How to Install LibreOffice on Linux Mint

Unlock a full-featured office experience on your Linux Mint system with LibreOffice, the powerful, free, and open-source suite. Whether you need Writer for documents that play nicely with Microsoft Word, Calc for complex budget spreadsheets with pivot tables, or Impress for client presentations, LibreOffice delivers professional results without licensing fees or privacy concerns.

This guide shows you how to install LibreOffice on Linux Mint from start to finish. You will learn how to prepare your system, choose the right LibreOffice release stream (Fresh for latest features, Still for rock-solid stability), verify your installation, and launch your first document in Writer, Calc, or Impress.

Most Linux Mint editions already include LibreOffice. If you uninstalled it, want to reinstall a clean build, or prefer a different release stream, use the steps below to install or upgrade it without guesswork using APT and the official LibreOffice PPAs. APT is Mint’s package manager, similar to Windows Update, while Personal Package Archives (PPAs) are trusted upstream repositories you can add for faster access to new releases.

Choose Your LibreOffice Installation Method

Linux Mint installs the Still branch by default, yet LibreOffice’s upstream PPAs let you trade stability for newer features or even pre-release builds. Use the table below to match the channel to your workflow before adding any repositories.

Method	Version/Channel	Stability	Best For
Mint repository (default)	Still branch packaged with Linux Mint	Highest stability, slower feature cadence	Most users who prefer built-in packages and minimal maintenance
Fresh PPA	Latest stable Fresh release	Stable but faster-moving	Users who need new Writer, Calc, or Impress capabilities as soon as they ship
Pre-release PPA	Alpha and beta snapshots	Experimental, expect regressions	Testers who validate upcoming LibreOffice builds
Still PPA	Still branch direct from The Document Foundation	Conservative updates with targeted fixes	Production desktops that must pin a known-good build while receiving security patches

Stick with the Mint repository unless you have a specific reason to move. When you switch channels, add only one repository so upgrades stay predictable and easy to roll back.

Key Features of LibreOffice on Linux Mint

LibreOffice comes packed with a variety of applications, each designed for specific tasks. Below, you will find an overview of its core components:

• Writer: A powerful word processor, Writer comes equipped with advanced formatting tools and mail merge capabilities.
• Calc: This application is designed for robust spreadsheet management, complete with built-in formulas, chart creation, and data analysis tools.
• Impress: Crafting presentations is made easy with Impress, dynamic software that supports multimedia elements and custom templates.
• Draw: For creating diagrams, flowcharts, and various technical illustrations, this vector graphics editor is your tool.
• Math: Crafting complex mathematical formulas is simplified with Math, a specialized tool featuring extensive symbol support.
• Base: Database management is streamlined by this component, enabling users to build new databases or connect to existing ones.
• Broad File Compatibility: LibreOffice supports a wide array of formats, including Microsoft Office, OpenDocument, and PDFs, ensuring seamless sharing across different platforms.
• Privacy-Focused: Being open-source and telemetry-free, LibreOffice places a strong emphasis on ensuring user privacy.

Installing LibreOffice on Linux Mint

Update Your System Before Installing LibreOffice

Before installing LibreOffice or upgrading an existing installation, update your system. Doing so prevents potential conflicts from outdated software and ensures compatibility with the latest LibreOffice version.

Open the terminal with Ctrl+Alt+T or search for Terminal in the menu, then run the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

• What This Does:
  • sudo apt update fetches the latest package information from your configured repositories.
  • sudo apt upgrade upgrades all outdated software packages on your system.

Updating your system is a good habit, especially before installing new software. This command upgrades every pending package, so plan a few extra minutes if you haven’t refreshed your system recently.

Check Your Current LibreOffice Version

Linux Mint inherits LibreOffice from the Ubuntu LTS base, which follows the conservative Still branch. The exact version depends on which Mint release you are running, so confirm what is installed before switching streams.

First, see the version that is currently on your system:

libreoffice --version

Then compare it with the candidate package offered by your repositories:

apt-cache policy libreoffice

The Installed field shows what you already have, while Candidate lists the version that would be installed if you ran an upgrade. Use this information to decide whether you are happy with the Still branch that Mint ships or if you would rather switch to a fresher PPA.

Add the LibreOffice Repository That Matches Your Choice

Use the commands below to apply the release stream you selected in the comparison table. Linux Mint already tracks the Still branch from Ubuntu, so run this step only when you want a different cadence. Add only one LibreOffice PPA at a time so upgrades stay predictable.

If the stock Mint repository already meets your needs, skip the PPA steps and continue with the cache refresh. You can always revisit this section later to switch streams.

