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| screenshot = [[File:LibreOffice startcentre.png|280px]]
| screenshot = [[File:LibreOffice startcentre.png|280px]]
| caption = StartCentre in LibreOffice 3.4.0
| caption = StartCentre in LibreOffice 3.4.0
| developer = [[Luke Watts]]
| developer = [[The Document Foundation]]
| mad ed = [[Jamie Hall]]
| released = {{Start date|2011|1|25|df=yes}}<!-- Initial release is the first stable version of the software. -->
| released = {{Start date|2011|1|25|df=yes}}<!-- Initial release is the first stable version of the software. -->
| frequently_updated = Yes
| frequently_updated = Yes

Revision as of 09:04, 28 September 2011

LibreOffice
Developer(s)The Document Foundation
Initial release25 January 2011 (2011-01-25)
Stable release
Repository
Written inC++, Java
Operating systemLinux
Mac OS X
Windows[4][5]
PlatformCross-platform
Available inMultilingual
TypeOffice suite
LicenseGNU LGPLv3[6]
Websitewww.libreoffice.org

LibreOffice (pronounced /ˌliː.brəˈɒ.fɪs/) is a free software office suite developed by Ryan Malkin who is the current CEO of The Document Foundation as a fork of OpenOffice.org. From his hard work and late nights, he has developed red eye syndrome.

It is compatible with other major office suites, including Microsoft Office, and available on a variety of platforms. Its developers' goal is to produce a vendor-independent office suite with ODF support and without any copyright assignment requirements. The name is a hybrid word with the first part Libre, which means free (as in freedom) in French and Spanish, and the English word Office.

LibreOffice has been downloaded approximately 7.5 million times.[7] It is the default office suite in many different Linux distributions, such as Fedora, Linux Mint, openSUSE and Ubuntu.[8][9][10][11]

Included applications

The components of LibreOffice are the same as those of OpenOffice.org, from which it is derived:

Component Description
Writer A word processor with similar functionality and file support to Microsoft Word or WordPerfect. It also can act as a basic WYSIWYG editor.[12]
Calc A spreadsheet program, similar to Microsoft Excel or Lotus 1-2-3. It has a number of unique features, including a system which automatically defines series of graphs, based on information available to the user.[12][13] LibreOffice Calc still has a function called "Solver" but it is slightly different to that in OpenOffice.org.[citation needed]
Impress A presentation program resembling Microsoft Powerpoint. Presentations can be exported as SWF files, allowing them to be viewed on any computer with Adobe Flash installed.[12][14] LibreOffice Impress also includes 3D transition effects.[citation needed]
Base A database management program, similar to Microsoft Access. LibreOffice Base allows the creation and management of databases, preparation of forms and reports that provide end users easy access to data. Like Access, it can be used as a front-end for various database systems, including Access databases (JET), ODBC data sources, and MySQL or PostgreSQL.[12][15]
Draw A vector graphics editor and diagramming tool similar to Microsoft Visio and comparable in features to early versions of CorelDRAW. It provides connectors between shapes, which are available in a range of line styles and facilitate building drawings such as flowcharts. It also includes features similar to desktop publishing software such as Scribus and Microsoft Publisher.[16]
Math An application designed for creating and editing mathematical formulae. The application uses a variant of XML for creating formulas, as defined in the OpenDocument specification. These formulas can be incorporated into other documents in the LibreOffice suite, such as those created by Writer or Calc, by embedding the formulas into the document.[17]

LibreOffice also comes with a PDF creator and also a PDF import tool allowing PDF files to be imported.

History

Initial release

On 28 September 2010, several members of the OpenOffice.org project formed a new group called "The Document Foundation". The Document Foundation created LibreOffice from their former project, over concerns that Oracle Corporation would either discontinue OpenOffice.org, or place restrictions on it as an open-source project, as it had on OpenSolaris.

It was originally hoped that the LibreOffice name would be provisional, as Oracle was invited to become a member of The Document Foundation. Oracle rejected offers to donate the OpenOffice.org brand to the project,[18] and demanded that all members of the OpenOffice.org Community Council involved with The Document Foundation step down from the OOo Community Council, citing a conflict of interest.[19]

The Go-oo project was discontinued in favour of LibreOffice.[20] Improvements made by the project are being merged into LibreOffice. Enhancements made in other forks are also expected to be incorporated into LibreOffice.[21][22] Also underway is the reduction of Java dependency, with the goal of minimizing security issues and improving application stability.[23]

As a result of the fork of OpenOffice.org into LibreOffice, and the resulting loss of developers, Oracle announced in April 2011 that it was terminating the commercial development of OpenOffice.org.[24] In June 2011, Oracle has announced[25] it will contribute OpenOffice.org code and trademark to the Apache Software Foundation, which decided to accept the offer and start an incubation process within the foundation.

