Google Docs vs OpenOffice Writer

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Our analysts compared Google Docs vs OpenOffice Writer based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Document Generation Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

OpenOffice Writer Software Tool

Product Basics

Google Docs is a versatile cloud-based word processing tool that excels in document collaboration. It allows multiple users to edit and comment on documents in real-time, making it ideal for teams and organizations that prioritize seamless communication and efficiency. Industries such as education, marketing, and remote work environments benefit greatly from its collaborative features. Users appreciate its intuitive interface, automatic saving, and version history, which ensures that no work is lost and changes can be tracked easily. The ability to access documents from any device with internet connectivity adds to its convenience. Compared to similar products, users often highlight its ease of use and integration with other productivity tools. Pricing details can vary, and it's advisable for users to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Overall, Google Docs stands out for its robust collaboration capabilities and user-friendly design, making it a preferred choice for many professionals.
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OpenOffice Writer is a versatile word processing software that excels in document creation and collaboration. It is particularly well-suited for individuals and organizations in industries such as education, small businesses, and non-profits, where cost-effective solutions are essential. The software offers a range of powerful features, including robust formatting tools, the ability to handle various document formats, and seamless integration with other OpenOffice applications. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and the ability to collaborate on documents in real-time, enhancing productivity and teamwork. Compared to similar products, OpenOffice Writer is praised for its open-source nature, which allows for customization and flexibility. While pricing details are not specified, users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Overall, OpenOffice Writer stands out for its comprehensive capabilities and user-friendly design, making it a reliable choice for document management and collaboration needs.
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$6/User, Monthly, Freemium
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$0 Free, Open-Source
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Product Assistance

