With LibreOffice 24.8 close to end of life, all users are invited to update their free office suite to the latest release

Berlin, 6 June 2025 – The Document Foundation is pleased to announce the release of LibreOffice 25.2.4, the fourth maintenance release of the LibreOffice 25.2 family for Windows (Intel, AMD and ARM), MacOS (Apple Silicon and Intel) and Linux, available for download at https://www.libreoffice.org/download [1].

With LibreOffice 24.8 approaching the end of life, this release – which includes dozens of fixes and enhancements that further improve the suite’s performance, reliability and interoperability – is ready for production environments. We invite all users to update their installation as soon as possible.

LibreOffice 25.2.4 is based on the LibreOffice Technology, which enables the development of desktop, mobile and cloud versions – either from TDF or from the ecosystem – that fully support the two ISO standards for document formats: the open ODF or Open Document Format (ODT, ODS and ODP) and the closed and proprietary Microsoft OOXML (DOCX, XLSX and PPTX).

Products based on the LibreOffice Technology are available for all major desktop operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS), mobile platforms (Android and iOS) and the cloud.

For enterprise-class deployments, TDF recommends a LibreOffice Enterprise optimized version from one of the ecosystem companies, with dedicated value-added features and other benefits such as SLAs and security patch backports for three to five years.

English manuals for LibreOffice 25.2 Write, Impress, Draw and Math are available for download at https://books.libreoffice.org/en/. End users can get first-level technical support from volunteers on the user mailing lists and the Ask LibreOffice website: https://ask.libreoffice.org.

Downloading LibreOffice

All available versions of LibreOffice for the desktop can be downloaded from the same website: https://www.libreoffice.org/download/.

LibreOffice users, free software advocates and community members can support The Document Foundation and the LibreOffice project by making a donation: https://www.libreoffice.org/donate.

[1] Fixes in RC1: https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/Releases/25.2.4/RC1. Fixes in RC2: https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/Releases/25.2.4/RC2. Fixes in RC3: https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/Releases/25.2.4/RC3.

At the beginning of May, we began a new Month of LibreOffice campaign, celebrating community contributions all across the project. We do these every six months – so how many people got sticker packs this time? Check it out…

This is a huge increase over the last campaign, in November, which had 301 winners. So that’s fantastic work, everyone! Hundreds of people, all across the globe, have helped out in our projects and communities. And those are just community contributions, not including the hundreds more from our ecosystem and certified developers!

We’re hugely thankful for the work – and, of course, everyone who’s listed on the wiki page can get a sticker pack, with the stickers shown above.

How to claim

If you see your name (or username) on this page, get in touch! Email mike.saunders@documentfoundation.org with:

…and we’ll send you a bunch of stickers for your PC, laptop and other kit. (Note: your address will only be used to post the stickers, and will be deleted immediately afterwards.) If you contributed to the project in May but you’re not on the wiki page, please let us know what you did, so that we can add you!

There is one more thing…

And we have an extra bonus: ten contributors have also been selected at random to get an extra piece of merchandise – a LibreOffice hoodie, T-shirt, rucksack or snazzy glass mug. Here are the winners (names or usernames) – we’ll get in touch personally with the details:

• Takenori Yasuda
• koyotak
• Andrew Kopf
• HiTom
• bantoniof
• Dominick
• Jeremy Norvell
• skyandrews
• Johan van der Knijff
• Yashodhan Sawardekar

Congratulations to all the winners, and a big thanks once again to everyone who took part – your contributions keep the LibreOffice project strong. We plan to have another Month of LibreOffice in November, but everyone is welcome to see what they can do for LibreOffice at any time!

Xisco Fauli, Ilmari Lauhakangas and Mike Saunders from The Document Foundation, the non-profit organisation behind LibreOffice, discuss Quality Assurance (QA) in free and open source software . (This video is also available on PeerTube.)