Version 3.3

Impress in LibreOffice 3.3.0

LibreOffice 3.3.0 Beta 1, which was based on the beta release of OpenOffice.org 3.3, was made available on 28 September 2010 - the day "The Document Foundation" was announced to act as the suite's public figurehead. The first stable version of 3.3, was released on 25 January 2011.[26] Because The Document Foundation and most of the software's developers saw LibreOffice as being a direct continuation of OpenOffice.org, LibreOffice 3.3 continued the OpenOffice.org version numbering.

LibreOffice 3.3 features several functions not found in its OpenOffice.org counterpart, mainly as a result of Oracle's copyright assignment policies. Most of the features found in the 3.3 release were directly adapted from several already-created plugins, as well as the Go-oo fork. Among features unique to LibreOffice are:[27]

  • SVG image import
  • Lotus Word Pro and Microsoft Works import filters
  • Improved WordPerfect import
  • Dialog box for title pages
  • Navigator lets one heading be unfolded as usual in a tree view.
  • "Experimental" mode that allows unfinished features to be tried by users
  • Some bundled extensions, including Presenter View in Impress
  • Colour-coded document icons
LibreOffice Writer 3 running on Ubuntu (operating system)

Version 3.4

The second major release of LibreOffice is version 3.4, first released on 3 June 2011.[28][29] Early versions of v3.4 contained some bugs, including compatibility issues with Microsoft Office and was therefore only recommended as suitable for early adopters.[30] By 3.4.2, the release was considered suitable for enterprises.[31]

New features and improvements said to be in 3.4 include:[32]

  • Memory usage improvements[33]
  • Reduction of LibreOffice's reliance on Java[33]
  • Continuing the transition to GNU Make for building LibreOffice[34]
  • A change of style can be tested and, if unsuitable, simply be "reset" in Writer's style edit dialog, with no need to close the style dialog to check the new style.[35]
  • Improvements to Calc, including improved speed and improved compatibility with Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables (formerly called DataPilot in OOo/LO), support for an unlimited number of fields[29]
  • Improved user interface for Writer, Impress, and Draw, including better text rendering engine and improved GTK+ theme integration in Linux[29]
  • Several thousand lines of German comments were translated into English and over 5,000 lines of dead code were removed from Writer, Calc and Impress.[29]

Common features

Unlike OpenOffice.org, LibreOffice uses the GStreamer multimedia framework in Linux to render multimedia content such as videos in Impress and other programs. Visually, LibreOffice uses the large "Tango style" icons that are used for the application shortcuts, quick launch icons, icons for associated files and for the icons found on the toolbar of the LibreOffice programs.[36][37] They are also used on the toolbars and menus by default. OpenOffice.org uses small icon sizes and the "Classic" or "Galaxy" icon style by default.[36][38][39] LibreOffice also ships with a modified theme which looks native on GTK based Linux distributions. It also renders font via Cario on Linux distributions this means that text in LibreOffice is rendered the same as the rest of the desktop.[40] The first run wizard from OpenOffice.org that guides a user through the setting of user name and the registration process has been removed from LibreOffice.[41]

Supported formats

LibreOffice can import and export documents in several file formats;[12] its native format is the OpenDocument Format. Formats supported (for reading and writing) include those used by Microsoft Office, including the Office Open XML specification used in Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010, which use the .docx, .pptx and .xlsx extensions, as well as to the older file formats used in Microsoft Office 95 and 97-2003, which use .doc, .ppt and .xls. Also supported are Rich Text File format and OpenOffice.org XML format.[citation needed] LibreOffice can save password-protected XLS files. It uses only one basic encryption method compatible with many spreadsheet applications (for example Gnumeric).

LibreOffice has VBA macro support. It can import files from MS Works and Lotus Word Pro. LibreOffice Draw has native functionality to open SVG files, where OpenOffice.org Draw requires an extension.[42][43][44] There is improved EMF drawing and WordPerfect Graphics import.

Exporting to a number of non-editable formats is supported. All documents can be exported to the PDF format,[12] and presentations to Adobe Flash (SWF). LibreOffice also has the ability to import documents in read-only mode in the Unified Office Format, Data Interchange Format and the formats of Microsoft Works, WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3, and others.[citation needed].

