Apache OpenOffice is a free office-suite alternative to Microsoft Office or Apple's iWork Suite. With open-source development, features constantly change and improve, which makes OpenOffice in some ways more flexible than its paid counterparts. While bugs are bound to be an issue, this is an all-around powerful, accessible tool set for anyone who needs productivity software.
Near-complete tool set: Apache OpenOffice's biggest selling point is that it can almost completely replace Microsoft Office. OpenOffice can open all of its counterpart's file formats and runs a smaller module. While it may not have the same sleek, modern look as the most recent editions of Microsoft Office or iWork, OpenOffice can easily handle all the same types of documents and tasks.
The best free office software 2018. If you work collaboratively, or switch between a PC and a Mac, Google Docs, Sheets and Slides should be your first port of call. Apple's alternative to Office is iWork. It's the most comparable alternative to Microsoft's productivity suite, only it comes free with every Mac. The interface is different, and will take some time to get used to, but if you're really interested in kicking Office to the. LibreOffice is an open source alternative to Microsoft Office and the Mac adaptation of OpenOffice which is a free alternative to Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac. LibreOffice Draw is the suiteās equivalent of Visio and is completely free to use.
Streamlined interface: Some open source tools can be intimidating to use, but OpenOffice has a straightforward and feature-loaded but accessible interface. For basic word processing, number crunching, or creating presentations, the apps in OpenOffice offer everything you need, front and center. For advanced users, there are dozens more tools behind the scenes.
Cons
Some functions can be clunky: OpenOffice doesn't have the massive development cycle and resources that a major release from Microsoft or Apple gets, so there are some rough edges. While OpenOffice works perfectly for basic functions, more advanced actions -- like formatting documents with images, managing massive files, or running multiple instances at once -- can make the software slower. These are small issues, but power users in a hurry might find them a problem.
Bottom Line
Apache OpenOffice is a very good free, accessible alternative to expensive office software. It is loaded with tools; downloads and installs quickly; and handles all the basic functions you could need from an office suite.
What do you need to know about free software?
Outlook for Mac is not free. You can't download Outlook on your Mac for free unless you try it out as a free 30-day trial version of Office 365. You could use the free webmail version of Outlook at Outlook.com, or there are other POP and IMAP email clients that you may want to explore.
Information in this article applies to Outlook for Mac.
Outlook for Mac in Office 365 and Alternatives
When you download the Office 356 30-day trial you're asked for your credit card number. You can cancel anytime or continue to use Office 365 for a monthly charge.
Best Free Office Suite For Mac Os
The free download gives you access to Outlook and the other Office 365 programs for 30 days on up to five Macs or PCs. You can also install the Office mobile apps on up to five tablets and five phones.
You will get up to 1 TB of cloud storage per user for up to five users. If you have multiple devices and users in your household, you may find it of value.
You don't need Microsoft Office to store files online. There are lots of ways to store and back up your files online.
Office 365 is a subscription service, meaning that you receive regular updates instead of purchasing and installing updates. If you prefer, you can re-enable full functionality by purchasing a copy of Office for Mac or the product key that allows you to continue using it.
Free Outlook for Mac Alternatives
Outlook has its advantages, especially if you use it at work or at home. The cross-functionality between Mac, PC, tablet, and phone apps ease the learning curve. However, it isn't the only choice.
Best Free Office For Pc
For free Mac email programs and services that do not expire, consider these choices:
Top Free Mac Email Programs. These email clients can be used with POP and IMAP to handle your email. These programs retain email message copies on your Mac rather than on the cloud or webmail servers.
An advantage of these clients is that messages can be migrated to a different email client. You can import Outlook messages into a new client, and vice versa. If you have multiple email accounts, look for clients that handle multiple addresses.
Top Free Web-Based Email Services. If you don't need an offline email client on your Mac, use a free webmail service to manage your email online from any web browser or computer, regardless of the operating system whether it's Mac, Windows, Android, or Linux.
Best Free Office For Windows 10
A disadvantage of these services is the advertisements. There are paid options that are less expensive than Microsoft Office and have different features.