ONLYOFFICE 8.3: Enhanced Compatibility with Apple iWork and More

Linux
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ONLYOFFICE 8.3 is here, bringing a host of improvements and new capabilities to this free, open-source office suite compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. This update touches every part of the suite, which includes applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, and PDF editing.

The highlight of this release is the ability to open and convert Apple iWork (.pages, .numbers, .key) and Hancom Office files (.hwp, .hwpx) into OOXML for editing purposes. Note that saving edits back to the original file format isn’t supported.

The most effective way to get the latest version is through the official packages for your operating system. Below are the detailed steps.

Installing ONLYOFFICE 8.3

Step 1: Visit the official ONLYOFFICE website.

Step 2: Navigate to the Downloads section.

Step 3: Choose the Desktop Editors version suitable for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Step 4: Download the appropriate package (e.g., .deb for Debian/Ubuntu, .exe for Windows, .dmg for macOS).

Step 5: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

Alternative Installation Methods

Snap Package

Step 1: Open a terminal.

Step 2: Install ONLYOFFICE using snap:

sudo snap install onlyoffice-desktopeditors

Flatpak Package

Step 1: Ensure Flatpak is installed on your system. If not, refer to your distribution’s documentation for installation instructions.

Step 2: Install ONLYOFFICE using flatpak:

flatpak install org.onlyoffice.desktopeditors

AppImage

Step 1: Download the AppImage file from the ONLYOFFICE website.

Step 2: Make the AppImage executable:

chmod +x OnlyOffice.AppImage

Step 3: Run the AppImage file.

Key Features and Improvements

  • Apple iWork and Hancom Office Compatibility: Open and convert files from these suites to OOXML for editing.

  • Shape Merging: Combine shapes using unite, combine, fragment, intersect, or subtract options.

  • Right-to-Left Language Support Enhancements: Advanced settings to change default sheet direction, paragraph direction, and display non-printable characters in previews.

General Improvements

  • Image opacity settings.
  • Image cropping reset button.
  • Toggle field codes.
  • Context menus added to tabs and windows.
  • Albanian (sq-AL) translations.

Document Editor Improvements

  • customXml and dataBinding support.
  • Editing protected documents now enables the correct set of tools.
  • Ability to change the main direction of a paragraph.
  • Combine and compare text documents on a character or word level.

Spreadsheet Editor Improvements

  • Open and save calculated items in Pivot Tables.
  • Function wizard now shows argument descriptions.
  • Weekdays/month/years options when autofilling cells.
  • AutoDetect of delimiters.
  • Set the default sheet direction in Advanced Settings.
  • Show/hide horizontal/vertical scroll bars.
  • Option to automatically update external links.
  • Automatically detect a separator when opening CSV files.
  • Co-editing undo support.

Presentation Editor Improvements

  • Themes, Colours, and Slide size tools move to a new Design tab.
  • Rename Master/Layout options added to slide context menu.
  • Hand and Select buttons available in presentation viewer.
  • ‘Start slideshow from the beginning’ button added to Quick Access toolbar.
  • Draw on slides in the Slideshow/Presenter View modes.

Form Editor Improvements

  • Default size of the fixed text field has been increased.
  • Improved calculation of top indent for multi-line text fields with small height.

PDF Editor Improvements

  • Support for stamp annotations.
  • Text recognition improvements.
  • Opacity options for highlight, strikeout, and underline annotations.
  • Edit annotations from a new Quick Panel.
  • Support for gradients.
  • Co-editing undo support.
  • Multiple page selections in the thumbnail panel:
    • ctrl to add/remove.
    • shift to select a range.

ONLYOFFICE 8.3 brings a solid set of enhancements and new features, making it a worthwhile upgrade for users seeking a versatile and compatible office suite. Give ONLYOFFICE 8.3 a try to see how it fits your workflow.