How to use the command 'libreoffice' (with examples)

LibreOffice is a free and powerful office suite alternative, which includes applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases, and more. It offers a command-line interface (CLI) for users who prefer to automate their tasks or manage files without launching the full graphical user interface (GUI). The libreoffice command-line tool provides a variety of options for document viewing, printing, and conversion, making it a versatile asset for both casual and power users. Below are some specific use cases demonstrating the utility of the libreoffice command.

Use case 1: Open one or more files in read-only mode

Code:

libreoffice --view path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...

Motivation:

Opening files in read-only mode is particularly useful when you want to ensure that the contents of a document remain unchanged during viewing. This is essential in collaborative environments where multiple users have access to documents. By opening them in read-only mode, the risk of accidental edits is negated, maintaining the document’s integrity throughout the review process.

Explanation:

• libreoffice: Starts the LibreOffice application.
• --view: This argument specifies that the files should be opened in read-only mode, preventing any amendments.
• path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...: These are the paths to the files that you want to open. You can specify one or multiple files.

Example Output:

Upon execution, LibreOffice will open each specified file in the application suited for its format (Writer for documents, Calc for spreadsheets, etc.) in read-only mode, making it clear that edits won’t be saved.

Use case 2: Display the content of one or more files

Code:

libreoffice --cat path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...

Motivation:

Sometimes a quick glance at a document’s content is necessary, especially when working with large volumes of files where opening each one could be time-consuming. The --cat option allows viewing the contents directly on the command line, making it easy to inspect multiple files quickly and efficiently.

Explanation:

• libreoffice: Initiates the LibreOffice application.
• --cat: This option is like the Unix cat command, which concatenates and displays file content, but for LibreOffice-supported files.
• path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...: The path(s) to the file(s) whose contents you wish to display.

Example Output:

The command will output the content of each file directly to the console, allowing you to read through them quickly without opening each one in the graphical interface.

Use case 3: Print files using a specific printer

Code:

libreoffice --pt printer_name path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...

Motivation:

Printing documents directly from the command line is useful for batch processing of files that need to be distributed physically. Specifying a printer streamlines the workflow, ensuring that documents are sent to the correct device without manual selection for each document, which is particularly beneficial in environments where multiple printers are available.

Explanation:

• libreoffice: Launches the LibreOffice application.
• --pt printer_name: Directs the files to be printed using the specified printer. The printer_name should match an installed printer’s name.
• path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...: These are the files you want to print.

Example Output:

The files will be printed on the designated printer with a confirmation message in the terminal, indicating successful execution of the print job.

Use case 4: Convert all .doc files in current directory to PDF

Code:

libreoffice --convert-to pdf *.doc

Motivation:

Converting documents to PDF is a common requirement because PDFs maintain formatting across different platforms and are widely accepted for official documentation. Using this command, you can easily convert multiple Word documents in a directory to PDF in one go, which saves time and ensures consistency in document presentation.

Explanation:

• libreoffice: Starts the LibreOffice software.
• --convert-to pdf: This action flags the need to convert files to the specified format, PDF in this case.
• *.doc: A wildcard that selects all .doc files in the current directory for conversion.

Example Output:

On executing this command, each .doc file in the directory will be converted into a PDF, with the details of each conversion (i.e., source and target files) displayed in the command line interface.

Conclusion:

The LibreOffice command-line interface is a versatile tool that streamlines various document handling processes. Whether you are opening files, viewing content, printing, or converting documents, the libreoffice command offers a range of efficient functionalities that can enhance productivity and integrate easily into automated workflows. These examples show just a few ways to leverage this tool, making it accessible and resourceful for users across different fields.