LibreOffice Quick Start Guide

Congratulations! You’ve taken a big step toward “Digital Independence.” LibreOffice is a powerful, professional-grade suite that replaces Microsoft Office. Here is everything you need to know to get started today.

1. Which App Do I Use?

LibreOffice uses different names, but the tools work almost exactly like the ones you already know:

• WRITER = Microsoft Word (Documents, Letters, Resumes)

• CALC = Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheets, Budgeting, Data)

• IMPRESS = Microsoft PowerPoint (Slideshows, Presentations)

2. The “Pro” Setup: Compatibility (Crucial!)

By default, LibreOffice saves in “OpenDocument” formats. To make sure your files open perfectly for people still using Microsoft Office, follow these steps:

1. Open LibreOffice Writer.

2. Go to Tools > Options (or Alt + F12).

3. On the left, click Load/Save > General.

4. Under “Default File Format,” change “Document type” to Text document and “Always save as” to Word 2007-365 (.docx).

5. Repeat this for Spreadsheets (.xlsx) and Presentations (.pptx).

Why do this? This ensures that every file you create is 100% compatible with the rest of the world automatically.

3. Change the Look (The “Ribbon” vs. “Standard”)

If you miss the “Ribbon” menu from Microsoft Office:

• Go to View > User Interface.

• Select Tabbed.

• Click Apply to All.

• Now it looks and feels just like the version you’re used to!

4. Common Shortcuts

Most of your favorite shortcuts stay exactly the same:

• Ctrl + S: Save

• Ctrl + P: Print

• Ctrl + C / V: Copy and Paste

• Ctrl + Shift + S: “Save As” (Great for making a PDF!)