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Having written for over 30 years, I consider myself somewhat of an expert in the field. Throughout these decades, one document tool that has consistently served me well is LibreOffice.
To clarify, when I began my writing career, StarOffice was the dominant software before it evolved into OpenOffice. LibreOffice, which was officially launched in January 2011 as a fork of OpenOffice, has since become my primary software. While I often use Google Docs for various non-fiction projects, when it comes to serious writing, especially my novels, I turn to LibreOffice.
What does “serious” writing mean? It involves formatting and working on long documents, often exceeding 60,000 words and spanning over 300 pages.
Here are the key features of LibreOffice that keep me reliant on this tool:
1. Customization Flexibility
One of the standout aspects of LibreOffice is its high degree of customization. Writers often prefer to work in ways that suit their personal styles. If our workflows are imposed upon us, it can lead to frustration. LibreOffice allows the necessary customizations to facilitate my writing process. For example, I’m able to set specific styles and formatting options that streamline my workflow, ensuring that distractions are minimized when I’m in the zone.
2. Local Document Storage
In an era where many applications push users towards the cloud, LibreOffice’s focus on local document storage is a significant advantage. Ten years ago, having local storage was not a factor I would have considered crucial. However, given concerns about privacy and cloud security, especially regarding sensitive documents, storing my manuscripts on my local file system is essential. I utilize a shared drive on my network for easy access across devices.
3. Continuity Across Devices
By installing LibreOffice as the default application on both my Linux desktop and MacBook Pro, I can seamlessly transition between devices while maintaining document formatting. This is vital for submitting manuscripts to publishers that often have specific formatting requirements.
4. Comprehensive Toolset
LibreOffice offers a wealth of built-in tools that cater to a range of writing needs. Beyond standard features like spellcheck and autocorrect, it also provides advanced tools such as text redaction and macros. This comprehensive suite of tools ensures that I can complete document tasks without needing external software.
5. Free and Open-Source Software
While I use proprietary applications occasionally, I prioritize open-source solutions like LibreOffice whenever possible. The open-source nature allows for community scrutiny of the code and a responsive development team that considers user feedback. LibreOffice can be downloaded and installed freely on multiple devices, providing users with access without any cost.
6. Enhanced Security Features
LibreOffice provides security advantages over cloud-based solutions like Google Docs. Users can password-protect their files, encrypting them to ensure unauthorized access is restricted. The application also includes an option to remove personal metadata, increasing privacy.
In summary, these six features highlight why LibreOffice has been my preferred office suite for many years. It has become indispensable for my writing process, and I strongly recommend downloading it from the Document Foundation. You are unlikely to regret your decision.