Here’s our summary of updates, events and activities in the LibreOffice project in the last four weeks – click the links to learn more…

• We started May with a new Month of LibreOffice campaign! This is something we do every six months, to say thank you to contributors and encourage more people to join our project. We’ll post the final results here very soon…

• Throughout the month, we posted many sections from the 2024 Annual Report of The Document Foundation, the non-profit entity behind LibreOffice, including documentation, quality assurance, native language projects, marketing activities and websites, blogs and social media.

• Next, we reported back from the LibreOffice Community at FLISOL Brasilia 2025.

• This year’s LibreOffice Conference will take place in Budapest from 4 – 6 September, and the call for papers is now open. Submit a talk, and we hope to seeing you there!

• On May 8, we announced LibreOffice 24.8.7, the seventh and last minor release of the LibreOffice 24.8 family. After this, all users are strongly recommended to upgrade to the LibreOffice 25.2 branch.

• On Fridays during May, we posted about ODF – the Open Document Format, as used by LibreOffice and many other apps. We started with an ODF 20th anniversary video, followed by a detailed look at what exactly ODF is, why it’s important and how it compares to proprietary formats.

• Half-way through May, we announced the projects selected for LibreOffice in the Google Summer of Code 2025. We’re looking forward to seeing the results!

Keep in touch – follow us on Mastodon, Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit and Facebook. Like what we do? Support our community with a donation – or join our community and help to make LibreOffice even better!

Design has been one of the major focus points of LibreOffice in recent years. The design/UX community has continued to support QA by evaluating user reports on Bugzilla, helping development with mockups, and mentoring volunteers and students in different projects.

(This is part of The Document Foundation’s Annual Report for 2024 – we’ll post the full version here soon.)

Besides a large number of fixed issues on macOS thanks to Patrick Luby, and continuous work on the Navigator by Jim Raykowski, we had many more improvements – here is just a small selection:

Improvements in LibreOffice 24.2

The column/row for active cells can be highlighted in Calc (implemented by Sahil Gautam)

Tools ▸ Options was complemented by a search feature (Bayram Çiçek)

Comment styles were introduced for quick and consistent formatting of all comments (Maxim Monastirsky) (depicted in the screenshot at the top of this post)

Improvements in LibreOffice 24.8

Bundled templates were refactored with localized placeholders (Laurent Balland)

New “Quick Find” deck in the Sidebar, which lists the search results along with their context (Khushi Gautam)

Formatting characters are now treated independently from fields and do not toggle with non-printable characters (Heiko Tietze)

“Keep Ratio” settings in the Position and Size dialogs are more intuitive now with a lock symbol and reference lines (Heiko Tietze)

Hovering over a layer’s tab in Draw highlights the objects it contains (Jim Raykowski)

Among many other improvements to the Basic IDE, a dialog was added that allows users to pick one of six syntax highlighting colour schemes (Rafael Lima)

Like what we do? Support the LibreOffice project and The Document Foundation – get involved and help our volunteers, or make a donation. Thank you!

When we create or share a document – whether a simple text, complex spreadsheet or professional presentation – we make a choice that goes far beyond the file extension. This is because the format gives us, or takes away, control over the content.

This post compares the Open Document Format (ODF) with proprietary formats such as DOCX, XLSX and PPTX. The comparison is not just about compatibility, but also about freedom, security, costs, transparency, and our long-term digital future.

We have already discussed ODF, and we will continue to do so until its 10th anniversary as an ISO/IEC standard in May 2026, because it is the only open standard available to users. We hope that an increasing number of users will understand how important it is for them to use it to have complete and lasting control over the content they have created, i.e. for their digital freedom, rather than for those of us who support it.
ODF is the native format of LibreOffice and other programmes that use the LibreOffice Technology platform. These programmes offer the same functionality, flexibility, security, robustness and interoperability as applications that promote proprietary formats, but without the lock-in strategy.

