9 Proven LibreOffice Writer Tips to Boost Your Productivity

LibreOffice Writer is a powerful, free alternative to Microsoft Word that's gained a strong following for its features and flexibility. As someone who's relied on it for years in professional workflows, I can attest it's ideal for everyday document creation. If you're new or feel it's sluggish or unfamiliar, these 9 battle-tested tips will help you work faster and smarter.

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1. Speed Up Performance

If LibreOffice feels slow to launch or laggy, allocate more RAM—especially on systems with plenty available. (RAM powers quick access to data; more means smoother multitasking.)

• Go to Tools > Options.
• Select LibreOffice > Memory.
• In Graphics Cache: Set "Use for LibreOffice" to 128 MB and "Memory per object" to 10 MB.
• Select LibreOffice > Advanced.
• Uncheck Use a Java runtime environment (unless you use LibreOffice Base for databases).
• Click OK.

2. Master Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcuts slash mouse dependency, speeding up your flow. Here's a core set from my daily use:

• F5: Open Navigator.
• F7: Spelling and grammar check.
• Ctrl + F7: Thesaurus.
• F11: Styles and Formatting.
• Ctrl + F12: Insert table.
• Ctrl + 0-5: Default paragraph (0) or Headings 1-5.

For more, explore 25 essential shortcuts to elevate your skills.

3. Set Default File Format to DOCX

OpenDocument (.odt) is standard, but for Microsoft Office collaboration, default to DOCX:

• Tools > Options.
• Load/Save > General.
• For Text Document, select Microsoft Word 2007-2013 XML under "Always save as".
• OK.

4. Switch to a Cleaner Icon Set

The default icons can distract; opt for subtle Breeze:

• Tools > Options.
• LibreOffice > View.
• Set Icon Style to Breeze (adjust size if needed).
• OK.

5. Leverage the Navigator

For long documents like reports, the Navigator provides instant navigation to sections, headings, tables, and more.

• View > Sidebar (expand if needed).
• Select Navigator tab.

6. Create Custom Styles

Styles streamline formatting: define once, apply everywhere. Key types:

• Paragraph: Fonts, numbering, layouts.
• Character: Selected text.
• Frame: Layouts/positions.
• Page: Headers, footers, margins.
• List: Bullets, numbers, indents.

• Styles > Styles and Formatting (or F11).
• Pick style type.
• Right-click > New.

7. Build and Set Templates

Styles handle intra-document consistency; templates ensure it across files.

• New document; format as desired.
• File > Templates > Save as Template > My Templates > Save.
• File > New > Templates > Select > Set as Default.

8. Dock and Undock Toolbars

Customize your workspace flexibly, unlike rigid ribbons elsewhere.

• Ctrl + double-click toolbar edge to dock/undock.

Drag to reposition or stack. Hide unused: View > Toolbars.

9. Install Extensions

Extend functionality via the Extension Manager, like browser add-ons.

• Tools > Extension Manager > Add (.oxt files).

Browse more at LibreOffice Extensions site.

More LibreOffice Tips?

LibreOffice has evolved into a pro-grade tool since 2010. What do you use it for? Share tips, tricks, or comparisons in the comments!