LibreOffice downloads on the rise as users look to avoid subscription costs
www.computerworld.com
The free open-source Microsoft Office alternative is being downloaded by nearly 1 million users a week.

Interest in LibreOffice, the open-source alternative to Microsoft Office, is on the rise, with weekly downloads of its software package close to 1 million a week. That’s the highest download number since 2023.

“We estimate around 200 million [LibreOffice] users, but it’s important to note that we respect users’ privacy and don’t track them, so we can’t say for sure,” said Mike Saunders, an open-source advocate and a deputy to the board of directors at The Document Foundation.

LibreOffice users typically want a straightforward interface, Saunders said. “They don’t want subscriptions, and they don’t want AI being ‘helpful’ by poking its nose into their work — it reminds them of Clippy from the bad old days,” he said.

There are genuine use cases for generative AI tools, but many users prefer to opt-in to it and choose when and where to enable it. “We have zero plans to put AI into LibreOffice. But we understand the value of some AI tools and are encouraging developers to create … extensions that use AI in a responsible way,” Saunders said.

  • FoxyFerengi@lemm.eeEnglish
    2·
    5 days ago

    Does anyone know how to get endnote or a similar citation manager to work in Libre Office?

    • gruhuken@slrpnk.netEnglish
      3·
      5 days ago

      I’ve been using Zotero since I converted a few weeks back. It has some really useful plugins, so I would recommend adding this one first- it’s like a store where you can easily browse and add them :))

      I’ve using using it with Obsidian (there’s a short guide you can find online), so while I’m writing an essay in Obsidian I can just hit a key shortcut and it lists every paper I’ve saved to Zotero. Then when I click one, it adds the citation. So useful

    • quid_pro_joe@infosec.pubEnglish
      1·
      5 days ago

      If you ever figure it out I’d love to know, too. I relied entirely on Libre Office as an undergrad but missed this feature of MS Word. I currently use a combination of Scribbr and Purdue Owl but would prefer an offline and open source solution.

      • gruhuken@slrpnk.netEnglish
        1·
        5 days ago

        Copying my response from above for u!

        I’ve been using Zotero since I converted a few weeks back. It has some really useful plugins, so I would recommend adding this one first- it’s like a store where you can easily browse and add them :))

        I’ve using using it with Obsidian (there’s a short guide you can find online), so while I’m writing an essay in Obsidian I can just hit a key shortcut and it lists every paper I’ve saved to Zotero. Then when I click one, it adds the citation!