Option A: Fresh Version (Latest Stable Features)

The Fresh stream carries the newest stable point release. It balances up-to-date features with reliability, so choose it when you want quicker access to improvements than the Mint repository provides.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libreoffice/ppa -y

Option B: Pre-release Builds (Testing Upcoming Changes)

Use this stream when you need access to alpha or beta builds ahead of general release. Expect occasional rough edges.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libreoffice/libreoffice-prereleases -y

Option C: Still Version (Long-Term Stability)

Choose the Still branch when you want a thoroughly tested, slower-moving build. It receives critical security and stability fixes without frequent feature changes, making it ideal for production desktops.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libreoffice/libreoffice-still -y

Refresh Your System’s Package Cache

After adding the chosen repository, update the package list so your system recognizes the newly available LibreOffice versions:

sudo apt update

Running this command prepares your system for the installation or upgrade process.

Install LibreOffice

Next, install or upgrade LibreOffice using the following command:

sudo apt install libreoffice

If LibreOffice is already installed, this command upgrades it to the latest version from the repository. For new installations, it downloads all required files and dependencies.

Verify the Installation (Optional)

While this step is optional, verifying the installed version of LibreOffice after installation or upgrade is good practice. This confirms the process succeeded and that you are running the version you intended to install.

libreoffice --version

The terminal output should display the installed version number, confirming the success of this process.

How to Launch LibreOffice After Installation on Linux Mint

Once you have installed LibreOffice, you can easily launch its applications using either the terminal or the graphical user interface (GUI). Here’s how you can get started with both methods:

Launching from the Terminal

Open the terminal and run the following command to launch the main LibreOffice suite:

libreoffice

This command opens the suite directly.

Launching via the Applications Menu

The process for launching LibreOffice via the applications menu can vary slightly depending on your specific desktop environment:

• In Cinnamon: Open the Applications Menu from the bottom-left corner of your screen, search for “LibreOffice,” and select the desired application, such as Writer or Calc.
• With MATE: Click on the Menu in the bottom-left corner, navigate to the Office category, and choose the specific LibreOffice tool you want to open.
• On Xfce desktops: Use the Whisker Menu typically found in the bottom-left corner, search for “LibreOffice,” or browse under the Office category to find the suite.

First-Time User Tips for LibreOffice on Linux Mint

Now that you’ve successfully installed LibreOffice on Linux Mint, here are some fundamental tips to help you get started. This section simplifies your initial experience, whether you’re new to LibreOffice or just need a quick refresher.

You can launch a specific LibreOffice application directly from the terminal using the pattern libreoffice --[application_name]. Use the commands below for the most common apps, then navigate to File > Save in the menu bar and choose your desired directory and filename.

libreoffice --writer
libreoffice --calc

LibreOffice Writer: Efficient Word Processing

LibreOffice Writer is your go-to application for all word processing tasks. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Create Documents: Start a new text document by selecting File > New > Text Document.
• Formatting Text: Use the intuitive toolbar to adjust font styles, sizes, and alignment for optimal clarity and presentation.

LibreOffice Calc: Comprehensive Data Management

For spreadsheet tasks, LibreOffice Calc provides robust tools. Key capabilities include:

• Create Spreadsheets: Start a new spreadsheet by selecting File > New > Spreadsheet.
• Data Management: Use its wide array of functions, formulas, and charts to effectively organize and analyze your data.

LibreOffice Impress: Professional Presentations

When you need to create compelling slideshows, LibreOffice Impress is the application you should use. Its key actions include:

• Create Presentations: Start a new presentation via File > New > Presentation.
• Design Slides: Impress allows you to add various multimedia elements like text, images, and videos to enhance your slides.

LibreOffice Draw: Precision in Vector Graphics

LibreOffice Draw excels when you are creating vector graphics. To get started with Draw:

• Create Drawings: Begin a new drawing by selecting File > New > Drawing. You can then add shapes, lines, and text to your design.
• Export Your Work: Draw allows you to save or export your design in various formats, including PDF.

LibreOffice Math: Mathematical Formula Creation

For mathematical and scientific notations, LibreOffice Math is essential. Here’s how you can use it:

• Create Formulas: Use Insert > Object > Formula to build complex mathematical expressions.
• Symbol Selection: Math’s extensive operator library helps in handling even the most complex equations.

LibreOffice Base: Database Management Simplified

LibreOffice Base offers tools for effective database management. Its key functionalities involve:

• Create Databases: Create a new database by selecting File > New > Database. Base also allows you to connect to existing databases or build your own from scratch.
• Manage Tables: You can easily add, edit, or delete tables to organize your data efficiently.

How to Update LibreOffice on Linux Mint

Keeping LibreOffice updated ensures you have the latest features, performance improvements, and security fixes. Follow these steps to update LibreOffice on your Linux Mint system.

Update Your System’s Package Index

Update the list of available software packages and their versions on your system. This ensures your system recognizes any pending updates for LibreOffice and other installed software:

sudo apt update

Upgrade LibreOffice Packages

Run the following command to upgrade LibreOffice to the latest version available in your configured repository:

sudo apt install libreoffice

This installs LibreOffice if it is missing and upgrades it when new versions or additional dependencies exist, all without triggering a full system upgrade.