Incidentally, even so-called open-source applications (read their AGPL licence to understand why we say “so-called”) handle documents in ODF format, yet continue to promote their own formats, preventing users from having full control over their content – because this would jeopardise their business strategy.

So, what are proprietary formats?

They are developed and controlled by a single company and are typically only fully supported within that company’s ecosystem. Common examples include .docx, .xlsx and .pptx (Microsoft), as well as .pages, .numbers and .key (Apple) and .gdoc, .gsheet and .gslides (Google). While the specifications for these formats may be public, this does not mean they are completely open, as support is always limited by what the provider allows or documents, and is dictated by their commercial strategies.

Comparison between ODF and proprietary formats

1. Control and vendor lock-in

ODF

• Completely open and standardised
• Anyone can implement or use it without legal restrictions
• The user, not the software provider, controls the documents

Proprietary formats

• Designed and controlled by a single provider
• File characteristics and behaviour may change without notice
• Users are often forced to update their software in order to access their documents

Example: If Microsoft changes how DOCX handles embedded fonts or custom styles, users of older versions of Microsoft software or compatible applications may have difficulty viewing or reading files.

2. Interoperability and compatibility

ODF

• Designed with interoperability in mind
• Promotes consistency in formatting and behaviour across different platforms and software
• Facilitates the development of a multi-vendor ecosystem

Proprietary formats

• Optimised for performance within the vendor’s software
• Third-party implementations often encounter compatibility issues
• File rendering may vary depending on the platform, particularly for advanced formatting

Example: A spreadsheet with complex macros in .xlsx format that works correctly with Excel may not work, or may lose functionality, when used with LibreOffice Calc or Google Sheets …

By helping to translate and market LibreOffice around the world, native language projects bring enthusiasm and passion to the global community. Here’s what they did in 2024…

(This is part of The Document Foundation’s Annual Report for 2024 – we’ll post the full version here soon.)

Armenian

In 2024, the Armenian translation of LibreOffice reached 100% thanks to the efforts of Tigran Zargaryan. The suite was offered in Armenian for the first time. In addition, he ensured that the strings in the LibreOffice UI-master, website, Android Viewer and Help also reached 100% translated.

In appreciation for Tigran’s work, TDF invited him to join the LibreOffice Conference 2024 in Luxembourg using the foundation’s travel support programme.

Czech

Throughout the year, Czech speakers worked on keeping the translation of LibreOffice’s UI complete, and the Help content around 95%. They presented the software at booths at two events: InstallFest in Prague in April, and LinuxDays in Prague in October.

They supported LibreOffice users on the Czech Ask site, and maintained social media accounts including X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. They also introduced a new Mastodon account.

Czech speakers produced many translated user guides in 2024, including the Getting Started Guide 24.8, Writer Guide 24.2 and Impress guide 7.5. And throughout the year they maintained the Czech LibreOffice website.

Danish

Speakers of Danish brought the user interface translation of LibreOffice up to 100%, while the Help content approached 100% (that goal was finally reached two months into 2025). They also translated the subtitles for LibreOffice videos covering features in new major releases.

Dutch

Dutch-speaking community members supported users by answering questions on the Ask LibreOffice website and mailing lists. They also translated the following guidebooks: the Calc Guide for LibreOffice 7.6 (translated and published in January); the Writer Guide for LibreOffice 24.2 (March); the Calc Guide for LibreOffice 24.2 (June); the Draw guide for LibreOffice 24.2 (July); the Impress Guide for LibreOffice 24.2 (July); the Getting Started Guide for LibreOffice 24.2 (August); the Impress Guide for LibreOffice 24.8 (October); the Draw Guide for LibreOffice 24.8 (December); the Writer Guide for LibreOffice 24.8 (December); and the Math Guide for LibreOffice 24.8 (December).

On Weblate, the community managed to keep up with the changes of the UI, maintaining it at 100% translated. Although the Help content kept growing they were able to maintain it at 100% translated.

