15th April 2026
Here's why authors should be using LibreOffice (and Other Free Open-Source Tools):
Let’s be honest: writing is hard enough. Staring at a blinking cursor. Wrestling with plot holes. Rewriting that one stubborn paragraph seventeen times.
The last thing you need is to pay a monthly subscription just to open your own manuscript.
That’s where LibreOffice — and other free, open-source tools — come in.
If you’ve never tried them, you might assume they’re “basic” or somehow less powerful than the big-name office suites. But here’s the truth: LibreOffice is seriously capable. And for authors, it can be a game-changer.
Let’s talk about why:
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| LibreOffice can do pretty much anything that Microsoft office can do... |
LibreOffice is a completely free office suite developed by The Document Foundation. It includes:
• Writer (word processor — your main writing tool)
• Calc (spreadsheets)
• Impress (presentations)
• Draw (diagrams and graphics)
• Base (databases)
• Math (formula editor)
For authors, Writer is the star of the show.
You can download LibreOffice HERE
No paywall. No subscription. No “free trial.” Just download it and use it.
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| Downloading LibreOffice is straightforward...and totally FREE. |
What Does It Run On?
One of the best things about LibreOffice is that it doesn’t really care what computer you use.
It works on:
Windows
Windows 10 and 11 (and newer versions)
macOS
Current macOS versions
Linux
Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, Arch — pretty much all major distributions
If you use Linux, there’s a good chance LibreOffice is already installed.
There are also browser-based options like LibreOffice Online and Collabora Online if you want cloud-style access.
Basically: whatever machine you’re writing on, LibreOffice probably works there.
Why Authors Love It (Once They Try It)
1. It’s Free. Actually Free.
No subscription. No annual renewal. No “premium features.”
If you’re:
• Self-publishing
• Writing part-time
• Teaching writing
• Running workshops
• On a budget (which, let’s face it, is most writers)
… this matters.
You can install it on multiple computers without worrying about licenses. That freedom feels surprisingly good.
2. You Own Your Work (Formats Matter)
LibreOffice uses the Open Document Format (ODF) by default (.odt files).
That might sound technical, but here’s why it matters:
• Your files aren’t locked into one company’s ecosystem.
• You’re using an open standard.
• Your documents will remain accessible long-term.
And if your editor insists on a .docx file? No problem. LibreOffice opens and saves Microsoft Word formats just fine.
You can also export directly to:
• EPUB (for ebooks!)
That’s built in. No plugins needed.
3. Writer Is Surprisingly Powerful
If you’ve only ever used basic formatting tools, you might be underusing your word processor.
LibreOffice Writer includes:
• Styles (for consistent headings and formatting)
• Automatic Table of Contents
• Footnotes and endnotes
• Indexing tools
• Track Changes
• Comments for collaboration
If you’re writing a novel, nonfiction book, academic paper, or long-form guide, these features are gold.
A Quick “Getting Started” Guide
If you’re curious, here’s how easy it is to install.
On Windows
1. Go to https://www.libreoffice.org/download/download/
2. Click Download (Windows version will auto-select)
3. Open the downloaded file
4. Follow the installation wizard
5. Open LibreOffice Writer from your Start menu
Done.
On macOS
1. Go to the same download page
2. Download the macOS version
3. Open the .dmg file
4. Drag LibreOffice into Applications
5. Launch Writer
You might need to confirm that you want to open it (standard macOS security prompt). That’s normal.
On Linux
If it’s not already installed:
Ubuntu / Debian:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install libreoffice
Fedora:
sudo dnf install libreoffice
Or download packages directly from the LibreOffice website.
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| If you've used Word, it won't take you long to get used to LibreOffice writer. |
Tips That Make a Huge Difference for Authors
Here’s where many writers level up.
Use Styles (Seriously)
Instead of manually bolding and resizing chapter titles, use Styles.
Open the Styles sidebar (press F11), and apply:
• Heading 1 for chapter titles
• Heading 2 for sections
• Body Text for normal text
Why?
Because then you can automatically generate a table of contents.
Insert a Table of Contents Automatically
Once you’ve used headings:
1. Click where you want the TOC
2. Go to Insert ? Table of Contents and Index ? Table of Contents
3. Click OK
Boom. Instant TOC.
Edit your chapters later? Right-click the TOC and choose “Update.”
It’s weirdly satisfying.
Use Track Changes for Editing
Working with an editor?
Go to:
Edit ? Track Changes ? Record
Now all edits are marked. You can accept or reject them later.
This is essential for serious revision work.
Export as EPUB
Want to turn your manuscript into an ebook draft?
File ? Export As ? Export as EPUB
That’s it.
You can fine-tune metadata and cover options inside the export settings.
Other Free Tools Authors Should Know About
LibreOffice is just the beginning.
Here are a few more free tools writers love:
Calibre
https://calibre-ebook.com
Perfect for managing and converting ebooks. Essential if you’re self-publishing.
FocusWriter
https://gottcode.org/focuswriter
Minimal, distraction-free writing environment. Great for drafting.
GIMP
https://www.gimp.org
Free image editing software. Useful for cover mockups or graphics.
Zotero
https://www.zotero.org
Amazing for managing research and citations (especially nonfiction writers).
All free. All open-source. All powerful.
The Bigger Picture: Creative Freedom
Here’s what it really comes down to.
Using free and open-source software:
• Reduces your overhead
• Keeps you in control of your files
• Works across platforms
• Supports open standards
• Avoids subscription fatigue
And there’s something philosophically nice about writing your novel in software built by a global community rather than a corporation trying to upsell you.
It feels… independent. Which suits writers.
Should You Switch?
You don’t have to delete your current tools tomorrow.
But if you:
• Want to cut costs
• Care about open standards
• Use Linux
• Or just like trying smarter tools
Download LibreOffice and give Writer a week.
Most authors are surprised at how quickly it feels natural.
And once you realise you can write, format, export, and collaborate without paying a cent?
It’s hard to go back.
