Although there is very little left until Ubuntu 17.04 is released, there are many users who are still using Ubuntu 16.04 and will do so for months. This means that some programs do not have their latest versions since it does not fall within the philosophy of stability.
This is something that will be corrected thanks to snap packages, packages that thanks to their sandbox we can use in any version of Ubuntu without jeopardizing the integrity of the operating system. Recently came out LibreOffice 5.3, a modern version of LibreOffice that incorporates great new features.
If we want to install it in Ubuntu 16.04 we can do it despite being a very recent program. This is made possible by snap packages. While it is true that we can only get the deb package or the tar package with the files, we can also do it through a snap package.
The Libreoffice snap packages will allow us to have LibreOffice 5.3 without compromising Ubuntu 16.04
The Libreoffice snap package has several versions, a stable one, an unstable one, and a test one. The trial or edge version of LibreOffice contains version 5.3. So only we have to install LibreOffice in its edge version. To do this we just have to open the terminal and write the following:
sudo snap install libreoffice --channel=edge
After this, the installation and update of Libreoffice will begin. The process is simple but it is also true that the version of this channel is not very stable so We recommend that in a matter of days, you try to update the channel, for this we only have to write the following in the terminal:
sudo snap install libreoffice --channel=stable
And of course, if we only want to test LibreOffice 5.3 and after doing it you have not liked it, we can go back to the previous version by writing the previous line of code in the terminal. An easy and simple solution without compromising our LTS distribution.
Of course, if you want you also have the traditional option of Office for Ubuntu Microsoft
It worked for me only with (as it says in its manpage)
$ sudo snap install libreoffice –edge
The peculiarity is that now I have two libreoffice, the one installed from the libreoffice repository that goes by version 5.2.5.1 and the one installed by snap in its version 5.3.0.2 and I can execute one or the other as I want (even both at the same time)
Yes, 5.3 I had to configure it because it is in English at the beginning (in options, languages)
As for the new interface ... I honestly believe that it is not very necessary, having the side panel which is one of the characteristics of the interface that makes usability differences with respect to other suites.
In fact they have improved it by adding three sections, tabs? one for Page (with page, header, footer format), one for Change Management and one for Design, which would be better called Theme, because it allows changing the default theme of colors and fonts (the fonts used in the styles it brings default)
I have taught office automation classes using MS Office and Libreoffice and I tell them that when they learn to use the side panel they are delighted with its ease of use and how practical it is, especially on panoramic screens where there is no work surface remaining. By the way, I miss the fact that the tapes can contract and stop occupying the height of the workspace to the point that in full screen the panel disappears 🙁 but the tapes do not disappear ...
Regards,
I think THE EASIEST WAY is via (Ubuntu) Software. The Snap is there, it is the first result that is shown if one searches for "libreoffice".
And the best thing is that it is updated to version 5.3, the most recent to date. In case of updating, the Snap package will also do it.
Problems? I read around that it does not correctly read the system folders as "Pictures", and by default it will install in English. Things that over time, I estimate, will be solved for the new Snap packages.
Regards!
PS: I can not paste the capture, apparently you can not.
Hello I am new to this OS I find it great and I migrated to Ubuntu, I need to install libreoffice, Ubuntu 1604 LTS brings an old version and it started to fail,
When I write and an instruction in the terminal asks me for my password, but when I type it, it does not write it, can you help me?
Thank you
Hit enter. The letters are not seen but they are.