Since I am an avid fan of Ubuntu Linux, I am keenly aware of several alternatives to using ‘traditional’ Microsoft Windows Office and productivity software applications. Whether you are a Linux user or a Windows user who does not wish to use MS Office, I present you with other free and open alternatives to Microsoft Office in the following list.
Microsoft Office is undoubtedly one of the most popular productivity suites in the world. With tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, it has become an essential tool for millions of people. However, there are several open-source productivity alternatives to Microsoft Office that can do the same job or even better. In this article, we will list some of the best open-source alternatives to Microsoft Office.
- LibreOffice: LibreOffice is a popular open-source office suite that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is a free alternative to Microsoft Office, offering similar functionality and compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats. It comes with several applications, including Writer, Calc, Impress, and Draw, which are equivalents of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio respectively.
- Apache OpenOffice: Apache OpenOffice is another open-source productivity suite that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It provides similar functionality to Microsoft Office and includes applications like Writer, Calc, Impress, and Draw. It also has a built-in support for a variety of file formats, including Microsoft Office formats.
- WPS Office: WPS Office is a free and open-source office suite that provides a user-friendly interface similar to Microsoft Office. It includes applications like Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheet, which are compatible with Microsoft Office formats. WPS Office also has a unique feature that allows users to open and edit PDF files directly.
- OnlyOffice: OnlyOffice is an open-source office suite that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It includes several applications, including Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation, which are equivalent to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. OnlyOffice also has a built-in CRM, project management, and email client, making it a comprehensive productivity suite.
- Calligra: Calligra is an open-source office suite that is available for Linux, FreeBSD, and Windows. It includes several applications, including Words, Sheets, and Stage, which are equivalent to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Calligra also has a unique feature that allows users to create vector graphics and diagrams.
These are some of the best open-source alternatives to Microsoft Office. While Microsoft Office is undoubtedly the most popular productivity suite, these open-source alternatives provide similar functionality and compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats. Additionally, they are free, making them a great option for individuals and small businesses looking to save money on software licenses.