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Knowledge Base
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, seeing each other's changes instantly, which enhances teamwork and reduces the need for back-and-forth emails.
  • Cloud-Based Access: Documents are stored in the cloud, allowing access from any device with internet connectivity, ensuring flexibility and convenience for remote work.
  • Version History: Easily track changes and revert to previous versions of a document, providing a safety net against accidental deletions or edits.
  • Seamless Sharing: Share documents with specific people or groups with customizable permissions, ensuring control over who can view, comment, or edit.
  • Integration with Google Workspace: Google Docs integrates smoothly with other Google services like Drive, Sheets, and Slides, streamlining workflow and data management.
  • Offline Editing: Work on documents without an internet connection, with changes syncing automatically once reconnected, ensuring productivity isn't hindered by connectivity issues.
  • Commenting and Suggestions: Users can leave comments and suggestions directly on the document, facilitating clear communication and feedback without altering the original text.
  • Automatic Saving: Changes are saved automatically as you type, reducing the risk of data loss due to unexpected shutdowns or crashes.
  • Template Variety: Access a wide range of templates for different document types, such as resumes and reports, saving time on formatting and design.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Google Docs works on various operating systems and devices, ensuring that users can collaborate regardless of their preferred technology.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: As part of Google Workspace, Google Docs offers a free version with robust features, making it accessible for individuals and small businesses.
  • Security and Privacy Controls: Benefit from Google's security infrastructure, with options to set document-specific privacy settings, ensuring data protection.
  • Voice Typing Feature: Use voice commands to type and edit documents, which can increase efficiency and accessibility for users with different needs.
  • Extensive Add-Ons: Enhance functionality with a variety of third-party add-ons, allowing customization to fit specific business needs.
  • Easy Formatting Tools: Utilize intuitive formatting options to create professional-looking documents without needing advanced design skills.
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  • Cost Efficiency: OpenOffice Writer is free to use, eliminating the need for costly software licenses and reducing overhead for businesses and individuals alike.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: It operates seamlessly on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility for diverse user bases.
  • Open Document Format (ODF): By using an open standard, it promotes interoperability and long-term access to documents, reducing the risk of vendor lock-in.
  • Customizability: Users can tailor the interface and functionality through extensions and templates, enhancing productivity by aligning the tool with specific workflow needs.
  • Robust Document Collaboration: Features like track changes and comments facilitate effective collaboration, allowing multiple users to contribute and review documents efficiently.
  • Comprehensive Language Support: With extensive language tools, including spell check and thesaurus in multiple languages, it supports global communication and document creation.
  • Data Security: OpenOffice Writer allows for password protection of documents, ensuring sensitive information remains secure and accessible only to authorized users.
  • Integration with Other OpenOffice Applications: Seamless integration with Calc, Impress, and other suite applications enhances productivity by allowing easy data transfer and document creation.
  • Community Support: A vibrant community of users and developers provides extensive support and resources, from forums to tutorials, aiding in troubleshooting and skill development.
  • Regular Updates: Continuous improvements and updates ensure that the software remains relevant and capable of meeting evolving user needs and technological advancements.
  • Environmental Impact: As a digital solution, it reduces the need for physical document storage and printing, contributing to more sustainable business practices.
  • Ease of Use: Its intuitive interface and straightforward functionality make it accessible to users of all skill levels, minimizing the learning curve and maximizing efficiency.
  • File Format Versatility: Supports a wide range of file formats, including Microsoft Word documents, enabling easy sharing and collaboration with users of different software.
  • Advanced Formatting Options: Offers sophisticated tools for document styling, such as styles and formatting, tables, and graphics, allowing for professional-quality document creation.
  • Macros and Automation: Users can create macros to automate repetitive tasks, streamlining workflows and saving time on routine document management activities.
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  • Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can edit a document simultaneously, with changes appearing instantly for all collaborators.
  • Version History: Access a detailed log of document revisions, allowing users to view or revert to previous versions with ease.
  • Commenting and Suggestions: Users can leave comments and suggestions directly on the document, facilitating clear communication and feedback.
  • Offline Editing: Work on documents without an internet connection, with changes syncing automatically once reconnected.
  • Integration with Google Workspace: Seamlessly connect with other Google services like Sheets, Slides, and Drive for a unified workflow.
  • Extensive Template Gallery: Choose from a wide range of pre-designed templates for various document types, from resumes to reports.
  • Voice Typing: Utilize speech-to-text capabilities to dictate content, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.
  • Explore Tool: Conduct research directly within the document, accessing web resources and images without leaving the page.
  • Customizable Styles: Define and apply consistent formatting across documents with custom styles for headings, text, and more.
  • Add-Ons and Extensions: Enhance functionality with third-party add-ons, offering tools for grammar checking, citation management, and more.
  • Document Sharing Options: Share documents with specific individuals or groups, with customizable permissions for viewing, commenting, or editing.
  • Automatic Saving: Changes are saved automatically in real-time, reducing the risk of data loss due to unexpected interruptions.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Access and edit documents from any device with internet access, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
  • Advanced Search Features: Quickly locate specific content within a document using powerful search and filter options.
  • Image and Drawing Integration: Insert and edit images, drawings, and charts directly within the document for enhanced visual presentation.
  • Document Translation: Translate entire documents into different languages with a few clicks, broadening accessibility and communication.
  • Secure File Storage: Store documents securely in Google Drive, with robust encryption and access controls to protect sensitive information.
  • Customizable Notifications: Set up alerts for document changes or comments to stay informed about updates and feedback.
  • Mobile App Functionality: Use the Google Docs mobile app for on-the-go editing and collaboration, maintaining productivity outside the office.
  • Integration with Third-Party Apps: Connect Google Docs with other productivity tools like Slack, Trello, and Asana for streamlined project management.
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  • Intuitive User Interface: Designed with a familiar layout, making it easy for users transitioning from other word processors.
  • Comprehensive Formatting Tools: Offers a wide range of text formatting options, including styles, fonts, and paragraph settings.
  • Advanced Page Layout: Supports complex page layouts with features like columns, frames, and sections.
  • Template Management: Provides a variety of pre-installed templates and allows users to create and save custom templates for future use.
  • Styles and Formatting Window: A dedicated panel for managing text styles, ensuring consistent document formatting.
  • Track Changes and Comments: Facilitates collaboration by allowing users to track edits and add comments directly within the document.
  • Mail Merge Functionality: Simplifies the creation of personalized documents, such as letters and labels, by merging data from spreadsheets or databases.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility for diverse user bases.
  • Extensive File Format Support: Capable of opening and saving documents in various formats, including Microsoft Word (.doc and .docx), PDF, and OpenDocument Text (.odt).
  • Built-in PDF Export: Allows users to export documents directly to PDF format without needing additional software.
  • AutoCorrect and Spell Check: Features robust spelling and grammar checking tools, along with customizable AutoCorrect options.
  • Macros and Scripting: Supports the creation and execution of macros to automate repetitive tasks, enhancing productivity.
  • Image and Object Insertion: Facilitates the inclusion of images, charts, and other objects, with options for resizing and positioning.
  • Table Creation and Management: Offers tools for creating and formatting tables, including options for sorting and calculating data.
  • Bibliography and Citation Tools: Assists in managing references and generating bibliographies, supporting various citation styles.
  • Customizable Toolbars and Menus: Users can personalize the interface by adding or removing tools and creating custom menus.
  • Outline and Navigator Views: Provides an overview of document structure, making it easier to navigate and organize content.
  • Language Support and Localization: Available in multiple languages, with options for downloading additional language packs.
  • Open Source and Community Driven: As an open-source project, it benefits from community contributions and regular updates.
  • Integration with Other OpenOffice Applications: Seamlessly works with other OpenOffice suite applications like Calc and Impress for enhanced productivity.
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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 26911 reviews
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94%
of users recommend this product

