Categories:

#20

OpenOffice Writer is ranked #20 in the Document Generation Software product directory based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

OpenOffice Writer Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, OpenOffice Writer pricing starts at $0 (Free, Open-Source).

Price
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Starting From
$0
Pricing Model
Free, Open-Source
Free Trial
No

Training Resources

OpenOffice Writer is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for OpenOffice Writer:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

OpenOffice Writer Benefits and Insights

Why use OpenOffice Writer?

Key differentiators & advantages of OpenOffice Writer

  • 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.

Industry Expertise

OpenOffice Writer is a versatile word processor that is well-suited for individuals and small businesses who need a free and reliable tool for creating documents, letters, reports, and other basic word processing tasks. It is particularly useful for those who are familiar with Microsoft Word, as it offers a similar interface and functionality.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of OpenOffice Writer reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • 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.

Cons

  • 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.

Researcher's Summary:

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.

Key Features

Notable OpenOffice Writer features include:

  • 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.