Chapter 3. The LibreOffice Suite¶
Contents
Abstract
LibreOffice is a powerful open-source office suite that provides tools for all types of office tasks, such as writing texts, working with spreadsheets, or creating graphics and presentations. With LibreOffice, you can use the same data across different computing platforms. You can also open and edit files in other formats, including Microsoft Office, then save them back to this format, if needed. This chapter covers information about the Novell® edition of LibreOffice and some of the key features you should be aware of when getting started with the suite.
3.1. Understanding LibreOffice¶
LibreOffice consists of several application modules (subprograms), which are designed to interact with each other. They are listed in Table 3.1. A full description of each module is available in the online help, described in Section 3.8, “Finding Help and Information About LibreOffice”.
Table 3.1. The LibreOffice Application Modules¶
|
Module |
Purpose |
|---|---|
|
Writer |
Word processor application module |
|
Calc |
Spreadsheet application module |
|
Impress |
Presentation application module |
|
Base |
Database application module |
|
Draw |
Application module for drawing vector graphics |
|
Math |
Application module for generating mathematical formulas |
The appearance of the application varies depending on the desktop or window manager you use. Regardless of the appearance, the basic layout and functions are the same.
This section contains information that applies to all of the application modules in LibreOffice. Module-specific information can be found in the following subsections.
3.1.1. Compatibility with Other Office Applications¶
LibreOffice can work with documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases in many other formats, including Microsoft Office. They can be seamlessly opened like other files and saved back to the original format. Because the Microsoft formats are proprietary and the specifications are not available to other applications, there are occasionally formatting issues. If you have problems with your documents, consider opening them in the original application and resaving them in an open format such as RTF for text documents or CSV for spreadsheets.
3.1.1.1. Converting Documents to the LibreOffice Format¶
LibreOffice can read, edit, and save documents in a number of formats. It is not necessary to convert files from those formats to the LibreOffice format to use those files. However, if you want to convert the files, you can do so. To convert a number of documents, such as when first switching to LibreOffice, do the following:
Select ++.
Choose the file format from which to convert.
There are several StarOffice and Microsoft Office formats available.
Click .
Specify where LibreOffice should look for templates and documents to convert and in which directory the converted files should be placed.
![[Important]](admon/important.png)
Documents from a Windows partition are usually in a subdirectory of
/windows.Make sure that all other settings are appropriate, then click .
Review the summary of the actions to perform, then start the conversion by clicking .
The amount of time needed for the conversion depends on the number of files and their complexity. For most documents, conversion does not take very long.
3.1.1.2. Sharing Files with Users of Other Office Suites¶
LibreOffice is available for a number of operating systems. This makes it an excellent tool when a group of users frequently need to share files and do not use the same system on their computers.
When sharing documents with others, you have several options.
- If the recipient needs to be able to edit the file
Save the document in the format the other user needs. For example, to save as a Microsoft Word file, click +, then select the Microsoft Word file type for the version of Word the other user needs.
- If the recipient only needs to read the document
Export the document to a PDF file with +. PDF files can be read on any platform using a viewer like Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- If you want to share a document for editing
Use one of the standard document formats. The default formats comply with the OASIS standard XML format, making them compatible with a number of applications. TXT and RTF formats, although limited in formatting, might be a good option for text documents. Comma Separated Value (CSV) is useful for spreadsheets. LibreOffice might also offer your recipient's preferred format, especially Microsoft formats.
- If you want to e-mail a document as a PDF
Click ++. Your default e-mail program opens with the file attached.
- If you want to e-mail a document to a Microsoft Word user
Click ++. Your default e-mail program opens with the file attached.
- Send a document as the body of an e-mail
Click ++. Your default e-mail program opens with the contents of the document as the e-mail body.
3.1.2. Starting LibreOffice¶
Start the application in one of the following ways:
Click +.
This opens Writer. To open a different module, click + from the newly opened Writer document, then choose the module you want to open.
Click ++, then click the name of the LibreOffice module you want to start.