Google Docs has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 94% when considering 26911 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

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4.71 (26911)
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Awards

Google Docs stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Real-Time Collaboration: Enables simultaneous document editing among multiple users, fostering teamwork and efficiency.
Accessibility and Sharing: Provides access to documents from any device with internet connectivity, simplifying document sharing and review processes.
Version Control: Automatically saves changes and maintains a comprehensive version history, allowing users to track revisions and revert to previous document states with ease.
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Cost-Effective: OpenOffice Writer is free to use, making it a budget-friendly choice for businesses.
Robust Formatting: Users praise the software's comprehensive formatting options, which are comparable to paid word processors, allowing for polished and professional documents.
Wide File Compatibility: OpenOffice Writer excels at opening and saving files in various formats, including Microsoft Word's DOC and DOCX, ensuring seamless exchange of documents with external parties.
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Limited Offline Access: While offline editing is possible, it requires enabling specific settings and having enough storage on the device, potentially causing inconvenience for users who frequently work offline.
Feature Limitations: Google Docs may lack some advanced features found in paid software like Microsoft Word, potentially limiting users who require specialized functionalities for complex tasks.
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Lack of Real-Time Collaboration: OpenOffice Writer does not allow multiple users to simultaneously edit a document and see each other's changes in real time.
Reliance on External Tools: Users often have to rely on external file-sharing services like Dropbox for document sharing and collaboration, which may not be ideal for businesses seeking an all-in-one solution.
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Is Google Docs all it's documented to be? User reviews from the past year reveal a resounding "yes," particularly when it comes to real-time collaboration. Users consistently praise Google Docs for its seamless collaborative features, highlighting its ability to streamline teamwork and eliminate the headaches of version control. For instance, one user raved about how Google Docs allows multiple users to simultaneously edit a document, making it easy to track changes and ensure everyone is on the same page. This collaborative prowess, coupled with its user-friendly interface and accessibility across devices, makes Google Docs a popular choice for teams and individuals alike.However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows in the world of Google Docs. Some users point out that while the platform excels at basic word processing and collaboration, it falls short in terms of advanced features compared to its more robust counterpart, Microsoft Word. For example, users have noted that Google Docs lacks the comprehensive formatting and layout options found in Word, potentially limiting its suitability for highly specialized documents. Additionally, the platform's dependence on a stable internet connection is a recurring concern, with users expressing frustration over disrupted workflows due to connectivity issues.In conclusion, Google Docs emerges as a strong contender in the realm of document collaboration tools, especially for its intuitive design, real-time collaboration capabilities, and free access. Its strengths lie in its simplicity and collaborative spirit, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize these aspects. However, those seeking advanced formatting options and a more feature-rich experience might find Google Docs lacking and may want to consider alternatives like Microsoft Word. Ultimately, the best tool depends on the specific needs and priorities of the user.

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Is OpenOffice Writer a wide open door for productivity, or does it leave users feeling closed off? While OpenOffice Writer boasts a robust feature set comparable to paid alternatives like Microsoft Word, user reviews over the last year highlight a critical shortcoming: the lack of real-time collaboration features. Users consistently praise OpenOffice Writer for its cost-effectiveness, comprehensive functionality, and cross-platform compatibility, making it a viable option for individual users or budget-conscious organizations. For instance, many users highlight the software's ability to handle complex documents with ease, rivaling the capabilities of expensive counterparts. However, the absence of seamless real-time collaboration, a staple in today's interconnected work environment, is a significant drawback. This limitation makes OpenOffice Writer less suitable for teams who require simultaneous editing and document sharing.Users accustomed to the dynamic collaboration features of Google Docs or Microsoft 365 will find OpenOffice Writer's collaborative capabilities lacking. While workarounds like file sharing via email exist, they lack the fluidity and efficiency of real-time co-editing. This deficiency is particularly noticeable in fast-paced environments where simultaneous input and version control are essential. Therefore, OpenOffice Writer is best suited for individuals or organizations with limited collaboration needs, prioritizing cost-savings and comprehensive offline functionality over seamless real-time collaboration.

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