Community members also set up a stand at the NLLGG in May 2024 – a conference of the Dutch Linux community. There, LibreOffice users could obtain information and ask questions about LibreOffice, whether or not in conjunction with a Linux operating system.

They also had a stand at the LocHal open source event in November 202 – another conference of the Dutch Linux community.

Finnish

There was ongoing translation of the LibreOffice user interface and (to a lesser extent) Help, along with ongoing recruitment of volunteers on the vapaaehtoistyo.fi online platform. In …

Consider the history of control over user files, whether for organisations or individuals

Think about all the documents you have created in your lifetime: School assignments. Work presentations and reports. Household budgets. Letters. Perhaps even a personal diary or your CV.

Now imagine this: a few years go by, and when you try to open one of those files, it doesn’t work. The software has disappeared. Or it has been updated and no longer supports that format. Or you have to pay to unlock it.

It’s not just frustrating. It’s a real problem. That’s why the Open Document Format (ODF) was created: it’s a file format that allows computers to save documents such as letters, spreadsheets and presentations. You can recognise these files by their extensions: .odt for text files, .ods for spreadsheets and .odp for presentations.

What makes ODF special is that it is an open, transparent format that doesn’t hide anything from users. This means that anyone can use it freely; no company owns or controls it; and it is designed to work with different software, even years later. In short, it gives you control over your documents.

Let’s look at some everyday situations in which ODF can be useful:

Long-term access: you write your memoirs or your family history. Ten years later, you want to read or share them. With ODF, you don’t have to worry about the software becoming unavailable or obsolete.

Barrier-free education: A teacher asks students to submit their assignments digitally. With ODF, there is no need to purchase expensive software, as you can use a free tool such as LibreOffice instead.

Job search and consulting: create your CV in an open format so that anyone, regardless of their operating system (Windows, macOS or Linux) or application, can open it without encountering any formatting errors. You don’t even have to buy the software.

Sharing files with other users: you can send a document to a colleague or family member and they can open it without any problems, regardless of the programme they use. This is the advantage of a format that does not “belong” to a single company.

Public services: official documents in an open format can be accessed by everyone forever without them having to purchase or update software.

Unfortunately, most people forego all this because they use formats such as .docx (Word) or .xlsx (Excel). These are proprietary formats exclusively owned by Microsoft and can change at any time depending on their business strategies. Microsoft may require a subscription fee for a specific version, as older files may not be compatible with newer ones.

Proprietary formats can also cause problems when documents are opened with a different version of the same application, as the text and images may move and the document may look different. Sometimes, files do not open because the format is not recognised. This is not only annoying, but also risky if the file is important.

This is known as …

In 2024, The Document Foundation and its global LibreOffice community undertook a variety of marketing initiatives aimed at increasing visibility, fostering community engagement, and driving adoption of LibreOffice

(This is part of The Document Foundation’s Annual Report for 2024 – we’ll post the full version here soon.)

LibreOffice and Open Source Conference 2024 in Luxembourg

A major highlight of TDF’s 2024 marketing activities was the LibreOffice and Open Source Conference, held from October 10 to 12 in Luxembourg. The annual event brought together contributors from around the world, including developers, designers, documentation writers, translators, and marketers.

Marketing efforts for the conference included:

• A targeted social media campaign promoting the event’s location, speakers, and agenda.
• Outreach to local technology communities and universities in Luxembourg to boost participation.
• The creation of promotional graphics and materials highlighting the conference themes and goals.
• Live updates and content shared across LibreOffice’s social channels to engage a remote audience.

The conference acted as a vital showcase of LibreOffice’s progress, community strength, and future plans.

“Month of LibreOffice” Campaigns

Throughout May and November 2024, TDF organized its recurring “Month of LibreOffice” initiative. This campaign aimed to recognize and reward community contributors across various roles, including development, documentation, QA and marketing.

