1. Get Acquainted With Extensions
If there are features you’d like to use that OpenOffice doesn’t have by default, consider installing an extension for added functionality. Follow the steps below to access the OpenOffice’s extension library from Writer. Note: some of these extensions haven’t received updates in a while, so they might not be compatible with the latest version of OpenOffice. If you don’t know what to download first, we have a few suggestions:
Professional Template Pack: with the Pro Template Pack, you get access to a library of professional templates that cover everything from business documents and presentations to posters and press releases. It’s really useful to have around. BasicCommentHelper: enable the comments functionality in OpenOffice with the BasicCommentHelper extension. Once installed, add your observations throughout a document, just as you would in Microsoft Word.Language Libraries: OpenOffice comes with a large collection of dictionaries that allows you to add more languages so that you can type in your native language.
2. Change the UI Language in OpenOffice
OpenOffice comes with English as its default UI language. However, you can change it to your native language very easily.
3. Enable Writing Aids
If you’re not using your native language in OpenOffice, you might need spellcheck, hyphenation, a thesaurus and other similar features to help you with your writing.
4. Customize Keyboard Shortcuts
OpenOffice offers a wide range of predefined keyboard shortcuts, but you can also make your own. Assign different keys for different functionalities and get the job done without touching the mouse.
5. Create a Table of Contents
If you’re working on a lengthy document, having a table of contents may come in handy, as it will allow readers to skim through the document quickly. Using OpenOffice, you can create a table of contents with a click of a button. Before creating a table of contents, add some headings to your document to create a structure.
6. Write Formulas and Expressions
OpenOffice has very robust support for writing special characters and formulas, and inserting them into a document is very simple. Tip: use the Formula Reference Tables to type in your equations quickly and efficiently.
7. Print Handouts From Your Presentation
Handouts can offer a quick overview of your presentation. If you print your presentation directly, each slide will take a page, which is inefficient. With handouts, however, you can get two to six slides on a page.
8. Search the Web
You can use OpenOffice to search for any URL and keyword from your document.
9. Send Your Document as Email
You can use OpenOffice to send documents directly from the program. This feature will be convenient if you need to send multiple emails a day.
10. Try an Alternate Way of Inserting Tables
In OpenOffice, you can also insert tables by using a series of hyphens (-) or tabs separated by plus (+) signs. The plus signs are used to indicate column dividers, while hyphens (or tabs) are used to outline the width of a column. To make sure this trick works, check that the function is enabled. Image credit: Amy Hirschi via Unsplash. All screenshots taken by Hrishikesh Pathak.
