LibreOffice is one of the popular applications in the open-source world because it is an alternative to users who don’t want to buy Microsoft Office. This open-source office suite offers a range of applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. That’s why most Desktop Linux systems come with LibreOffice as the default office application. However, if you don’t have LibreOffice out of the box or want to install an updated version on Linux Mint, this guide will provide easy steps to follow.
Why one should Choose LibreOffice on Linux?
LibreOffice offers a variety of features free of cost; here are a few reasons why to opt for it.
- Open-source and free; hence, there is no need to pay hefty licensing fees, especially if you want to use it for commercial purposes.
- It is cross-platform, hence not only available for Linux but also for Windows and macOS systems.
- Feature-rich office suite that includes all key alternatives to MS Office, such as Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Math, and Base.
- Offers frequent updates with new features and bug fixes.
Step 1: Check the Current Version of LibreOffice
First of all, on your Linux Mint, open command terminal and check the version of the the pre-installed LibreOffice. To do so, open the command terminal and run the given command. After that, visit the official website of LibreOffice and check the latest available version. If both are the same, then there is nothing you need to do.
Linux Mint often comes with LibreOffice pre-installed; however, if a given command gives an error or doesn’t reply with the software version, then that means it is not installed on your OS. Hence, follow the article further.
libreoffice --versionStep 2: Remove Old Versions of LibreOffice (Optional)
If you want to start fresh or replace an older version, first purge the existing one. Although this command is totally optional, if you are facing any issues, then removing and installing LibreOffice again will be a great idea.
sudo apt remove --purge libreoffice*
sudo apt autoremoveStep 3: Update Your Linux Mint
By updating our Linux system, we ensure that we have the latest software updates installed along with the security packages; this will also mitigate the software compatibility issues. Hence, execute the following command.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeAccording to your requirements and comfort, choose one of the given methods to install LibreOffice on LinuxMint.
#1st Method:
Step 4: Install LibreOffice from the Default Repository
Those who don’t want to use any third-party repository or are not looking for the latest version of LibreOffice; instead a stable one available through the default system repository of Linux Mint can go for the given command.
sudo apt install libreoffice#2nd Method:
Step 5: Install the Latest Version from LibreOffice’s PPA
If you are looking for the latest version of LibreOffice directly from its developers, then you can use the official PPA (Personal Package Archive) provided by LibreOffice. Here are the commands to use it.
Add the LibreOffice PPA
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libreoffice/ppaUpdate the package list:
sudo apt updateInstall LibreOffice:
sudo apt install libreoffice#3rd Method:
Step 6: Install LibreOffice Using a DEB Package
Well, many users prefer to install the software offline because of various reasons or unavailability of internet connectivity every time. They can download the latest DEB package from LibreOffice’s official website and install it manually.
Download the DEB package: Visit LibreOffice Downloads and download the latest version for Linux (DEB package).
Extract the package: Navigate to the downloaded file and extract it
tar -xvf LibreOffice_*_Linux_x86-64_deb.tar.gzInstall the DEB files: Navigate to the DEB folder and install all files
cd LibreOffice_*_Linux_x86-64_deb/DEBS && sudo dpkg -i *.debTo check the version: CHnage then number version your installed one.
libreoffice24.8 --version#4th Method: Using Snap
Step 7: Installation using SNAP
Snap is a universal package manager, but unfortunately, unlike Ubuntu, it is not available by default on Linux Mint systems. However, it is a great way to have the latest version of LibreOffice. So, to use Snap, use the following steps:
Install Snap on Linux Mint
sudo mv /etc/apt/preferences.d/nosnap.pref ~/Documents/nosnap.backup
sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapdInstall the LibreOffice using Snap:
sudo snap install libreofficeStep 7: Verify the Installation by running LibreOffice
Go to the Application menu and search for Office. You will see the Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Math, and Base icons. Click any of them as per your work requirement.
LibreOffice Writer Screenshot:
LibreOffice Math Screenshot:
LibreOffice Impress Screenshot:
LibreOffice Draw Screenshot:
LibreOffice Calc Screenshot:
LibreOffice Base Screenshot:
Tips
- Install Language Packs: If you need additional languages:
sudo apt install libreoffice-l10n-<language-code>Replace<language-code>with the desired language (e.g.,en,fr,es).- Install Help Files: To access offline help:
sudo apt install libreoffice-help-<language-code>- Run LibreOffice Applications Directly: Use the following commands to open specific applications:
- Writer:
libreoffice --writer - Calc:
libreoffice --calc - Impress:
libreoffice --impress
- Writer:
FAQs
1. Is LibreOffice compatible with Microsoft Office formats?
Yes, LibreOffice can open and save files in Microsoft Office formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx. However, some complex formatting may not be preserved.
2. How do I update LibreOffice in the future?
If installed via the PPA, update LibreOffice with:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade3. Can I use LibreOffice on a low-spec system?
Yes, LibreOffice is lightweight and runs efficiently on older hardware. It requires minimal system resources compared to proprietary office suites.
4. How do I uninstall LibreOffice completely?
To remove LibreOffice and its associated files:
sudo apt remove --purge libreoffice*
sudo apt autoremoveIf you have manually installed using its Debian Tarballpackage then to remove it use:
sudo rm -r /opt/libreoffice*5. How do I customize LibreOffice?
LibreOffice supports extensive customization:
- Change themes by installing icon packs (
sudo apt install libreoffice-style-*). - Customize the toolbar and menus via Tools > Customize.
Conclusion
Installing LibreOffice on Linux Mint using the terminal is not limited to just single method we have multiple which al;ready discussed in this tutorial, choose any one that suits you.Nevertheless, whether you use the default repository, the official PPA, or a DEB package, you end up with a powerful office suite’s latest features and updates. If you encounter issues, refer to the FAQs or LibreOffice’s official documentation.