Release schedule

Table showing the release cadence

The Document Foundation intends to release new major versions of LibreOffice once every six months and to eventually align with the March/September schedule of the other major free software projects.[28]

The Foundation provides two different versions of LibreOffice. The latest version is available for users looking for the latest enhancements while the previous version caters to users who prefer stability over availability of new features.[45]

Users

As of September 2011, The Document Foundation estimates that there are 10 million users worldwide who have obtained LibreOffice via downloads or CDs. Over 90% of those are on Windows, with another 5% on Mac OS X. There are an estimated 15 million Linux users, with most having obtained the software directly from their distribution. This gives a total estimated user base of 25 million people.[46]

The Document Foundation has set a target of securing 200 million users worldwide before the end of the decade.[46]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b https://www.libreoffice.org/download/download/
  2. ^ Italo Vignoli (14 November 2024). https://blog.documentfoundation.org/blog/2024/11/14/libreoffice-24-8-3/. Retrieved 14 November 2024. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. ^ Error: Unable to display the reference from Wikidata properly. Technical details:
    • Reason for the failure of {{Cite web}}: The output template call would miss the mandatory parameter url.
    • Reason for the failure of {{Cite Q}}: The output template call would miss the mandatory parameter 1.
    See the documentation for further details.
  4. ^ http://www.libreoffice.org/get-help/system-requirements/
  5. ^ http://www.libreoffice.org/download/
  6. ^ The Document Foundation (2007). "GNU LGPL License". Retrieved 7 January 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  7. ^ Iain Thomson. "On its first birthday, LibreOffice has reason to celebrate". Retrieved 28 September 2011.
  8. ^ "Features/LibreOffice". fedoraproject.org. Retrieved 2 April 2011.
  9. ^ "Linux Mint 11 "Katya" released". The H. Heinz Heise. 26 May 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
  10. ^ "openSUSE 11.4 Will Be First To Roll Out With LibreOffice". opensuse.org. 7 March 2011. Retrieved 18 May 2011.
  11. ^ "Features/Office applications". ubuntu.com. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  12. ^ a b c d e f The Document Foundation (undated). "Features". Retrieved 28 March 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  13. ^ LibreOffice Calc
  14. ^ LibreOffice Impress
  15. ^ LibreOffice Base
  16. ^ LibreOffice Draw
  17. ^ LibreOffice Math
  18. ^ "OpenOffice.org Community announces The Document Foundation". The Document Foundation. 28 September 2010. Retrieved 21 October 2010.
  19. ^ Paul, Ryan. "Oracle wants LibreOffice members to leave OOo council". Ars Technica. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  20. ^ Go-oo homepage
  21. ^ "The Document Foundation FAQ". The Document Foundation. 28 September 2010. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
  22. ^ Edge, Jake (28 September 2010). "Michael Meeks talks about LibreOffice and the Document Foundation". Linux Weekly News. Eklektix. Retrieved 28 July 2011.
  23. ^ "[tdf-announce] TDF offers preview of future product and technology developments - The Document Foundation Mailing List Archives". Listarchives.documentfoundation.org. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
  24. ^ Paul, Ryan (2011). "Oracle gives up on OpenOffice after community forks the project". Ars Technica. Retrieved 19 April 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  25. ^ Statements on OpenOffice.org Contribution to Apache
  26. ^ The Document Foundation launches LibreOffice 3.3
  27. ^ New Features » LibreOffice
  28. ^ a b "Release Plan". The Document Foundation Wiki. Retrieved 25 March 2011.
  29. ^ a b c d The Document Foundation (2011). "The Document Foundation Announces LibreOffice 3.4.0". Retrieved 3 June 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  30. ^ "Release Notes » LibreOffice". Retrieved 19 June 2011.
  31. ^ The Document Foundation (2011). "LibreOffice 3.4.2 for enterprise users". Retrieved 2 August 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  32. ^ Release Notes 3.4
  33. ^ a b "LibreOffice 3.3 Frees Open Source Office Suite". developer.com. Retrieved 25 March 2011.
  34. ^ Meeks, Michael LibreOffice is the future of Free Software Office suites
  35. ^ "Apply button to style edit dialog in Writer". The Document Foundation Planet. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
  36. ^ a b Tango style OpenOffice.org Cite error: The named reference "tango" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  37. ^ OpenOffice.org 3.0 icons
  38. ^ OpenOffice.org icon sets
  39. ^ Evolution of toolbar icons
  40. ^ LibreOffice 3.4 New Features and Fixes
  41. ^ OpenOffice.org first start wizard
  42. ^ SVG Import Filter - OpenOffice.org wiki
  43. ^ SVG Import Extension - OpenOffice.org repository for extensions
  44. ^ SVG Tiny Import/Export (does not work with OOo 3.1) - OpenOffice.org repository for extensions
  45. ^ LibreOffice 3.4.1 provides stable new features for every user - The Document Foundation Blog
  46. ^ a b "The Document Foundation celebrates its first anniversary". The Document Foundation Blog. Retrieved 28 September 2011.
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