The Apache OpenOffice Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Apache OpenOffice in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Apache OpenOffice
The Insider’s Guide
Free open-source office suite with the Writer word processor
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among writing tools, read from Apache OpenOffice’s own pages.
Made by The Apache Software Foundation · checked Nov 13, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Apache OpenOffice’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Apache OpenOffice’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 13, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
3.2
GPA, above 129 of the 136 other writing tools we grade
Apache OpenOffice is a free, open-source office suite from the Apache Software Foundation. Writer, its word processor, covers letters, long documents with tables of contents and indexes, and simple page layout. The suite also includes Calc, Impress, Draw, Base and Math, and uses OpenDocument as its native file format.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about Apache OpenOffice, taken from its own pages and our grades.
No store rating on record, but you download, install and start typing with nothing to set up.
- 1
Best for a no-cost office suite on a desktop
Apache OpenOffice is a no-cost office suite whose Writer handles letters, reports and long documents on Windows, Mac and Linux.
- 2
It is free
Apache OpenOffice has no paid plan at all. The whole suite is free to download and use for any purpose, private or commercial, on as many PCs as you like.
- 3
It runs on 3 platforms
Windows, macOS and Linux.
- 4
Writer word processor
Handles anything from a short memo to a book, with styles, text frames, mail-merge wizards and multi-page display while editing.
- 5
Tables of contents and references
Generates tables of contents, indexes, bibliographic references and lists of illustrations or tables for long documents.
- 6
AutoCorrect and AutoComplete
Corrects typing mistakes and checks spelling as you type, supports several languages in one document, and suggests common words and phrases.
- 7
A 3.2 GPA, above 129 of 136
That is against the other writing tools we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
Apache OpenOffice is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
Apache OpenOffice at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows, Linux
- Made by
- The Apache Software Foundation
- Category
- Writing Tools
- Our grade
- 3.2 GPA, very good
The report card
Best for a no-cost office suite on a desktop
Apache OpenOffice is a no-cost office suite whose Writer handles letters, reports and long documents on Windows, Mac and Linux. The download page lists no web or mobile version, the Windows installer is 32-bit, and support comes from volunteers.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | $0 for the whole suite with no licence fee, commercial use included. Against a category with $9.75 in the middle, that's as cheap as it gets. |
| Free plan and trial | A | Free to download and use on as many PCs as you like, with no caps listed. |
| Features | B | Writer with contents tables, references, AutoCorrect, margin comments, and PDF, HTML and MediaWiki export, plus Calc, Impress, Draw, Base and Math. Nothing in the listing shows a gap in the core work. |
| Ease of use | B | No store rating on record, but you download, install and start typing with nothing to set up. |
| Platforms and integrations | C | Windows, Mac and Linux installers only: a program for computers alone. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Apache OpenOffice is for
- Fits if you want a desktop word processor for $0 and don't need online co-editing
- Works for old PCs and offline work, where an installer is all you need
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you want a web or phone version, since the download page lists neither
- Not for you if you want a paid helpdesk, because support is volunteers
- Too light for shared editing, with no cloud storage or live co-editing listed
- Watch out: the Windows installer listed is 32-bit and Macs below 10.7 need a separate download
Good to know
Good for
- Anyone who wants a no-cost desktop word processor with no account
- Schools and offices that need many installs without license fees
- People who write letters and reports offline
Worth knowing
- The download page lists only Windows, Linux and macOS installers; no web version or mobile app is listed.
- The Windows installer listed is 32-bit, and macOS versions below 10.7 have a separate download.
- Support comes from a volunteer community rather than a paid helpdesk.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
Apache OpenOffice is free to use.
Free to download and use on as many PCs as you like, with no caps listed.
Apache OpenOffice
$0
Full suite (Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base, Math) with no license fee; the project accepts donations.
The free plan
The whole suite is free to download and use for any purpose, private or commercial, on as many PCs as you like.
Read from openoffice.org on Nov 13, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
3
Places it runs: macOS, Windows and Linux
Free open-source office suite with the Writer word processor. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, works offline, templates, documents, spreadsheets, presentations.
Nothing in the listing shows a gap in the core work.
- Writer word processor
- Handles anything from a short memo to a book, with styles, text frames, mail-merge wizards and multi-page display while editing.
- Tables of contents and references
- Generates tables of contents, indexes, bibliographic references and lists of illustrations or tables for long documents.
- AutoCorrect and AutoComplete
- Corrects typing mistakes and checks spelling as you type, supports several languages in one document, and suggests common words and phrases.
- PDF, HTML and MediaWiki export
- Exports to PDF, HTML and MediaWiki format; the PDF export offers a large set of formatting and security settings.
- Comments in the margin
- Notes show beside the text, with different colors for different users and the date and time of each edit.
