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After over 30 years of writing experience, one of the tools I’ve consistently relied on is LibreOffice. This software has evolved from its early versions, like StarOffice and OpenOffice, to establish itself as my primary document editor since its official launch in January 2011. Although I also use Google Docs for some non-fiction work, I turn to LibreOffice for the more significant task of writing novels, especially when it comes to managing large documents that exceed 60,000 words or 300 pages.
Here are the key features of LibreOffice that make it indispensable for my writing process.
1. Customization Options
One of the standout aspects of LibreOffice is its extensive customization capabilities. As a writer, I appreciate being able to tailor my workspace to fit my needs, allowing for a smooth workflow. The styles configuration, for instance, enhances my efficiency. I can adjust header alignments, spacing, and paragraph indentations to match my preferences, ensuring that I can write uninterrupted and stay in the creative flow.
2. Local Document Storage
In an era where many tools focus on cloud-based storage, LibreOffice remains a reliable choice for saving documents locally. This approach is critical for safeguarding sensitive materials, like manuscripts, from unauthorized access or potential misuse. I save my documents on a shared network drive, enabling me to work across multiple computers with ease.
3. Continuity Across Devices
Having LibreOffice installed on both my Linux desktop and MacBook Pro ensures that my document formatting remains consistent, which is vital for submitting manuscripts to publishers that often require specific formats. Switching between LibreOffice and other office suites might compromise formatting, but with LibreOffice, my documents retain their integrity across different machines.
4. Abundance of Built-in Tools
LibreOffice includes a wide array of built-in tools, ranging from standard functionalities like spellchecking and thesaurus options to more advanced features such as text redaction and accessibility checks. This comprehensive set of tools allows me to tackle nearly any document-related task without needing additional software.
5. Free and Open Source
LibreOffice’s open-source nature provides transparency and the opportunity for community-driven enhancements. While many applications are proprietary, LibreOffice is both free to use and free of charge, making it accessible for anyone. Users can download and install it on multiple machines at no cost, with the option to financially support the development if they choose.
6. Enhanced Security Features
With superior security measures, LibreOffice allows users to password-protect files, ensuring that sensitive documents remain confidential. The latest versions also include features for stripping metadata, which enhances privacy when saving documents. Users can set security options easily to protect their work even further.
These features highlight why LibreOffice has been my go-to office suite for decades. It stands out as the optimal tool for producing written work, making it a choice I wholeheartedly recommend.