How to Install LibreOffice on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04 or 20.04

This guide will demonstrate how to install LibreOffice on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04 or 20.04 LTS releases using the command-line terminal. It provides detailed instructions for accessing the official LibreOffice LaunchPAD PPA to obtain the latest stable version, pre-release, or backport versions tailored to your needs.

LibreOffice stands out as a robust, open-source alternative to mainstream office suites, offering a suite of productivity tools that cater to various needs. Whether you’re crafting documents, designing presentations, or managing spreadsheets, LibreOffice provides an intuitive and feature-rich environment.

Let’s delve into some of its key features:

  • Versatile Suite: Includes Writer (word processing), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), Draw (vector graphics), Base (databases), and Math (formula editing).
  • Extensive File Format Support: Exceptional compatibility with a wide range of file formats, including native support for Microsoft Office files and the OpenDocument Format (ODF).
  • Customizable Interface: Offers a flexible user interface that can be personalized with various themes, toolbars, and icon styles.
  • Extensive Language Support: Accessible in over 40 languages, making it suitable for a global user base.
  • Vibrant Community and Open-Source Development: Active community engagement ensures continuous improvement and open-source development.
  • Advanced Scripting Capabilities: Supports multiple scripting languages like Python, allowing for advanced customization and automation.
  • Integrated Cloud Support: Capable of integrating with various cloud services for online document editing and collaboration.
  • Powerful Styles and Formatting: Offers sophisticated styles and formatting options for professional document layout and design.
  • Advanced Spreadsheet Functions: Calc provides a wide range of advanced functions and tools for data analysis and visualization.
  • Multimedia Support in Presentations: Impress supports a variety of multimedia formats, enhancing the impact of presentations.
  • Extensible with Plugins: Can be extended with a wide array of plugins and extensions for additional functionality.

With these highlights in mind, let’s proceed to the practical aspect of installing LibreOffice on your Ubuntu system.

Install LibreOffice on Ubuntu via PPA LibreOffce PPA

Update Ubuntu Before Installing LibreOffice

Begin by updating your Ubuntu system. This step is crucial to ensure all existing packages are current, reducing the likelihood of conflicts or issues during the LibreOffice installation.

Execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command refreshes your package lists and upgrades all your installed packages to their latest versions.

Import the LibreOffice PPA

The next step involves importing the LibreOffice PPA (Personal Package Archive). This repository contains the files necessary for installing LibreOffice. There are different PPAs available depending on your needs: the stable release, pre-release versions, or backports. Choosing the right PPA ensures you get the version of LibreOffice that best fits your requirements.

Fresh (Stable) LibreOffice PPA

For most users, the stable version is recommended. It provides the latest fully-tested features. Use this command to add the stable LibreOffice PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libreoffice/ppa -y

Pre-Release LibreOffice PPA

If you want to test the newest features, consider the pre-release version. Be aware that this version might contain bugs. Add the pre-release PPA with this command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libreoffice/libreoffice-prereleases -y

Backports LibreOffice PPA

For users who prefer a more conservative update approach, backports offer older versions with critical updates. Use this command to add the backports PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libreoffice/libreoffice-still -y

These commands are applicable to any currently supported Ubuntu LTS or short-term release. The LibreOffice Packaging team ensures broad compatibility, allowing users across various Ubuntu distributions to follow this guide for installation.

Install LibreOffice via APT Commands

Refresh APT Package Index

After adding the preferred LibreOffice PPA, the next action is to update your package lists. This ensures that your system recognizes the newly added repository and can access the latest software versions, including LibreOffice.

Run this command in the terminal:

sudo apt update

This command refreshes your system’s package database, making it ready for the LibreOffice installation.

Install LibreOffice

With your system updated, you are now set to install LibreOffice. This step will download and install the office suite along with any necessary dependencies.

Execute the following command:

sudo apt install libreoffice

This command triggers the installation of the latest version of LibreOffice available in the PPA you added. Whether it’s the stable release, a pre-release, or a backport version, the command remains the same.

Managing Multiple Versions

A key point to remember is that you can only have one version of LibreOffice installed at a time. If you wish to switch versions, for instance, from a pre-release to a stable version, you will need to uninstall the current LibreOffice version and its associated PPA. After this, you can reinstall the desired version by revisiting these steps.

