computer, whether they lack the know-how or don’t want the hassle.
LibreOffice lets you embed the font within the document, so it stays the same regardless of who looks at it. To do this:
Embedding fonts increases the file size of your document.
7Change the default file format to XML
After creating your document, save it. LibreOffice uses the OpenDocument file formats by default. ODT for text, ODS for spreadsheets, and ODP for presentations. You may need to change this to the more popular XML format if you collaborate with Microsoft Office users. Here’s how:
Elevate your LibreOffice productivity
From keyboard shortcuts for swift navigation to custom styles and templates, you have what it takes to streamline your workflow and make the most of LibreOffice. Streamline your workflow further by learninghow to scan documents into LibreOffice. LibreOffice’s scanner saves your documents in all Microsoft Office file formats.