In a terminal window, enter ooffice. The LibreOffice window opens. Click , then choose the module you want to open.
If any LibreOffice application is open, you can open any of the other applications by clicking ++.
3.1.3. Improving LibreOffice Load Time¶
To speed up the load time of LibreOffice by preloading the application at system startup:
Click ++.
Select .
The next time you restart your system, LibreOffice will preload. When you open an LibreOffice application module, it will open faster.
3.1.4. Customizing LibreOffice¶
You can customize LibreOffice to best suit your needs and working style. Toolbars, menus, and keyboard shortcuts can all be reconfigured to help you more quickly access the features you use the most. You can also assign macros to application events if you want specific actions to occur when those events take place. For example, if you always work with a specific spreadsheet, you can create a macro that opens the spreadsheet and assign it to the Start Application event.
This section contains simple, generic instructions for customizing your environment. The changes you make are effective immediately, so you can see if the changes are what you wanted and go back and modify them if they were not. See the LibreOffice help files for detailed instructions.
3.1.4.1. Customizing Toolbars¶
Use the dialog to modify LibreOffice toolbars.
Click the arrow icon at the end of any toolbar.
Click .
Select the toolbar you want to customize.
The toolbar you clicked should already be selected. You can change the toolbar you want to customize by selecting the desired toolbar from the menu.
Select the check boxes next to the commands you want to appear on the toolbar, and deselect the check boxes next to the commands you do not want to appear.
Select whether to save your customized toolbar in the LibreOffice module you are using or in the document.
LibreOffice module
The customized toolbar is used whenever you open that module.
Document filename
The customized toolbar is used whenever you open that document.
Repeat to customize additional toolbars.
Click .
You can quickly choose the buttons that appear on a particular toolbar.
Click the arrow icon at the end of the toolbar you want to change.
Click to display a list of buttons.
Select the buttons in the list that appears to enable (check) or disable (uncheck) them.
3.1.4.2. Customizing Menus¶
You can add or delete items from current menus, reorganize menus, and even create new menus.
Click ++.
Select the menu you want to change, or click to create a new menu.
Click for more information about the options in the dialog.
Modify, add, or delete menu items as desired.
Click .
3.1.4.3. Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts¶
You can reassign currently assigned keyboard shortcuts and assign new shortcuts to frequently used functions.
Click ++.
Select the keys you want to assign to a function, or select the function and assign the keys or key combinations.
Click for more information about the options in the dialog.
Modify, add, or delete keyboard shortcuts as desired.
Click .
3.1.4.4. Customizing Events¶
LibreOffice also provides ways to assign macros to events such as application startup or the saving of a document. The assigned macro runs automatically whenever the selected event occurs.
Click ++.
Select the event you want to change.
Click for more information about the options in the dialog box.
Assign or remove macros for the selected event.
Click .
3.1.4.5. Changing the Global Settings¶
Global settings can be changed in any LibreOffice application by clicking on the menu bar. A tree structure is used to display categories of settings.