Launch LibreOffice on Ubuntu via CLI or GUI

Once you have successfully installed LibreOffice on your Linux system, you can launch the application using either the terminal or the application icon. If you are new to Linux and Ubuntu, here’s how to do it:

CLI Method to Launch LibreOffice on Ubuntu:

  1. Open a terminal window on your Linux system.
  2. Type “libreoffice” without quotes and press Enter.
  3. This will launch the LibreOffice application, and you can start using its tools for your productivity tasks.

GUI Method to Launch LibreOffice on Ubuntu:

  1. Look for the application icon for LibreOffice on your Linux desktop.
  2. Click on the icon to launch the application.
  3. Once LibreOffice is launched, you can use its productivity tools suite to create, edit, and manage your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
LibreOffice icons on Ubuntu dashboard
Clickable icons for launching LibreOffice Suite on Ubuntu.

First-Time Tips with LibreOffice on Ubuntu

With the installation of LibreOffice on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04 or 20.04 complete, let’s explore each application in depth to help you make the most out of your experience with LibreOffice on Ubuntu.

Writer: Tips for LibreOffice Writer

Starting Writer and Creating New Documents

  • Launching Writer: Open LibreOffice and click on the Writer icon, resembling a blue paper. This action opens the word-processing component of the suite.
  • Creating New Documents: In Writer, click ‘File’ > ‘New’ > ‘Text Document’. This sequence initiates a blank document, offering a clean slate for your writing.

Detailed Formatting Techniques

  • Text Alignment: Utilize the alignment options on the main toolbar to align your text to the left, center, or right, or justify it across the page, enhancing the document’s readability and layout.
  • Font Customization: Modify the font type, size, and style (bold, italic, underline) using the toolbar or through the ‘Format’ menu, adding a personal touch to your document’s appearance.
  • Style Application: Access the ‘Styles’ sidebar or use ‘Styles and Formatting’ under the ‘Format’ menu to apply predefined styles. Customize these styles or create new ones to give your document a consistent and professional look.

Effective Document-Saving Strategies

  • To save your work, click ‘File’ > ‘Save’, choose a suitable directory, name your document, and click ‘Save’. Consistently saving your work, preferably by using the Ctrl + S shortcut, is crucial to avoid data loss.
User interface of LibreOffice Writer on Ubuntu
A look at the LibreOffice Writer interface on Ubuntu.

Calc: Tips for Beginners with LibreOffice Calc

Opening Calc and Starting New Spreadsheets

  • Opening Calc: Click on the Calc icon within the LibreOffice dashboard, typically marked by a green grid, to open the spreadsheet module.
  • Creating Spreadsheets: Navigate to ‘File’ > ‘New’ > ‘Spreadsheet’. This action opens a new blank spreadsheet, ready for data entry and analysis.

In-Depth Data Management in Calc

  • Data Entry: Activate a cell by clicking and start entering data. Use arrow keys for quick navigation between cells, ensuring efficient data input.
  • Formulas and Functions: In the function bar above the grid, enter formulas starting with an equal sign (=). Calc offers formula suggestions as you type, streamlining the calculation process. For instance, “=SUM(A1:B1)” adds the values in cells A1 and B1.
  • Data Analysis Tools: Explore pivot tables, charts, and data tools under the ‘Data’ and ‘Insert’ menus. These powerful features allow for effective data visualization and analysis, turning raw data into meaningful insights.

Safeguarding Your Spreadsheet Work

  • To save, click ‘File’ > ‘Save’, select a storage location, name your file (preferably in the .ods format for best compatibility), and click ‘Save’. Regular saving, especially after significant data entries or changes, is essential for data security.
LibreOffice Calc interface on Ubuntu Linux
The default interface of LibreOffice Calc on Ubuntu.

Impress: Tips for Presentations in LibreOffice

Starting Impress and Creating Presentations

  • Launching Impress: Open the LibreOffice suite and click on the Impress icon, often represented by a chart or screen icon with a blue background, to start the presentation module.
  • Initiating a New Presentation: In Impress, go to ‘File’ > ‘New’ > ‘Presentation’. This opens a window where you can choose to start with a blank slide or select from various pre-designed templates, offering a quick start to your presentation.