- Extensions and templates
- A public library of user-made extensions, dictionaries and templates adds functions and starting layouts.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
- Linux
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
Apache OpenOffice is made by The Apache Software Foundation.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
129/136
Other writing tools it is graded above
Apache OpenOffice's GPA of 3.2 is higher than 129 of the 136 other writing tools we grade, and level with 5.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 108 of 136) and worst on platforms and integrations (C, above 7).
Apache OpenOffice has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.7 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 137 writing tools we grade, cut by the letter each got. Apache OpenOffice’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 89 of 136
- AFree plan and trialAbove 108 of 136
- BFeaturesAbove 94 of 136
- BEase of useAbove 89 of 136
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 7 of 136
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 107 writing tools. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Apache OpenOffice is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
Apache OpenOffice is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces. It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 3.2 is higher than 129 of the 136 other writing tools we grade.
What you could make
- Documents and templates: an app builder makes these well.
What you could not
- A spreadsheet engine with its formulas.
- A slide editor.
- Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
- The depth: we grade its features B, which means it covers the whole job.
What this rests on. Apache OpenOffice’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
LibreOffice Writer, WPS Writer, FreeOffice TextMaker, ONLYOFFICE and Microsoft Word
The 5 tools Apache OpenOffice is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 3.2GPA
LibreOffice Writer
Free
Free, open-source word processor for Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Apache OpenOffice also covers spreadsheets and presentations.
- LibreOffice Writer also covers long-form writing.
- 3.2GPA
WPS Writer
Free plan · from $5.83/mo
Word-compatible word processor in the WPS Office suite.
- Only WPS Writer lists a web app.
- Only WPS Writer lists iOS and Android apps.
- Apache OpenOffice is open source, according to its own site.
- 3.4GPA
FreeOffice TextMaker
Free
Free word processor that opens and saves Microsoft Word files.
- Only FreeOffice TextMaker lists iOS and Android apps.
- Apache OpenOffice is open source, according to its own site.
- Apache OpenOffice also covers templates, spreadsheets and presentations.
- 3.4GPA
ONLYOFFICE
Free plan · from $20/mo
Open-source office suite for documents, sheets, slides and PDFs.
- Only ONLYOFFICE lists a web app.
- Only ONLYOFFICE lists iOS and Android apps.
- ONLYOFFICE is self-hostable, according to its own site.
- 3.4GPA
Microsoft Word
Free plan · from $9.99/mo
Word processor sold with Microsoft 365, free in the browser.
- Only Apache OpenOffice lists a Linux app.
- Only Microsoft Word lists a web app.
- Only Microsoft Word lists iOS and Android apps.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
12
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Apache OpenOffice free?
Yes. Apache OpenOffice is free to use.
How much does Apache OpenOffice cost?
Apache OpenOffice lists one plan. Apache OpenOffice: $0.
What platforms does Apache OpenOffice work on?
Apache OpenOffice is available on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Does Apache OpenOffice have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Apache OpenOffice is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Does Apache OpenOffice have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Apache OpenOffice is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Is Apache OpenOffice open source?
Yes. Apache OpenOffice is open source, according to its own site.
Does Apache OpenOffice work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
Who makes Apache OpenOffice?
Apache OpenOffice is made by The Apache Software Foundation.
What are the alternatives to Apache OpenOffice?
The closest alternatives to Apache OpenOffice in our directory are LibreOffice Writer, WPS Writer, FreeOffice TextMaker, ONLYOFFICE and Microsoft Word.
How does Apache OpenOffice compare with other writing tools?
Apache OpenOffice's GPA of 3.2 is higher than 129 of the 136 other writing tools we grade, and level with 5.
Is Apache OpenOffice good value for money?
ToolGPA grades Apache OpenOffice A for value for money. Apache OpenOffice has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of Apache OpenOffice?
Apache OpenOffice is free, so making your own would save you nothing. And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Apache OpenOffice’s own pages on Nov 13, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 13, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Apache OpenOffice's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by The Apache Software Foundation. Prices change, so check openoffice.org before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
7,721
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
7,721
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Apache OpenOffice, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/apache-openoffice
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Apache OpenOffice: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 13, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/apache-openoffice
Know someone choosing between writing tools?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/apache-openoffice/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded writing tools after Apache OpenOffice, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Writing Tools Insider's GuideEvery one of the 137 writing tools we grade, compared
- FreeOffice TextMaker Insider's GuideFree word processor that opens and saves Microsoft Word files3.4 GPA
- Microsoft Word Insider's GuideWord processor sold with Microsoft 365, free in the browser3.4 GPA
- Beat Insider's GuideFree, open-source Fountain screenwriting app for Mac and iOS3.2 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Apache OpenOffice’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Apache OpenOffice is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by The Apache Software Foundation. Prices and plans change: check openoffice.org before you buy.