Introduction
OpenOffice is a leading open-source office suite that features an array of powerful tools that enable users to manage their workflow more efficiently. However, what many people don’t know is that OpenOffice can be customized through extensions. These extensions enable you to do more than the standard feature set that comes with OpenOffice. In this article, we will teach you how to unlock the hidden power of OpenOffice by learning how to install and use extensions in minutes.
What are OpenOffice extensions?
Extensions are plugins that add specific features, functionalities, or capabilities to OpenOffice. They are designed to enhance the core functionality of the OpenOffice application, making it more useful for different types of users. The great thing about extensions is that they are open-source and available for free.
There are different types of extensions available, such as language support, spell check, templates, productivity tools, and more. You can also create your own extensions or download them from the OpenOffice extension repository.
How to install OpenOffice extensions?
Installing OpenOffice extensions is an easy process. Here are the steps to follow:
Visit the OpenOffice extension website, click on the “Get more extensions” button, and select the extension you want to install.
Click on the “Download” button to start the download process.
Once the download is complete, open OpenOffice, click on the “Tools” menu, and select “Extension Manager.”
Click on the “Add” button and browse to the folder where you downloaded the extension.
Select the extension file and click on “Open.”
Click “OK” to add the extension to OpenOffice.
Restart OpenOffice, and the extension will be available for use.
How to use OpenOffice extensions?
Once you have installed an extension, the next step is to use it. Here are some popular OpenOffice extensions and how to use them:
LanguageTool: This is a grammar checker and proofreading tool that supports over 20 languages. To use LanguageTool, open a document, click on the “Tools” menu, and select “LanguageTool.”
PDF Import Extension: This allows you to import and modify PDF files in OpenOffice. To use this extension, open a new document, click on the “File” menu, and select “Open.” Choose the PDF file you want to import, and it will be opened in OpenOffice Draw.
Wiki Publisher: This extension allows you to publish your OpenOffice documents directly to MediaWiki-based wikis. To use this, click on the “File” menu, select “Export,” and choose “MediaWiki (.txt)”.
Conclusion
OpenOffice extensions are an excellent way to unlock the hidden power of OpenOffice. By installing and using them, you can expand your productivity and streamline your workflow. It’s easy to install and use them, and the best part is that they are completely free. So, next time you are using OpenOffice, remember to check out the extensions available and enjoy a more robust experience.
This article explains how to install and use extensions in the robust, free, open-source OpenOffice software suite. These can improve core programs like Writer (word processing), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), Draw (vector graphics), Base (database), and Math (equation editor).
What to Know
- Find and download extension > select Tools > Extension Manager > Add > Locate > select file > Open > Accept.Extension Updates: Select Tools > Extension Manager > select extension > Check for Updates.Hide/Delete: Select Tools > Extension Manager > select extension > Deactivate to disable or Uninstall to remove.
How to Find, Download, and Use OpenOffice Extensions
Find an extension from an online site such as The Apache Software Foundation’s own OpenOffice Extensions site, or a third-party provider. We recommend the former for those seeking a trusted source for OpenOffice extensions.
Note: Always check to see if any licenses apply to the extensions and whether they are free—many are, but not all. Also, keep in mind that each time you download files to your computer, you run a potential security risk. You may also need to have an updated Java utility in order to download certain extensions. In other cases, a given extension may not work for certain operating systems.
Once you find one you like, download the extension file by saving it to a place you will remember on your computer or device.
Open an OpenOffice program the extension is built for.
Select Tools - Extension Manager – Add – Locate where you saved the file – Select the file – Open the file.
You will need to read the terms and accept the license agreement in order to finish downloading. If you agree to the terms, scroll to the bottom of the dialog box and select the Accept button.
You may need to close OpenOffice then reopen. If successfully downloaded, you will see the new extension added right into the Extension Manager.
Examples of Extensions in OpenOffice
Popular OpenOffice extensions range from editing helps to mathematical notation tools. For example, many OpenOffice users have utilized grammar and spelling checkers, language dictionaries, and even templates.
Check for Updates of OpenOffice Extension You Have Installed
OpenOffice extensions may need to be refreshed once in a while, as improvements are made. The Check for Updates button will let you know if any new versions are available for the extensions you have already installed, which is really convenient.
Again, this is found when you select Tools – Extension Manager, then browse through the list of installed extensions.
An Alternative Way to Get More Extensions
Also from Extension Manager, you can also select Get More Extensions Online to link to the OpenOffice Extensions site. This is an efficient way to build up extra tools for OpenOffice applications you work with.
Uninstall or Deactivate a Certain OpenOffice Extension
By selecting a given extension in OpenOffice, you can also click to uninstall, deactivate, or view details about each tool.
OpenOffice Chart Extensions
While not one of the more fully-developed applications, you can find extensions listed under the Chart section. These are useful diagramming and visual charting extensions you may find useful for your projects. For reference, in Microsoft Office, these approach certain functions in Microsoft Visio, and basically add in additional chart options for some programs in the OpenOffice suite.
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