Designing Engaging Slides

  • Adding and Formatting Text: Utilize text boxes on slides to add titles and content. Access additional text boxes via the ‘Insert’ menu or toolbar for more complex layouts.
  • Multimedia Integration: Enhance your presentation by adding images, videos, or sound. Go to ‘Insert’ and choose the appropriate option to embed multimedia elements, making your slides more dynamic and engaging.
  • Slide Design and Transitions: Navigate to the ‘Slide’ menu to explore layout and transition options. Apply distinct slide designs and smooth transitions between slides to maintain audience engagement and deliver a visually coherent presentation.
  • Using Templates: For a quick and professional setup, use Impress’s template collection accessible under ‘File’ > ‘New’ > ‘Templates’. These templates offer various designs and layouts, saving time and providing design inspiration.

Saving Your Presentation

  • To save your work in Impress, click ‘File’ > ‘Save’. For first-time saves, choose a directory, name your file with the .odp extension for compatibility, and click ‘Save’. Regular saving, using the Ctrl + S shortcut, is recommended to protect your progress.
Default interface of LibreOffice Impress on Ubuntu
Overview of LibreOffice Impress on Ubuntu.

Draw: Tips for Vector Graphic Design with LibreOffice Draw

Initiating Draw for Graphic Projects

  • Starting Draw: Launch the main LibreOffice suite and click on the Draw icon, typically symbolized by a pencil or shape. This opens the drawing module with a blank canvas ready for your designs.
  • Beginning a Drawing Session: If you’re in another LibreOffice app, click ‘File’ > ‘New’ > ‘Drawing’. This opens a new canvas in Draw, offering a fresh start for your vector graphic projects.

Techniques for Creating Art in Draw

  • Using Basic Shapes: Access predefined shapes like rectangles and circles from the left-hand toolbar. These shapes can be dragged and resized on the canvas, providing the foundation for your designs.
  • Drawing Custom Lines and Curves: Utilize the line tool for straight lines or the curve tool for creating complex shapes and paths. These tools are essential for crafting custom graphics and intricate designs.
  • Adding Text Elements: Insert text by clicking the “T” icon, dragging a text box onto your canvas, and typing. This feature is perfect for labels or annotations in your design.
  • Applying Fill and Color: Adjust the fill color of shapes and line color using the tools on the bottom toolbar. Experiment with different color combinations to add depth and dimension to your designs.

Preserving Your Drawings

  • To save your Draw creation, click ‘File’ > ‘Save’. Choose a directory, name your file (ensuring the .odg extension is used), and click ‘Save’. Frequent saving, ideally through the Ctrl + S shortcut, is vital to safeguard your artistic work.
User interface of LibreOffice Draw on Ubuntu
Default interface of LibreOffice Draw on Ubuntu.

Math: Tips on Mathematical Expressions in LibreOffice

Launching Math for Formula Creation

  • Starting Math: Open the LibreOffice suite and select the Math icon, often resembling a summation symbol or an integral sign. This action opens the module dedicated to crafting mathematical expressions.
  • Initiating Formula Composition: In Math, click ‘Insert’ > ‘Object’ > ‘Formula’. This sequence opens an editing window below, providing a space for you to input and craft mathematical expressions.

Techniques for Effective Formula Representation

  • Utilizing the Symbols Panel: A panel with various mathematical symbols, including integrals and Greek letters, is available. Clicking on a symbol inserts it directly into your formula, facilitating the creation of complex mathematical expressions.
  • Manual Formula Input: For those familiar with mathematical syntax, typing directly into the formula editor is efficient. For example, entering “%pi” will produce the π symbol.
  • Incorporating Operators and Functions: Math supports a wide range of operators and functions, from simple arithmetic to advanced calculations. This allows you to create precise and sophisticated mathematical expressions.

Saving Mathematical Work in Math

  • To save your formula, click ‘File’ > ‘Save’. If saving for the first time, choose a directory, name your file (with the .odf extension), and click ‘Save’. Regular saving, especially after significant edits, is crucial to ensure the longevity of your mathematical work.
LibreOffice Math interface on Ubuntu Linux
User interface of LibreOffice Math on Ubuntu.

