LibreOffice continues to be one of the best free office suites for users who need an alternative to proprietary office software. With the release of LibreOffice 26.8.0.0 Alpha1, users can try upcoming features before the stable version becomes available.
If you use a Chromebook with Linux enabled, this guide will show you how to install LibreOffice 26.8.0.0 Alpha1 step by step.
Important: This is an Alpha version. Expect bugs, unfinished features, and possible stability issues. It is recommended for testing purposes instead of daily work.
What is LibreOffice 26.8.0.0 Alpha1?
LibreOffice 26.8.0.0 Alpha1 is an early development build of the LibreOffice office suite. It includes applications such as:
- Writer (Word processing)
- Calc (Spreadsheet)
- Impress (Presentation)
- Draw (Vector graphics)
- Base (Database)
- Math (Formula editor)
Testing alpha versions allows users to experience upcoming improvements before public stable releases.
Requirements
Before starting, make sure:
- Your Chromebook supports Linux (Crostini)
- Linux environment is enabled
- At least 3–5 GB of free storage
- Stable internet connection
Enable Linux on Chromebook
Before installing, Linux must be enabled.
- Open Settings on your Chromebook.
- Scroll down to About Chrome OS.
- Under the Developer section, select Enable.
- Allocate at least 10GB of storage for Linux.
- Wait until the setup is complete and the Linux terminal appears.
For best compatibility, use the latest version of Chrome OS.
- Open Settings on your Chromebook.
- Scroll down to About Chrome OS.
- Under the Developer section, select Enable.
- Allocate at least 10GB of storage for Linux.
- Wait until the setup is complete and the Linux terminal appears.
For best compatibility, use the latest version of Chrome OS.
Step 1 – Update Package List
Open the Linux Terminal and run:
sudo apt update
This updates package information and helps avoid dependency problems.
Step 2 – Download LibreOffice 26.8.0.0 Alpha1
Download the package using:
wget https://repo.usk.ac.id/tdf/libreoffice/_testing_/26.8.0/deb/x86_64/LibreOfficeDev_26.8.0.0.alpha1_Linux_x86-64_deb.tar.gz
Wait until the download process finishes.
Step 3 – Install Required Dependencies
Install required packages:
sudo apt install libreoffice-l10n* libreoffice-gtk3 libreoffice-common libreoffice-core libreoffice-style-elementary
These dependencies improve compatibility and UI integration on Chromebook Linux.
Step 4 – Extract the Downloaded File
Extract the archive:
sudo tar -xf LibreOfficeDev_26.8.0.0.alpha1_Linux_x86-64_deb.tar.gz
After extraction, a new LibreOffice folder will appear.
Step 5 – Enter the DEBS Directory
Move into the installation folder:
cd LibreOfficeDev_26.8.0.0.alpha1_Linux_x86-64_deb/DEBS
This folder contains all installation packages.
Step 6 – Install LibreOffice Packages
Install all .deb files:
sudo dpkg -i *.deb
The installation may take several minutes.
If dependency issues appear, run:
sudo apt --fix-broken install
Then repeat:
sudo dpkg -i *.deb
How to Launch LibreOffice
After installation:
- Open Launcher
- Search for LibreOffice
- Choose Writer, Calc, Impress, or other apps
You can also launch from Terminal:
libreoffice
Is LibreOffice 26.8.0.0 Alpha1 Worth Installing?
If you enjoy testing new software and exploring upcoming features, LibreOffice Alpha builds are interesting to try on Chromebook.
However, if you need reliability for school or work, the stable release remains the safer option.
LibreOffice on Chromebook offers a desktop office experience without needing Windows or additional subscriptions.
Final Thoughts
LibreOffice 26.8.0.0 Alpha1 shows that Linux applications continue to work well on Chromebook through Crostini. Installation is straightforward, and once installed, you gain access to a full office suite directly on your device.
If this tutorial helped you, consider checking more Chromebook tutorials on WilgufTech.

0 Comments