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LibreOffice's selection of templates might seem a little limited compared to Microsoft's, but this is easily remedied by the huge collection of downloadable options available in the project's online repository (opens in new tab).
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The open source suite lacks Office's built-in cloud storage option, but that's easily remedied by installing the Dropbox desktop software (opens in new tab), which gives you instant access to your account as though it was a folder on your PC. Both have their advantages the NotebookBar will make switching from Microsoft Office more natural, while the old-school layout means everything is visible at a glance, and you can navigate easily using a keyboard rather than a mouse if you prefer.īeyond that, there's little difference between Microsoft's productivity toolkit and LibreOffice. LibreOffice offers a choice of interface styles: a traditional system of icons and toolbars, and an optional NotebookBar (similar to the ribbon used in Microsoft Office since 2007). One that makes it very hard to justify paying a lot of money for the competitor. That makes it not so much a free alternative to Microsoft Office, but an actual rival.
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