The following table lists the settings categories along with a brief description of each category:
![[Note]](admon/note.png) | |
The settings categories that appear depend on the module you are working in. For example, if you are in Writer, the LibreOffice Writer category appears in the list, but the LibreOffice Calc category does not. The LibreOffice Base category appears in both Calc and Writer. The Application column in the table shows where each setting category is available. | |
Table 3.2. Global Setting Categories¶
|
Settings Category |
Description |
Application |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Various basic settings, including your user data (such as your address and e-mail), important paths, and settings for printers and external programs. |
All |
|
|
Includes the settings related to the opening and saving of several file types. There is a dialog for general settings and several special dialogs to define how external formats should be handled. |
All |
|
|
Covers the various settings related to languages and writing aids, such as your locale and spell checker settings. This is also the place to enable support for Asian languages. |
All |
|
LibreOffice Writer |
Configures the global word processing options, such as the basic fonts and layout that Writer should use. |
Writer |
|
LibreOffice Writer/Web |
Changes the settings related to the HTML authoring features of LibreOffice. |
Writer |
|
LibreOffice Calc |
Changes the settings for Calc, such as those related to sort lists and grids. |
Calc |
|
LibreOffice Impress |
Changes the settings that should apply to all presentations. For example, you can specify the measurement unit for the grid used to arrange elements. |
Impress |
|
LibreOffice Draw |
Includes the settings related to the vector drawing module, such as the drawing scale, grid properties, and some print options. |
Draw |
|
|
Provides a single dialog to set special print options for formulas. |
Math |
|
|
Provides dialogs to set and edit connections and registered databases. |
Base |
|
s |
Defines the default colors used for newly created charts. |
All |
|
|
Includes the dialogs to configure any proxies and to change settings related to search engines. |
All |
| |
All settings listed in the table are applied globally for the specified applications. They are used as defaults for every new document you create. | |
3.1.5. Finding Templates¶
Templates greatly enhance the use of LibreOffice by simplifying formatting tasks for a variety of different types of documents. LibreOffice comes with a few templates, and you can find additional templates on the Internet. You can also create your own. Creating templates is beyond the scope of this guide, but detailed instructions are found in the LibreOffice help system and in other documents and tutorials available online.
In addition to templates, you can find other extras and add-ins online. The following table lists a few of the prominent places where you can find templates and other extras. Please note that the information in the following table might not be current, because Web sites often close or change its content.
Table 3.3. Where to Find LibreOffice Templates and Extras¶
|
Location |
What You Can Find |
|---|---|
|
LibreOffice documentation Web site, see http://www.libreoffice.org/get-help/documentation/ |
Templates for Calc spreadsheets, CD cases, seed packets, fax cover sheets, and more |
|
Worldlabel.com, see http://www.worldlabel.com/Pages/openoffice-template.htm |
Templates for many types of labels |
For more information about templates, see Section 3.2.4, “Using Templates to Format Documents” and Section 3.3.2, “Using Templates in Calc”.
3.2. Word Processing with Writer¶
LibreOffice Writer is a full-featured word processor with page and text formatting capabilities. Its interface is similar to interfaces for other major word processors, and it includes some features that are usually found only in expensive desktop publishing applications.
This section highlights a few key features of Writer. For more information about these features and for complete instructions for using Writer, look at the LibreOffice help or any of the sources listed in Section 3.8, “Finding Help and Information About LibreOffice”.
| |
Much of the information in this section can also be applied to other LibreOffice modules. For example, other modules use styles similarly to how they are used in Writer. | |
3.2.1. Creating a New Document¶
There are two ways to create a new document:
To create a document from scratch, click ++.
To use a standard format and predefined elements for your own documents, try a wizard. Wizards are small utilities that let you make some basic decisions and then produce a ready-made document from a template. For example, to create a business letter, click ++. Using the wizard's dialogs, easily create a basic document using a standard format.
Enter text in the document window as desired. Use the toolbar or the menu to adjust the appearance of the document. Use the menu or the relevant buttons in the toolbar to print and save your document. With the options under , add extra items to your document, such as a table, picture, or chart.
3.2.2. Sharing Documents with Other Word Processors¶
You can use Writer to edit documents created in a variety of other word processors. For example, you can import a Microsoft Word document, edit it, and save it again as a Word document. Most Word documents can be imported into LibreOffice without any problem. Formatting, fonts, and all other aspects of the document remain intact. However, some very complex documents—such as documents containing complicated tables, Word macros, or unusual fonts or formatting—might require some editing after being imported. LibreOffice can also save in many popular word processing formats. Likewise, documents created in LibreOffice and saved as Word files can be opened in Microsoft Word without any trouble.
This means, if you use LibreOffice in an environment where you frequently share documents with Word users, you should have little or no trouble exchanging document files. Just open the files, edit them, and save them as Word files.
3.2.3. Formatting with Styles¶
LibreOffice uses styles for applying consistent formatting to various elements in a document. The following types of styles are available:
Table 3.4. About the Types of Styles¶
3.2.3.1. Opening the Styles and Formatting Window¶
The window (called the in earlier versions of LibreOffice), is a versatile formatting tool for applying styles to text, paragraphs, pages, frames, and lists. To open this window, click +. LibreOffice comes with several predefined styles. You can use these styles as they are, modify them, or create new styles.
