TrustRadius Insights for Apache OpenOffice are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, third party data sources.
Business Problems Solved
OpenOffice has gained popularity among various professionals and organizations for its versatility and cost-effectiveness. One of its key use cases is in consulting firms, where it allows professionals to open and work on different file types received from clients. This not only helps maintain a professional image but also eliminates the need to request alternative file formats. According to users, OpenOffice provides unique capabilities, such as direct editing of .dbx files in Calc, which keeps consulting firms ahead of the curve.
Another use case for OpenOffice is as a potential replacement for Microsoft Office in organizations aiming to reduce costs while still meeting their current needs. By evaluating OpenOffice as an alternative, these organizations can significantly cut down on subscription expenses without compromising the functionalities provided by Microsoft Office.
OpenOffice is also being embraced by individual users across various industries. For example, secretarial staff in offices have been convinced to use OpenOffice for general writing and calculating activities. Likewise, web developers and account managers find it valuable for creating and editing documents and presentations for customers. It offers a lightweight and smooth alternative to the resource-heavy Microsoft Office suite.
Furthermore, OpenOffice finds utility in niche professions. A professional freelance photographer relies on OpenOffice for all word processing tasks related to their business, such as creating invoices, receipts, and quotes. Users appreciate how this cost-effective solution does not compromise functionality.
Academic institutions are also recognizing the benefits of OpenOffice as an alternative to Microsoft Office 365. Apache OpenOffice is recommended as the default office suite software in a technical institute, allowing them to reduce subscription costs to zero while providing all the necessary features comparable to Microsoft Office.
Overall, OpenOffice proves useful across diverse fields and contexts. Its appeal lies not only in its affordability but also in its ability to address specific needs, provide unique capabilities, and offer a seamless user experience.
If you have used other products, such as Microsoft Office software, then you know what Apache OpenOffice is all about. Open Word documents and Excel spreadsheets, but... it's all in Apache OpenOffice. You can write documents, work on spreadsheets, etc. If you have had bad experiences with other software providers, find their pricing prohibitive, want to avoid constant updates and downloads, or are worried about big brother spying on you, then Apache OpenOffice has got you covered.
Pros
Spreadsheets
Word processing
Price sensitive (it won't break the bank)
Cons
Graphics - I do find sometimes the graphics/icons appear fuzzy even though I have a monster computer (not bragging, just true)
Likelihood to Recommend
If you have budget constraints or hate "those" guys who make similar products then Apache OpenOffice is the product for you. It is cross-software/platform compatible so you can open documents and spreadsheets sent from other software and can send them to others who use that software. Great for word processing and spreadsheets. Intuitive and simple layout. Specifically designed to feel familiar (intuitive UI) and has a broad range of features to compare with other providers out there.
I use Apache OpenOffice mainly to write and edit my texts and translations for private customers and companies in the most immediate and efficient way possible. The interface is very easy to navigate for me: for example, I can modify the font or the color of a sentence by just selecting the sentence and clicking on the corresponding button. Moreover, I can export any file to .pdf without installing additional software because everything is included in this software. Apache OpenOffice is also a lightweight software and takes up little space in my PC.
Pros
I can export any file to almost any format, including PDF.
The interface is easy to navigate.
I can edit my texts in the most immediate way possible.
Cons
I don't have anything to complain about this software for the time being.
Likelihood to Recommend
In my opinion, Apache OpenOffice is best suited for writing, editing and proofreading texts in any language. You can also download additional language packages that really take up little space in your PC's storage. Of course, Apache OpenOffice is comprehensive of spreadsheet-/drawing-/database-related softwares and so on, but I primarily use it for writing and editing my own texts. I don't see any scenarios where it is less appropriate, at least so far.
VU
Verified User
Professional (Translation & Localization company, 1-10 employees)
Part of the work we do requires use of a MS Excel template. Since we use WordPerfect, we tried to open and use this form in QuattroPro, however, for some weird reason, it wouldn't convert properly. We do not use MS Office, so we needed an "MS-friendly" alternative. This fit the bill!
Pros
Converts .XLT files perfectly.
Easy to use.
Cons
There seem to be issues using this app in Windows 10. It worked fine when we used it on Windows 7, but after we upgraded the network with NEW Win 10 computers, it takes a very long time to process commands.
It will not allow any upgrades.
Likelihood to Recommend
Well-suited: It converts XLT files flawlessly.
Not well-suited: It is not behaving well on Windows 10 - see previous comments - Processing time is very long. It freezes after many commands like "save."
OpenOffice is a great free alternative to Microsoft Office, used to create presentations for other employees, briefs, bulletins and to organize information.
Pros
It is free software!
The user interface is very simple to adapt to
It saves to Microsoft’s Office formats (like .docx)
Cons
I don’t have anything to critique OpenOffice for
Likelihood to Recommend
OpenOffice is great for quick presentations and organization of information in the basic office setting. I do not recommend it for situations where more aesthetic is desired (such as a marketing campaign presentation) as templates are very basic.
I am a professional freelance photographer, so within my business, I handle all matters that require a word processor. I use OpenOffice, an open-source office productivity suite, to create any and all business-related documents: invoices, receipts, quotes, etc. I do not have the need to create more complicated documents or presentations, so I can move through the administrative part of my day with ease and no cost.
Pros
OpenOffice is free and fully functional. When I bought my first Macbook, I did not want to pay additionally for Microsoft Word or any other processing software. I found OpenOffice as a free alternative that met all of my needs.
It is easy for beginners to learn. Omitting some of the bells of whistles of Microsoft Word (for example), leaves it super user friendly but still powerful enough to get your work done.
Because it is open sourced, OpenOffice is well-policed software. Anyone can suggest improvements, propose bug fixes, read about future plans, and avoid the hype of commercial software.
Cons
Though not often, the software can occasionally act glitchy: it can lag a little bit or crash altogether, though this is rare in my experience.
The primary document format in OpenOffice is ODF, rather than DOC. I sometimes experience incompatibility when opening files from Microsoft DOC in OpenOffice, such as formatting errors.
OpenOffice does not have a built-in grammar check tool. This can be remedied by downloading an extension, but I'd like to see it built-in.
Likelihood to Recommend
If you're looking for a free word processor and you do not need all the bells and whistles of Microsoft Office, then OpenOffice is the program for you. The software can sometimes be laggy and the design options are not quite at Microsoft level, but it is compatible with Microsoft Office file formats and there's only a small learning curve to it. If you're coming from Microsoft Office, you should be able to jump right into OpenOffice.