Participants who contributed during the campaign period were acknowledged through:

• Special edition badges awarded digitally.
• Public recognition via blog posts and social media.
• Incentives like stickers and merchandise shipped to selected contributors.

This initiative not only celebrated existing contributors but also attracted new participants interested in supporting open source software.

Launch of the LibreOffice Podcast Series

In November 2024, TDF launched its LibreOffice Podcast, a new platform to discuss topics related to LibreOffice and the wider world of open source software. The podcast aimed to:

• Share success stories from migrations to LibreOffice.
• Offer insights into FOSS marketing strategies.
• Feature interviews with developers and community leaders.
• Provide behind-the-scenes looks at the ongoing work within TDF.

The first episode focused on marketing strategies for FOSS, with discussions on how to engage institutions and governments in adopting LibreOffice.

Enhanced Social Media and Content Strategy

In 2024, TDF expanded and optimized its social media presence. Alongside its traditional platforms like Twitter (X) and Facebook, TDF increased its focus on:

• Mastodon: engaging the open-source community on federated social platforms.
• LinkedIn: Sharing professional success stories, including case studies on large-scale LibreOffice deployments.
• Regular posting of blog content, including release announcements, tutorials, and community spotlights.
• Short video clips and graphics to make content more accessible and visually engaging.

These efforts aimed to grow the project’s audience, particularly among decision-makers in public administration and enterprises.

Native Language Community Outreach

TDF placed a strong emphasis on supporting native language communities. The marketing …

An introduction to the Open Document Format

The documents we create today, whether reports, spreadsheets or presentations, are essential for communicating, sharing and storing knowledge. However, the format in which these documents are saved often goes unnoticed. This is where the Open Document Format (ODF) comes in. ODF is a technical standard and a tool that ensures documents remain accessible, editable and usable over time without being tied to a specific vendor or product.

Approved by OASIS as an open standard document format in May 2005 and by ISO/IEC in May 2006, ODF has been around for over 20 years. Despite 20 years having passed, most productivity software users are not familiar with the format and therefore do not use it, as it is not as widespread as its proprietary counterpart, Microsoft OOXML.

This means that a huge number of documents — equivalent to over 100 zettabytes of data in 2025 — are subject to the commercial strategies of a company and completely beyond the control of their authors. These authors may suddenly find themselves unable to manage their own content unless they use specific software.

This also means that the enormous wealth of information contained in these documents does not contribute to the growth of collective intelligence because they are limited in terms of interoperability due to being tied to a single, specific, proprietary software.

Furthermore, Microsoft’s touted backward compatibility feature prevents true innovation in document formats because the presence of proprietary elements from old binary formats, which are not included in the ODF standard, forces documents to remain with technologies that have long been obsolete and incompatible with future developments.

What is ODF?

ODF is an open standard for saving and exchanging office documents. It includes text files (.odt), spreadsheets (.ods), presentations (.odp), and other types of documents, such as drawings (.odg). Developed by OASIS, an organisation that promotes structured information standards, it was approved by ISO/IEC as the international standard ISO/IEC 26300 in 2006.

Put simply, ODF is a universal language for documents, ensuring they can be read and written by any compatible software without locking users into a single ecosystem.

To understand the importance of ODF, it is helpful to know how proprietary formats work. When a document is saved in a Microsoft format, such as .docx, or an Apple format, such as .pages, it is often designed to work best with that company’s software only. Over time, this can cause problems such as limited compatibility, vendor lock-in, and the risk of obsolescence if the proprietary format is abandoned or changed significantly, as older documents may become unreadable.

ODF avoids these problems. It is completely open and free, meaning that anyone can implement it in their software, and users can switch between tools without losing access to their files.

ODF is not limited to text documents, but includes a wide range of office document types, including .odt (OpenDocument Text) for text documents such as reports, letters and books; .ods (OpenDocument Spreadsheet) for data …