![[Tip]](admon/tip.png) | |
By default, the window is a floating window; that is, it opens in its own window that you can place anywhere on the screen. If you use styles extensively, you might find it helpful to dock the window so that it always present in the same part of the Writer interface. To dock the window, press Control while you double-click on a gray area in the window. This tip applies to some other windows in LibreOffice as well, including the Navigator. | |
3.2.3.2. Applying a Style¶
To apply a style, select the element you want to apply the style to, and then double-click the style in the window. For example, to apply a style to a paragraph, place the cursor anywhere in that paragraph and double-click the desired style.
3.2.3.3. Using Styles Versus Using Formatting Buttons and Menu Options¶
Using styles rather than the menu options and buttons helps give your pages, paragraphs, texts, and lists a more consistent look and makes it easier to change your formatting. For example, if you emphasize text by selecting it and clicking the button, then later decide you want emphasized text to be italicized, you need to find all of your bolded text and manually change it to italics. If you use a character style, you only need to change the style from bold to italics and all text that has been formatted with that style automatically changes from bold to italics.
Text formatted with a menu option or button overrides any styles you have applied. If you use the button to format some text and an emphasis style to format other text, then changing the style does not change the text that you formatted with the button, even if you later apply the style to the text you bolded with the button. You must manually unbold the text and then apply the style.
Likewise, if you manually format your paragraphs using +, it is easy to end up with inconsistent paragraph formatting. This is especially true if you copy and paste paragraphs from other documents with different formatting.
3.2.3.4. Changing a Style¶
With styles, you can change formatting throughout a document by changing a style, rather than applying the change separately everywhere you want to apply the new formatting.
In the window, right-click the style you want to change.
Click .
Change the settings for the selected style.
For information about the available settings, refer to the LibreOffice online help.
Click .
3.2.3.5. Creating a Style¶
LibreOffice comes with a collection of styles to suit many users’ needs. However, most users eventually need a style that does not yet exist. To create a new style:
Right-click in any empty space in the window.
Make sure you are in the list of styles for the type of style you want to create. For example, if you are creating a character style, make sure you are in the character style list.
Click .
Click .
Name your style and choose the settings you want applied with that style.
For details about the style options available in any tab, click that tab and then click .
3.2.4. Using Templates to Format Documents¶
Most word processor users create more than one kind of document. For example, you might write letters, memos, and reports, all of which look different and require different styles. If you create a template for each of your document types, the styles you need for each document are always readily available.
Creating a template requires a little bit of up-front planning. You need to determine what you want the document to look like so you can create the styles you need in that template. You can always change your template, but a little planning can save you a lot of time later.
| |
You can convert Microsoft Word templates like you would any other Word document. See Section 3.1.1.1, “Converting Documents to the LibreOffice Format” for information. | |
A detailed explanation of templates is beyond the scope of this section. However, more information is found in the help system, and detailed documentation (“Using Styles and Templates”) can be found at the LibreOffice Documentation page, see http://www.libreoffice.org/get-help/documentation/.
3.2.4.1. Creating a Template¶
A template is a text document containing only the styles and content that you want to appear in every document, such as your address information and letterhead on a letter. When a document is created or opened with the template, the styles are automatically applied to that document.
To create a template:
Click ++.
Create the styles and content that you want to use in any document that uses this template.
Click ++.
Specify a name for the template.
In the box, click the category you want to place the template in.
The category is the folder where the template is stored.
Click .
3.2.5. Working with Large Documents¶
You can use Writer to work on large documents. Large documents can be either a single file or a collection of files assembled into a single document.
3.2.5.1. Navigating in Large Documents¶
The Navigator tool displays information about the contents of a document. It also lets you quickly jump to different elements. For example, you can use the Navigator to get a quick overview of all images included in the document.
