LibreOffice 5.3, the 5.3 version of the LibreOffice suite, is available for download. This release includes new features and improvements for Writer, Calc and Impress, along with general updates to the open source office suite.
These general improvements are designed to make daily office work easier. The HarfBuzz-based layout engine helps documents display text more consistently across platforms. The revised help menu gives faster access to guidance and support resources. The improved import/export filters help when working with new MS Office documents.
Writer now supports table styles to apply formatting to a table that is retained when you make changes; a new Page Deck in the sidebar allows users to quickly customize page settings without going through a separate dialog box; and a new Go to Page Box enables users to jump to another page in the document with just a few keystrokes.
For users who prepare text documents, reports or long files, these Writer features can save time. Table styles help keep the same appearance after editing a table. The Page Deck makes page settings easier to reach. The Go to Page Box is useful when moving through multi-page documents.
Calc provides a new set of default cell styles, with greater variety and better names than in previous versions; in new installations, "Enable wildcards in formulas" is now the default option, rather than regular expressions, to enhance compatibility with other spreadsheet software; and a new text entry area allows users to narrow down the functions they are searching for, simplifying the search process.
In spreadsheets, the new default cell styles help format data more clearly. The default wildcard option in formulas supports compatibility with other spreadsheet software. The text entry area for functions makes it easier to find the function needed for a calculation.
Impress now opens with a template selector to provide users with a quick start; and a new Slide Properties Deck is now available in the sidebar during slideshow mode.
For presentations, the template selector helps start a new slideshow more quickly. The Slide Properties Deck in the sidebar gives access to slide settings during slideshow mode.
LibreOffice 5.3 has also been improved "under the hood," thanks to the work of hundreds of volunteers. This results in an easier-to-develop, maintain, and debug open source office suite. Although this work is not visible to users, it is extremely important for enterprise deployments.
What's New in Writer
Writer in LibreOffice 5.3 includes several changes focused on document formatting and navigation. Table styles make it possible to apply formatting to a table and keep that formatting when the table is modified. This is useful when a document contains repeated tables that need a consistent appearance.
The new Page Deck in the sidebar gives quicker access to page settings without opening a separate dialog box. The Go to Page Box also improves navigation by allowing users to jump to another page with only a few keystrokes.
- Table styles: apply and keep table formatting after changes.
- Page Deck: customize page settings from the sidebar.
- Go to Page Box: move quickly to a specific page in a document.
What's New in Calc
Calc in LibreOffice 5.3 adds a new set of default cell styles. These styles offer more variety and better names than in previous versions, which helps users format spreadsheet content more clearly.
In new installations, "Enable wildcards in formulas" is now the default option, rather than regular expressions. This change is presented as a way to enhance compatibility with other spreadsheet software. Calc also includes a new text entry area that helps users narrow down the functions they are searching for, making the function search process simpler.
- Default cell styles: more variety and clearer names for spreadsheet formatting.
- Wildcards in formulas: enabled by default in new installations.
- Function search: a text entry area helps find functions more easily.
What's New in Impress
Impress in LibreOffice 5.3 now opens with a template selector. This gives users a quicker way to start a presentation from a template. The new Slide Properties Deck is also available in the sidebar during slideshow mode, making slide properties easier to access while working on a presentation.
- Template selector: helps start a new presentation quickly.
- Slide Properties Deck: available in the sidebar during slideshow mode.
LibreOffice 5.3 feature summary
| Area | Features mentioned in LibreOffice 5.3 | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| General suite | HarfBuzz layout engine, revised help menu, better import/export filters for new MS Office documents | More consistent text layout, quicker access to help, and improved work with MS Office documents |
| Writer | Table styles, Page Deck, Go to Page Box | Format tables, adjust page settings, and navigate documents more easily |
| Calc | Default cell styles, wildcards in formulas by default, function text entry area | Format spreadsheets, work with formulas, and find functions faster |
| Impress | Template selector, Slide Properties Deck | Start presentations quickly and access slide properties from the sidebar |
FAQ about LibreOffice 5.3
Where can I download LibreOffice 5.3?
LibreOffice 5.3 is available through the download link already provided in this article: available for download.
What are the main new features in Writer?
Writer adds table styles, a new Page Deck in the sidebar, and a Go to Page Box. These features help with table formatting, page customization and document navigation.
What changes are included in Calc?
Calc includes a new set of default cell styles, the default use of wildcards in formulas for new installations, and a new text entry area to help search for functions.
What is new in Impress?
Impress opens with a template selector and includes a Slide Properties Deck in the sidebar during slideshow mode.
What general improvements are included in LibreOffice 5.3?
LibreOffice 5.3 includes a HarfBuzz-based cross-platform layout engine, a revised help menu with quick links to user guides and community support forums, better import/export filters for new MS Office documents, and under-the-hood improvements by hundreds of volunteers.
Conclusion
LibreOffice 5.3 is a downloadable version of the open source office suite with improvements across Writer, Calc and Impress. It also includes general updates such as the HarfBuzz layout engine, a revised help menu and better import/export filters for new MS Office documents.
