How to set up LibreOffice Writer to work like Microsoft Word

If you're planning to switch from Microsoft Word to LibreOffice Writer but still want a similar experience, this guide will help you customize this text editor to closely resemble Microsoft Word.

LibreOffice Writer is highly customizable, which makes it easier to create an environment similar to that of Microsoft Word. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to set up LibreOffice Writer to run like Microsoft Word.

1. Change the Ribbon Menu
2. Set Default Apps for the System
3. Set Default Settings for the Document
4. Select File Compatibility
5. Enter Styles and Templates

1. Change the Ribbon Menu

Customize LibreOffice Writer to resemble Microsoft Word

Transitioning from Microsoft's Ribbon menu can be challenging. To modify the interface:

Navigate to View > User Interface and select Tabbed.
Click Apply to Writer.
For icon styles, download the .oxt files from OneDrive and follow the steps in the Extensions section.
Restart LibreOffice to view the changes.
Go to Tools > Options > LibreOffice > View and select Office13 from the Icon Style menu.

2. Set Default Apps for the System

Set LibreOffice as default app

Default apps settings in Windows 10

To prevent documents from opening with old applications:

In Windows 10, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Choose default apps by file type.
Set LibreOffice Writer as the default for the following file types: .doc, .docx, .rtf, .odt.
Click Apply to confirm your settings.

3. Set Default Settings for the Document

Default save settings in LibreOffice

To ensure compatibility with Microsoft Word:

Go to Tools > Options > Load/Save > General and select .docx for default saves.
Set OneDrive as the default save location under Tools > Options > LibreOffice > Paths.
Change the default font to Calibri through Tools > Options > LibreOffice Writer > Basic Fonts.

4. Select File Compatibility

File compatibility settings in LibreOffice

To improve file compatibility:

Access Tools > Options > Load/Save and check options like SmartArt to LibreOffice shapes.
Ensure form compatibility by checking Reorganize Form menu to have it MS compatible under the same options.

5. Enter Styles and Templates

Manage templates in LibreOffice

To import Microsoft Word templates:

Go to File > Templates > Manage Templates or press CTRL+Shift+N.
Select Import to bring in templates from Microsoft Word.
Templates can be found in C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates.

Make sure to replace USERNAME with your actual user name.

These steps will help you adjust LibreOffice Writer to function effectively like Microsoft Word. We hope this article serves as a valuable resource for your transition!

Tags: #LibreOffice Writer #Microsoft Word #document editing #how to use LibreOffice Writer

39 Comments

Alice L. - 02/20/2025 14:10

Thanks a lot! I can't believe how much I’ve learned about customizing my software. You rock
Jessie C. - 02/22/2025 00:22

I totally agree! Once you get the hang of it, LibreOffice Writer is unbeatable
Amber Smith - 02/22/2025 03:40

Thank you for this! It’s nice to have alternatives to Microsoft! Your guide is concise!
Tommy DIY - 02/22/2025 09:02

Awesome! I was struggling with the interface. After reading this, I feel I can finally enjoy using LibreOffice
Debbie Let's Talk - 02/23/2025 01:16

Good post! I often felt lost with LibreOffice before, but not anymore!
Tony from NYC - 02/23/2025 06:13

Are there any hidden features in LibreOffice Writer that I should know about? Please share
Dave G. - 03/02/2025 04:06

Funny, I first thought LibreOffice was just a free version of Word. Now I see it’s much more
Mèo con - 03/03/2025 16:18

So cute! I didn't know LibreOffice could work so similarly to Word. Awesome guide!
Kate 1987 - 03/04/2025 11:02

I’m a little confused about how to enable certain features. Can anyone help me set this up?
James Sullivan - 03/04/2025 19:42

Great article! I always wanted to switch from MS Word to LibreOffice Writer but wasn’t sure how to set it up. Thanks for making it easy!
Kimberly H. - 03/05/2025 14:54

Just set up my LibreOffice Writer following your tips. It's working like a charm – thank you
Rachel M. - 03/06/2025 04:31

Great info! I love that it’s open-source. Looking forward to diving deeper
Jess the Techie - 03/07/2025 05:33

I appreciate the help! The tips were practical, and I’m excited to implement them
Max The Cat - 03/07/2025 09:22

Paw-some tips! I didn’t know about the styles feature in LibreOffice. Thanks for sharing!
Hương Đà Nẵng - 03/07/2025 20:01

This is exactly what I needed! Finally, a guide that’s easy to follow!
David J. - 03/07/2025 20:07

This is the best how-to I've read in a while! Thanks for sharing your knowledge
CoupleGoals - 03/10/2025 14:16

So glad I stumbled upon this! I was thinking about switching, and now I’m convinced
Mike's Tips - 03/11/2025 12:54

I appreciate the in-depth customization options you provided. It's a great resource
Ryan C. - 03/12/2025 06:56

I found this article while searching for alternatives to Word. It’s nice to see a comprehensive guide on LibreOffice Writer! Kudos
Quang vn - 03/12/2025 10:10

I have to say, the tips on shortcuts are brilliant! They save me so much time
Kate & Co. - 03/15/2025 10:37

I’m genuinely excited to switch now. Thank you for the encouragement
Phúc IT - 03/15/2025 18:49

Can anyone suggest a good tutorial video for setting up LibreOffice? I'm a visual learner
Lily H. - 03/19/2025 05:02

Can anyone share their experience with using LibreOffice for academic writing? Would it suffice
Oliver R. - 03/19/2025 08:50

This breaks down everything perfectly. I’ll be recommending this to all my friends!
Sarah from Texas - 03/21/2025 03:35

This makes me so happy! I was always hesitant to switch, but now I'm excited!
Lisa the Creative - 03/21/2025 10:08

Who knew?! This guide has been so helpful. Now I can make LibreOffice feel like home
Linda Adams - 03/24/2025 05:01

This guide is super helpful! I love the customization tips you provided. It really does help make LibreOffice more like Word
Scott Q. - 03/24/2025 07:37

I found this while searching for help setting up my new laptop. Can't wait to try it out
Jessie B. - 03/26/2025 11:42

This is a fantastic breakdown! I appreciate how you made it simple and straightforward
Amy the Writer - 03/28/2025 08:32

Is anyone else worried about file compatibility with MS formats when using LibreOffice? Would love some reassurance
Linda Reilly - 03/28/2025 15:13

I'm impressed! The tips on using templates have improved my workflow already
Thùy Linh - 03/28/2025 19:14

I've been using Word for years. Do you think it’s really worth the effort to switch
Sara P. - 03/29/2025 16:27

Do you think LibreOffice is good for professional use? I’d love to hear from someone who has made the switch.
Ricky B. Hands-on - 03/31/2025 03:22

Why haven’t I tried LibreOffice sooner? Your advice has opened my eyes to so many possibilities!
Mark the Explorer - 04/01/2025 13:11

This is a brilliant post! Really highlights the key differences that make switching worth it!
Huyền Lizzie - 04/01/2025 22:08

Wow, I've learned so much about setting up my LibreOffice Writer. This is a game-changer
Emily W. - 04/02/2025 01:47

Thanks for this! I never thought I'd find a great alternative to MS Word. Looking forward to trying out your tips
John D. - 04/02/2025 06:18

Just switched to LibreOffice and I can already see the benefits! Thank you for the detailed setup instructions!
Samantha J. - 04/02/2025 18:13

Can anyone clarify how to change the default file format in LibreOffice? I’d appreciate it

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