Base: Database Management Made Easy with LibreOffice Math

Initiating Base for Database Projects

  • Launching Base: In the LibreOffice suite, find and click on the Base icon, typically indicated by database imagery. This opens the database management module.
  • Starting a New Database: Once in Base, click ‘File’ > ‘New’ > ‘Database’. This action prompts a wizard to help you create a new database or connect to an existing one, providing flexibility whether you’re starting afresh or integrating with existing data.

Organizing Data Efficiently in Base

  • Creating and Modifying Tables: Base allows you to create new tables or modify existing ones, adjusting fields, types, and constraints to suit your data needs.
  • Managing Records: Add, edit, or delete records with ease. Base’s user-friendly interface streamlines these tasks, while filtering and sorting features provide quick access to important data.
  • Establishing Relationships: For advanced database management, Base offers tools to create relationships between tables, enhancing data integrity and query efficiency.

Safeguarding Database Information

  • To save your database, select ‘File’ > ‘Save’. For first-time saves, specify a location and file name (with the .odb extension). Regular saving is vital, particularly after significant changes, to protect your data.
Interface of LibreOffice Base on Ubuntu
Default interface of LibreOffice Base on Ubuntu.

Key Usage Tips for a Streamlined LibreOffice Experience

Efficient Sidebar Utilization

  • Accessing the Sidebar: Click the vertical tab on the right-hand side of your LibreOffice application to reveal the sidebar, a hub for numerous tools and features.
  • Sidebar Features: The sidebar includes formatting tools (font adjustments, paragraph settings), a navigator for document sections, pre-defined styles and formatting options, and a gallery for multimedia elements.
  • Sidebar Customization: Right-click within the sidebar to customize its display, pinning or auto-hiding it based on your workflow preferences.

Personalizing the LibreOffice Interface

  • Toolbar Customization: Right-click any toolbar and select ‘Customize Toolbar’ to access a range of options for adjusting toolbar appearance and functionality.
  • Menu Management: In the ‘Menus’ tab of the customization dialog, you have the freedom to rearrange, add, or remove menu items, create new menus, and set shortcuts for quick access to common tasks.

Seamless File Handling and Conversion

  • Opening and Editing Various Formats: LibreOffice supports a wide range of file formats. Open files by dragging and dropping them into the application or through the ‘File’ > ‘Open’ menu.
  • Saving in Different Formats: Use ‘File’ > ‘Save As’ to choose from various formats, ensuring compatibility with other software used by your recipients.
  • Batch Conversion Tool: For frequent file format conversions, utilize LibreOffice’s built-in batch converter, a time-saving tool when handling multiple documents.
Customization options in LibreOffice Suite on Ubuntu
Exploring customization options in LibreOffice on Ubuntu.

Managing LibreOffice on Ubuntu

Uninstalling LibreOffice

In scenarios where LibreOffice is no longer needed on your Ubuntu system, removing the software can help in freeing up system resources. This process is straightforward and can be completed with a single command.

To uninstall LibreOffice, execute this command in your terminal:

sudo apt remove libreoffice

This command removes the LibreOffice suite from your system.

Removing LibreOffice PPAs

If you’ve previously added a LibreOffice PPA, it’s a good practice to remove this repository to prevent any conflicts with other software on your system. The removal command depends on the specific PPA version you initially imported.

For the stable version PPA, use:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:libreoffice/ppa -y

To remove the pre-release version of PPA, execute the following:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:libreoffice/libreoffice-prereleases -y

For the backports version of PPA, use the following:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:libreoffice/libreoffice-still -y

Select and run the command corresponding to the LibreOffice PPA you added. This action ensures that your system’s package sources remain clean and well-organized.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, we’ve journeyed through the steps of installing LibreOffice on Ubuntu versions 24.04, 22.04, and 20.04, utilizing the LibreOffice PPA for a seamless setup. Beyond installation, our guide delved into the practical tips for using each LibreOffice application – Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Math, and Base – ensuring you’re well-equipped to make the most of this versatile office suite. Remember, the key to mastering LibreOffice lies in exploring its features and customizing it to fit your workflow. So, go ahead and experiment with those tools and templates, and you’ll soon find that LibreOffice is not just a software choice but a productivity partner on your Ubuntu system. Happy exploring!

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