How to Install LibreOffice 26.8.2 on Chromebook

LibreOffice is one of the best free and open-source office suites available for Linux, Windows, and macOS. It provides powerful tools for creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more without requiring a paid office subscription.

In this guide, we will show you how to install LibreOffice 26.8.2 on a Chromebook using the Linux development environment (Crostini).

This installation uses the official LibreOffice DEB package distributed through a university mirror. The method is suitable for Chromebooks running Debian-based Linux environments, including Debian 13 (Trixie).

What's New in LibreOffice 26.8.2?

LibreOffice provides a complete collection of productivity applications:

• Writer: Create and edit text documents.
• Calc: Work with spreadsheets and calculations.
• Impress: Create presentations and slideshows.
• Draw: Create diagrams and vector graphics.
• Base: Manage databases.
• Math: Create mathematical formulas.

LibreOffice supports popular Microsoft Office file formats, including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX, making it a useful alternative to Microsoft Office on Chromebook.

Requirements

Before starting the installation, make sure you have:

• A Chromebook with Linux development environment enabled.
• A working Debian-based Linux container.
• An active internet connection.
• Sufficient storage space for downloading and installing LibreOffice.

Step 1: Update Linux Packages

Open the Linux Terminal on your Chromebook and update the package list:

sudo apt update

Step 2: Download LibreOffice 26.8.2

Download the LibreOffice 26.8.2 DEB archive using the following command:

wget https://repo.usk.ac.id/tdf/libreoffice/stable/26.8.2/deb/x86_64/LibreOffice_26.8.2_Linux_x86-64_deb.tar.gz

Wait until the download is complete before continuing.

Step 3: Install Required LibreOffice Components

Install the required LibreOffice packages and GTK3 integration:

sudo apt install libreoffice-l10n\* libreoffice-gtk3 libreoffice-common libreoffice-core libreoffice-style-elementary

These packages provide the necessary LibreOffice components, language support, and desktop integration.

Step 4: Extract the Downloaded Archive

Extract the downloaded LibreOffice archive:

sudo tar -xf LibreOffice_26.8.2_Linux_x86-64_deb.tar.gz

This will extract the installation files into a new directory.

Step 5: Open the DEBS Directory

Navigate to the extracted DEBS folder:

cd LibreOffice_26.8.2.2_Linux_x86-64_deb/DEBS

This directory contains the Debian installation packages required by LibreOffice.

Step 6: Install LibreOffice 26.8.2

Install all DEB packages using:

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

Wait for the installation process to finish. Depending on your Chromebook's hardware, this may take a few minutes.

If you encounter dependency errors, run:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

Then repeat the installation command if necessary.

Step 7: Launch LibreOffice

After the installation is complete, open the ChromeOS Launcher and look for LibreOffice applications.

You can also launch LibreOffice Writer from the Linux Terminal:

libreoffice --writer

To open the LibreOffice Start Center, use:

libreoffice

Conclusion

LibreOffice 26.8.2 is a useful productivity suite for Chromebook users who need a desktop office application in their Linux environment.

With Linux enabled, you can install LibreOffice and use Writer, Calc, Impress, and other applications directly on your Chromebook.

If you are looking for a free Microsoft Office alternative for ChromeOS, LibreOffice is definitely worth trying.

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