Perform a Full System Upgrade (Recommended Alternative)

If you prefer to update all software on your system at once, including LibreOffice and all its dependencies, use the following command:

sudo apt full-upgrade

This approach updates all installed software on your system, including LibreOffice and any dependencies that require updating. It’s the recommended method for keeping your entire Linux Mint system secure and current.

Steps to Remove Your LibreOffice Installation on Linux Mint

If you no longer need LibreOffice, or if you wish to free up system resources, you can follow these steps to remove it from your Linux Mint system. This process ensures the thorough uninstallation of all LibreOffice components.

Uninstall LibreOffice Core Package

To begin the removal, run the following command to uninstall the main LibreOffice suite from your system:

sudo apt remove libreoffice

Remove the LibreOffice PPA (Optional)

If you previously added a LibreOffice PPA during installation, you should remove it to avoid potential conflicts with future system updates or software installations. Use the command corresponding to the specific repository you added:

• To remove the Fresh PPA, execute:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:libreoffice/ppa -y

• For uninstalling the Pre-release PPA, use:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:libreoffice/libreoffice-prereleases -y

• Regarding the Still PPA, type:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:libreoffice/libreoffice-still -y

Clean Up Residual Files

After removing LibreOffice, you should clean up any remaining files or dependencies that your system no longer needs:

sudo apt autoremove --purge

Running autoremove ensures your system remains clean and frees up additional disk space by removing any unused libraries.

Delete User Configuration Data (Optional)

If you wish to delete personal configurations, such as custom templates and user-specific settings associated with LibreOffice, execute the following command:

rm -rf ~/.config/libreoffice/

Running this command removes all user-specific settings and data, providing a completely clean slate. If you plan to reinstall LibreOffice later and wish to retain your customizations, skip this step.

Useful Links for LibreOffice

To further enhance your experience and proficiency with LibreOffice on Linux Mint, consider exploring these valuable resources:

• The Official LibreOffice Website: Here, you can learn more about LibreOffice and download the suite directly from the official source.
• Launchpad LibreOffice PPA: This PPA allows you to access the latest versions of LibreOffice specifically for Linux Mint and other Ubuntu-based systems via the Launchpad PPA.
• LibreOffice Documentation Library: For detailed user manuals and comprehensive guides for all LibreOffice applications, refer to the official documentation library.
• LibreOffice Community Support Forum: If you have questions or need assistance, you can get help from the wider community through the LibreOffice Support Forum.

All links above are official resources maintained by the LibreOffice community and Linux Mint developers, ensuring you get accurate, up-to-date guidance.

Troubleshooting Common LibreOffice Installation Issues

While LibreOffice installation on Linux Mint is generally smooth, you might encounter occasional issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

PPA Conflicts or Version Mismatches

If you previously added multiple LibreOffice PPAs or switched between Fresh, Still, and Pre-release streams, you might see version conflicts. Remove all LibreOffice PPAs first, then add only the one you want:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:libreoffice/ppa -y
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:libreoffice/libreoffice-still -y
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:libreoffice/libreoffice-prereleases -y
sudo apt update

Then add your preferred PPA and reinstall LibreOffice.

GPG Key Errors

If you see GPG key errors when adding a PPA or updating packages, rebuild the repository entry with the keyring workflow (swap ppa:libreoffice/ppa and the URL for the Still or Pre-release PPAs if needed):

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:libreoffice/ppa -y
sudo mkdir -p /etc/apt/keyrings
curl -fsSL https://keyserver.ubuntu.com/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0xCDDE43BA4DE3F09D7CE7016673AEE920AD55F5A0 | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /etc/apt/keyrings/libreoffice.gpg >/dev/null
echo "deb [signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/libreoffice.gpg] http://ppa.launchpadcontent.net/libreoffice/ppa/ubuntu $(. /etc/os-release && echo ${UBUNTU_CODENAME:-jammy}) main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/libreoffice-ppa.list
sudo apt update

Missing Dependencies

If installation fails with dependency errors, force dependency resolution:

sudo apt --fix-broken install
sudo apt install libreoffice

LibreOffice Won’t Launch from GUI

If LibreOffice applications don’t appear in your desktop menu after installation, refresh the system-wide application database:

sudo update-desktop-database /usr/share/applications/

Log out and back in, or restart your desktop environment to refresh the menu.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you’ve successfully installed LibreOffice on Linux Mint, gaining access to a complete office suite that handles documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more without licensing fees. You now know how to choose between Fresh and Still release streams, verify your installation, and launch any LibreOffice application from the terminal or GUI. Keep experimenting with templates, extensions, and the release stream that suits your workflow so LibreOffice stays productive on every Linux Mint system you manage.