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Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

Apache OpenOffice is a free and open-source office suite that offers a comprehensive set of tools designed to tackle various document, data, and presentation needs. It provides users with a powerful word processor, a versatile spreadsheet program, a dynamic presentation creator, and more, all within a single, downloadable package

Much like LibreOffice or WPS Office, Apache OpenOffice offers core functionalities that rival commercial giants such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. It also boasts a familiar and user-friendly interface alongside extensive file format compatibility. For anyone seeking a full-fledged office solution without the recurring costs, this suite is a compelling choice.

Capable core applications

Apache OpenOffice delivers a suite capable of handling nearly any office task. Writer, the word processor, is adept at crafting anything from simple letters to complex books. Calc provides a robust spreadsheet environment for detailed data analysis, while Impress allows for the creation of effective multimedia presentations. Moreover, Draw facilitates diagrams and 3D illustrations, Base seamlessly manages databases, and Math enables the creation of complex mathematical equations.

One of the program’s most significant advantages is its complete freedom from license fees, allowing users to download, install, and distribute it without cost. This open-source nature, backed by a global community of volunteers, ensures its accessibility and stability. Its familiar design makes it easy to use for anyone accustomed to other office applications. Plus, its strong compatibility allows users to access most file types from major competitors effortlessly.

Despite its many strengths, the suite does exhibit some areas where it lags behind more frequently updated alternatives. Its user interface, while familiar, can feel dated when compared to the sleek, modern designs of contemporary office suites. Furthermore, the project's update cycle is less frequent, which can lead to slower adoption of new features and occasional compatibility challenges with the latest proprietary file formats from other leading office software.

Enlarged image for Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice 0/3
  • Pros

    • Comprehensive suite of tools
    • Global community support
    • Familiar and intuitive interface
    • Good file format compatibility
  • Cons

    • UI can feel dated
    • Less frequent updates

Bottom Line

Compelling alternative

While it does not offer the absolute latest in interface design or cutting-edge features found in its commercial counterparts, Apache OpenOffice remains a commendable choice for users seeking a free, reliable, and full-featured office suite. A powerful tool for everyday productivity, it serves as an excellent, cost-effective alternative to proprietary software, offering a comprehensive toolkit, strong community support, and broad compatibility across file formats.

What’s new in version 4.1.15

  • Bug fixes
  • Other enhancements


Explore More


Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
Version
4.1.15
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Windows
Operating System
  • Windows 8.1
  • Windows 2003
  • Windows XP
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows 10
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
7,868,721
Downloads Last Week
78

Report Software

Program available in other languages


Last Updated


User Reviews

4.3/5

1937 User Votes


Developer’s Description

Streamline productivity with word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, graphics, formula editor, and database management.

Apache OpenOffice is an open-source office productivity software suite containing word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, graphics, formula editor, and database management applications. OpenOffice is available in many languages, works on all common computers, stores data in ODF - the international open standard format - and is able to read and write files in other formats, included the format used by the most common office suite packages. OpenOffice is also able to export files in PDF format. OpenOffice has supported extensions, in a similar manner to Mozilla Firefox, making easy to add new functionality to an existing OpenOffice installation.

Features: 170+ Languages. Extensions and Templates available. New Sidebar. Interoperability Improvements for Text Documents, Spreadsheet Documents, Presentation Documents and OOXML file format in general. Draw Object Improvements/Enhancements. New Color Palette. New Gradients. New Gallery Themes and Gallery enhancements. Refined the Selection Handles User Interface. Refined Selection Visualization. Better Print Preview. Enhanced conversion to Bitmap Graphics. Enhanced Copy/Paste. Enhanced Drag&Drop. Adapt LineStart/End to LineWidth. SVG Export enhancements. SVG/Metafile Break improvement. SVG Import improvements. Picture Crop mode offers preview. Unified visualization of Color Palette popup. Transparency support for pixel formats (PNG). Connectors support rotation. Corrected Hatch fill style visualization. Better gradient support in metafiles. Calc and Chart Improvements/Enhancements. Support relative Pie Chart Height. Extensions Improvements/Enhancement. New Toolbar management. Unified menu API. Performance Improvements/Enhancements. Many resource leaks were fixed. Speedup of Graphic Rendering. Additional Language Support. Changes that Impact Backwards Compatibility. Module binfilter removed (legacy StarOffice file formats (.sdw, .sdc, .sdd, etc.). Python support updated. Support for system C++ STL.


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