To open the Navigator, click +. The elements listed in the Navigator vary according to the document loaded in Writer.
Click an item in the Navigator to jump to that item in the document.
3.2.5.2. Using a Master Document to Create a Single Document from Multiple Files¶
If you are working with a very large document, such as a book, you might find it easier to manage the book with a master document, rather than keeping the book in a single file. A master document enables you to quickly apply formatting changes to a large document or to jump to each subdocument for editing.
A master document is a Writer document that serves as a container for multiple Writer files. You can maintain chapters or other subdocuments as individual files collected in the master document. Master documents are also useful if multiple people are working on a document. You can separate each person’s portion of the document into subdocuments collected in a master document, allowing multiple writers to work on their subdocuments at the same time without fear of overwriting other people’s work.
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If you are coming to LibreOffice from Microsoft Word, you might be nervous about using master documents because the master document feature in Word has a reputation for corrupting documents. This problem does not exist in LibreOffice Writer, so you can safely use master documents to manage your projects. | |
To create a master document:
Click +.
or
Open an existing document and click ++.
Insert subdocuments.
Click .
The LibreOffice help files contain more complete information about working with master documents. Look for the topic entitled Using Master Documents and Subdocuments.
| |
The styles from all of your subdocuments are imported into the master document. To ensure that formatting is consistent throughout your master document, you should use the same template for each subdocument. Doing so is not mandatory; however, if subdocuments are formatted differently, you might need to do some reformatting to successfully bring subdocuments into the master document without creating inconsistencies. For example, if two documents imported into your master document include different styles with the same name, the master document will use the formatting specified for that style in the first document you import. | |
3.2.6. Using Writer as an HTML Editor¶
In addition to being a full-featured word processor, Writer also functions as an HTML editor. Writer includes HTML tags that can be applied as you would any other style in a Writer document. You can view the document as it will appear online, or you can directly edit the HTML code.
3.2.6.1. Creating an HTML Document¶
Click ++.
Click the arrow at the bottom of the window.
Select .
Create your HTML document, using the styles to tag your text.
Click +.
Select the location where you want to save your file, name the file, and select from the list.
Click .
If you prefer to edit HTML code directly, or if you want to see the HTML code created when you edited the HTML file as a Writer document, click +. In HTML Source mode, the list is not available.
| |
The first time you switch to HTML Source mode, you are prompted to save the file as HTML, if you have not already done so. | |
3.3. Using Spreadsheets with Calc¶
Calc is the LibreOffice spreadsheet application. Create a new spreadsheet with ++ or open one with +. Calc can read and save in Microsoft Excel's format, so it is easy to exchange spreadsheets with Excel users.
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Calc can process many VBA macros in Excel documents; however, support for VBA macros is not yet complete. When opening an Excel spreadsheet that makes heavy use of macros, you might discover that some do not work. | |
In the spreadsheet cells, enter fixed data or formulas. A formula can manipulate data from other cells to generate a value for the cell in which it is inserted. You can also create charts from cell values.
3.3.1. Using Formatting and Styles in Calc¶
Calc comes with a few built-in cell and page styles to improve the appearance of your spreadsheets and reports. Although these built-in styles are adequate for many uses, you will probably find it useful to create styles for your own frequently used formatting preferences.
3.3.1.1. Creating a Style¶
Click +.
In the window, click either the or the icon.
Right-click in the window, then click .
Specify a name for your style and use the various tabs to set the desired formatting options.
Click .
3.3.1.2. Modifying a Style¶
Click +.
In the window, click either the or the icon.
Right-click the name of the style you want to change, then click .
Change the desired formatting options.
Click OK.
3.3.2. Using Templates in Calc¶
If you use different styles for different types of spreadsheets, you can use templates to save your styles for each spreadsheet type. Then, when you create a particular type of spreadsheet, open the applicable template and the styles you need for that template are available in the window.
A detailed explanation of templates is beyond the scope of this section. However, more information is found in the help system, and detailed documentation (“Using Styles and Templates”) can be found at the LibreOffice Documentation page, see http://www.libreoffice.org/get-help/documentation/.
