The ONLYOFFICE Docs office suite reaches version 9.0 with one of the most ambitious updates in its history. With over 20 new features, a complete redesign of its interface, and advanced integration of AI-based tools, this open-source platform solidifies its position as one of the most powerful options for users and businesses seeking a real alternative to proprietary suites.
But how does it stack up against giants like Microsoft Office, WPS Office, or the veteran LibreOffice? Below, we detail its new features and present a key technical comparison.
Redesigned Interface and Smoother Experience
ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.0 features a clearer, more modern interface across all its editors (documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDFs). The menus have been reorganized to enhance usability, the icons are more intuitive, and the dark mode has been improved, available on both web and desktop/mobile versions.
This visual redesign positions ONLYOFFICE on par with Microsoft Office in terms of user experience, surpassing LibreOffice in clarity and offering a more professional look than the somewhat cluttered approach of WPS Office.
Key New Features
Among the new functions in ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.0 are:
Integrated Diagram Viewer, compatible with Visio (.vsdx) and OpenDocument Graphics (.odg), with no need for external applications.
Full support for Markdown (.md) files and binary Excel books (.xlsb) with direct editing.
PDF improvements: collaborative editing of forms, page reorganization via drag and drop, quick page duplication using keyboard shortcuts.
- New AI capabilities:
- OCR for text scanning in PDFs.
- Formula generation and analysis in spreadsheets.
- Macro automation and VBA conversion through artificial intelligence.
In this last point, ONLYOFFICE is a step ahead of LibreOffice, which still lacks AI features, and it is approaching the increasingly automated focus of Microsoft 365 Copilot, though without relying on external cloud services when installed in a self-hosted environment.
Technical Comparison: ONLYOFFICE vs Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, and WPS
| Feature | ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.0 | Microsoft Office 365 | LibreOffice | WPS Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| License Type | Open Source (AGPLv3) | Proprietary (subscription) | Open Source (MPLv2.0) | Freemium (proprietary) |
| Modern Interface | ✅ | ✅ | Partially | ✅ |
| Integrated AI | ✅ (OCR, macros, spreadsheets) | ✅ (Copilot in Word/Excel) | ❌ | ❌ |
| MS Office Format Support | ✅ Very High | ✅ Native | ✅ High but with differences | ✅ Very High |
| Compatibility with Visio / .odg | ✅ (viewing and editing) | ✅ (Visio only) | ✅ (.odg, not Visio) | ❌ |
| Collaborative Functionality | ✅ Real-time (web/server) | ✅ (Office Online) | Limited (Nextcloud, etc.) | ❌ |
| PDF Editor | ✅ Comprehensive + forms | ✅ Basic | ✅ Basic | ✅ Basic |
| Integration with Nextcloud/ownCloud | ✅ Native | ❌ | ✅ Partial | ❌ |
| Self-Hosting | ✅ Fully Possible | ❌ Only in the cloud | ✅ | ❌ |
Competitive Advantages of ONLYOFFICE
Privacy and Control: The option to install ONLYOFFICE Docs on a private server makes it an ideal solution for organizations concerned about data sovereignty.
Advanced Collaboration without Sacrificing Privacy: Thanks to its integration with Nextcloud, ownCloud, and Redmine, real-time editing is possible without relying on third-party servers like Microsoft or Google.
Professional Compatibility: The fidelity in opening DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX files is among the highest among open-source suites, facilitating the transition from Microsoft environments.
- Automation and AI without Telemetry: AI tools work even in self-hosted environments, unlike Microsoft 365, which requires constant cloud access for Copilot.
An Increasingly Solid Option
ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.0 not only strengthens its position as a viable alternative to major office suites but also, in many aspects, surpasses them in functionality and privacy respect. Its hybrid approach—open source with professional support and enterprise options—allows it to cater to individual users, educational institutions, and businesses alike.
With the upcoming launch of ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors 9 for those who prefer to work locally, all the presented improvements are already available for direct download or implementation in a private cloud.
Watch the Webinar: Introducing ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.0
Source: OnlyOffice