Overview
Apache OpenOffice is a free, open-source office suite that provides desktop applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, vector drawing, databases and formula editing. Distributed by the Apache Software Foundation, the project implements the OpenDocument standard and can exchange documents with other common office applications. The suite is intended as a cost-free alternative to commercial packages and is available for multiple desktop platforms.
Components and features
The suite is organized into a set of integrated applications:
- Writer — word processor for letters, reports and long documents, with styles and basic desktop publishing features.
- Calc — spreadsheet application offering formulas, charts and data analysis tools.
- Impress — presentation program with slide layouts, transitions and notes.
- Draw — vector drawing and diagramming, useful for flowcharts and simple illustrations.
- Base — a database front-end that connects to embedded or external databases and provides forms and reports.
- Math — a formula editor for mathematical and scientific notation.
OpenOffice supports extensions and templates to add functionality, offers import/export filters for widely used proprietary formats, and uses the OpenDocument format as its native file standard. The suite is often used where open standards and long‑term access to data are priorities.
History and governance
OpenOffice traces its origins to a commercial product named StarOffice. The codebase was released as an open-source project under the name OpenOffice.org while stewarded by Sun Microsystems. After corporate changes, stewardship passed through other organizations including Oracle Corporation, and the project was later donated to the Apache Software Foundation, becoming Apache OpenOffice. During these transitions some community members created a separate fork that evolved independently.
Platforms and compatibility
Apache OpenOffice runs on a variety of desktop operating systems and is commonly available for Microsoft Windows, Linux and macOS, and has historical builds for systems such as Solaris. It aims to interoperate with other office suites and can import and export many Microsoft Office file formats, while using the OpenDocument format for native storage. Compatibility is good for many common documents but complex or heavily formatted files from other suites may require manual adjustment.
Use, adoption and comparisons
OpenOffice is used by individuals, educational institutions and organisations that favour open standards or wish to avoid licensing costs. It is often compared with Microsoft Office and other free office suites; differences include governance, release cadence and specific feature sets. The project’s Apache license and community governance model distinguish it from other forks and commercial offerings. The original project name included ".org" in part because the short name was subject to a trademark issue.
Development, security and extensions
Development is community-driven under Apache rules. The project provides updates and security fixes, and users can extend functionality through a catalog of add-ons and templates. Because development resources vary over time, users concerned with the most active upstream development or rapid fix cycles may compare OpenOffice to other communities and forks when choosing a suite.
Getting started and resources
Installers and localized packages are distributed by the project and community mirrors. New users can find tutorials, templates and extension repositories to tailor the suite to common tasks such as academic writing, basic accounting or small-business document workflows. For historical context, governance details, downloads and community forums consult the project pages and archived materials linked from official resources.
Related links and topics: open source, office suite, Sun Microsystems, Oracle Corporation, operating systems, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Solaris, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Office file formats, OpenDocument, trademark note.