3.3.2.1. Creating a Template¶
A Calc template is a spreadsheet that contains styles and content that you want to appear in every spreadsheet created with that template, such as headings or other cell styles. When a spreadsheet is created or opened with the template, the styles are automatically applied to that spreadsheet.
To create a template:
Click ++.
Create the styles and content that you want to use in any spreadsheet that uses this template.
Click ++.
Specify a name for the template.
In the box, click the category you want to place the template in.
The category is the folder where the template is stored.
Click .
3.4. Using Presentations with Impress¶
Use LibreOffice Impress to create presentations for screen display or printing, such as slide shows or transparencies. If you have used other presentation software, you can move comfortably to Impress, which works very similarly to other presentation software.
Impress can open and save Microsoft Powerpoint presentations, which means you can exchange presentations with Powerpoint users, as long as you save your presentations in Powerpoint format.
3.4.1. Creating a Presentation¶
Click ++.
Select the option to use for creating the presentation.
There are two ways to create a presentation:
Create an empty presentation
Opens Impress with a blank slide. Use this option to create a new presentation from scratch, without any preformatted slides.
Create a presentation from a template
Opens Impress with your choice of template. Use this option to create a new presentation with a predesigned LibreOffice template or a template you’ve created or installed yourself, such as your company’s presentation template. Impress uses styles and templates the same way other LibreOffice modules do. See Section 3.2.4, “Using Templates to Format Documents” for more information about templates.
3.4.2. Using Master Pages¶
Master pages give your presentation a consistent look by defining the way each slide looks, what fonts are used, and other graphical elements. Impress uses two types of master pages:
Slide Master
Contains elements that appear on all slides. For example, you might want your company logo to appear in the same place on every slide. The slide master also determines the text formatting style for the heading and outline of every slide that uses that master page, as well as any information you want to appear in a header or footer.
Notes Master
Determines the formatting and appearance of the notes in your presentation.
3.4.2.1. Creating a Slide Master¶
Impress comes with a collection of preformatted master pages. Eventually, most users will want to customize their presentations by creating their own slide masters.
Start Impress, then create a new empty presentation.
Click ++.
This opens the current slide master in .
Right-click the left-hand panel, then click .
Edit the slide master until it has the desired look.
Click or + to return to .
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When you have created all of the slide masters you want to use in your presentations, you can save them in an Impress template. Then, any time you want to create presentations that use those slide masters, open a new presentation with your template. | |
3.4.2.2. Applying a Slide Master¶
Slide masters can be applied to selected slides or to all slides in the presentation.
Open your presentation, then click ++.
(Optional) If you want to apply the slide master to multiple slides, but not to all slides, select the slides that you want to use that slide master.
To select multiple slides, pressCtrl in the while clicking on the slides you want to use.
In the Task Pane, right-click the master page you want to apply.
If you do not see the , click +.
Apply the slide master by clicking one of the following:.
Applies the selected slide master to all slides in the presentation.
Applies the selected slide master to the current slide, or to any slides you select before applying the slide master. For example, if you want to apply a different slide master to the first slide in a presentation, select that slide, then change to and apply a slide master to that slide.
3.5. Using Databases with Base¶
LibreOffice includes a database module: Base. Use Base to design a database to store many different kinds of information, from a simple address book or recipe file to a sophisticated document management system.
Tables, forms, queries, and reports can be created manually or using convenient wizards. For example, the Table Wizard contains a number of common fields for business and personal use. Databases created in Base can be used as data sources, such as when creating form letters.
It is beyond the scope of this document to detail database design with Base. More information can be found at the sources listed in Section 3.8, “Finding Help and Information About LibreOffice”.
3.5.1. Creating a Database Using Predefined Options¶
Base comes with several predefined database fields to help you create a database. The steps in this section are specific to creating an address book using predefined fields, but it should be easy to follow them to use the predefined fields for any of the built-in database options.
The process for creating a database can be broken into several subprocesses:
3.5.1.1. Creating the Database¶
First, create the database.
Click ++.
Select +.
Click to make your database information available to other LibreOffice modules, select both check boxes in the bottom half of the dialog, then click .
Browse to the directory where you want to save the database, specify a name for the database, then click .
3.5.1.2. Setting Up the Database Table¶
Next, define the fields you want to use in your database table.
In the Table Wizard, click .
The list changes to show the predefined tables for personal use. If you had clicked , the list would contain predefined business tables.
In the list, click .
The available fields for the predefined address book appear in the menu.
In the menu, click the fields you want to use in your address book.
You can select one item at a time, or you can shift-click multiple items to select them.
Click the single → to move the selected items to the menu.
To move all available fields to the menu, click the double right-arrow.
Use the ↑ and ↓ keys to adjust the order of the selected fields.
The fields appear in the table and forms in the order in which they are listed.
Click .
Make sure each of the fields is defined correctly.
You can change the field name, type, whether the entry is required, and the maximum length of the field (the number of characters that can be entered in that field). For this example, leave the settings as they are.
Click .
Click , click , click , then click .
Accept the default name for the table, select , then click .
3.5.1.3. Creating a Form¶
Next, create the form to use when entering data into your address book.
In the Form Wizard, click the double right-arrow icon to move all available fields to the list, then click twice.
Select how you want to arrange your form, then click .
Select the option to use the form to display all data and leave all of the check boxes empty, then click .
Apply a style and field border, then click .
For this example, accept the default selections.
Name the form, select the option, then click .
3.5.1.4. Modifying the Form¶
After the form has been defined, you can modify the appearance of the form to suit your preferences.
Close the form that opened when you finished the previous step.
In the main window for your database, right-click the form you want to modify (there should be only one option), then click .
Arrange the fields on the form by dragging them to their new locations.
For example, move the First Name field so it appears to the right of the Last Name field, and then adjust the locations of the other fields to suit your preference.
When you have finished modifying the form, save it and close it.
3.5.1.5. What’s Next?¶
After you have created your database tables and forms, you are ready to enter your data. You can also design queries and reports to help sort and display the data.
Refer to LibreOffice online help and other sources listed in Section 3.8, “Finding Help and Information About LibreOffice” for additional information about Base.
3.6. Creating Graphics with Draw¶
Use LibreOffice Draw to create graphics and diagrams. You can save your drawings in today’s most common formats and import them into any application that lets you import graphics, including the other LibreOffice modules. You can also create Flash versions of your drawings.
The LibreOffice documentation contains complete instructions on using Draw. See Section 3.8, “Finding Help and Information About LibreOffice” for more information.
To use a Draw graphic in a document:
Open Draw, then create the graphic.
Save the graphic.
Copy the graphic and paste it into the document, or insert the graphic directly from the document.
One particularly useful feature of Draw is the ability to open it from other LibreOffice modules so you can create a drawing that is automatically imported into your document.
From an LibreOffice module (for example, from Writer), click ++++.
This opens Draw.
Create your drawing.
Click in your document, outside the Draw frame.
The drawing is automatically inserted into your document.
3.7. Creating Mathematical Formulas with Math¶
It is usually difficult to include complex mathematical formulas in your documents. The LibreOffice Math equation editor lets you create formulas using operators, functions, and formatting assistants. You can then save those formulas as objects that can be imported into other documents. Math functions can be inserted into other LibreOffice documents like any other graphic object.
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Math is not a calculator. The functions it creates are graphical objects. Even if they are imported into Calc, these functions cannot be evaluated. | |
3.8. Finding Help and Information About LibreOffice¶
LibreOffice contains extensive online help. In addition, a large community of users and developers support it. As a result, it is seldom hard to find help or information about using the LibreOffice. The following table shows some of the places where you can go for additional information. (Because Web sites often close or their content changes, the information in the following table might not be current when you read it.)
- LibreOffice online help menu
Extensive help on performing any task in LibreOffice
- Official LibreOffice support page (http://www.libreoffice.org/get-help/)
Manuals, IRC channles, mailing list, FAQs, and more