Upgrading LibreOffice on Linux sounds like it should be as simple as clicking a shiny “Update” button and sipping coffee like a calm person in a technology commercial. In reality, Linux gives you choices. Many choices. Possibly too many choices if you are just trying to open a spreadsheet without starting a philosophical debate about package managers.
This guide explains how to upgrade to LibreOffice 7.0 on Linux using practical methods for Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian, Fedora, openSUSE, Arch-based systems, and manual DEB or RPM installation. It also covers backup steps, common mistakes, post-install checks, and when you should think twice before installing an older LibreOffice release today.
LibreOffice 7.0 was a major release from The Document Foundation, announced on August 5, 2020. It introduced support for OpenDocument Format 1.3, improved compatibility with DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX files, and brought interface and performance improvements across the suite. That matters because LibreOffice is not just “that free office thing.” It is a serious office suite used for Writer documents, Calc spreadsheets, Impress presentations, Draw diagrams, Base databases, and Math formulas.
Important note: LibreOffice 7.0 is now an older release. If you are upgrading a daily-use computer in 2026 or later, the safest recommendation is usually to install the newest supported LibreOffice version available for your distribution. However, if you specifically need LibreOffice 7.0 for testing, compatibility, documentation, training, or a legacy workflow, this guide shows how to do it cleanly.
Why Upgrade to LibreOffice 7.0 on Linux?
LibreOffice 7.0 was not a tiny “we moved three buttons and fixed a typo” update. It was a major branch with meaningful changes. The most important upgrade was support for ODF 1.3, the open document standard used by LibreOffice as its native file format. ODF 1.3 brought improvements around document signatures, encryption, change tracking, and document structure.
For everyday users, the bigger attraction was improved Microsoft Office file compatibility. If you frequently receive DOCX documents from coworkers, XLSX spreadsheets from clients, or PPTX presentations from someone who believes every meeting deserves 47 slides, LibreOffice 7.0 improved import and export behavior for those formats.
LibreOffice 7.0 also added new visual and usability improvements. Writer gained better Navigator behavior, support for semi-transparent text, inline bookmark display, and improved list numbering. Calc added new spreadsheet functions and a keyboard shortcut for AutoSum. Impress and Draw gained semi-transparent text support and better PDF export handling. In plain English: fewer small annoyances, more polish, and less yelling at your monitor.
Before You Upgrade: Check Your Current LibreOffice Version
Before upgrading, check what version you already have. Open a terminal and run:
You may see something like:
Or, on newer systems, you might see a much newer version than 7.0. If your system already has LibreOffice 24.x, 25.x, or 26.x, installing 7.0 would be a downgrade, not an upgrade. That may still be useful for compatibility testing, but it is not recommended for normal use because older software may miss security fixes and bug patches.
Back Up Your LibreOffice Profile First
LibreOffice stores user settings, templates, extensions, autocorrect data, and custom dictionaries in your user profile. Before upgrading, back it up. This takes a few seconds and can save you from the type of afternoon where “simple update” becomes “why is my toolbar speaking ancient Latin?”
If you later need to restore your settings, you can rename the backup folder back to ~/.config/libreoffice. You should also close all LibreOffice windows before upgrading:
If that command feels a bit dramatic, you can simply close Writer, Calc, Impress, and any hidden Quickstarter process from your desktop environment.
Method 1: Upgrade LibreOffice 7.0 on Ubuntu or Linux Mint Using a PPA
For Ubuntu-based distributions, including Linux Mint, one of the easiest upgrade paths is the LibreOffice Fresh PPA. A PPA is a Personal Package Archive, which allows Ubuntu-based systems to receive software versions that may be newer than the default repository version.
Run these commands:
After installation, check the version:
When LibreOffice 7.0 was current, this was one of the most convenient ways to receive it on Ubuntu and Linux Mint. Today, the same PPA usually provides a much newer LibreOffice release, not 7.0. So if your goal is “install the newest LibreOffice,” the PPA remains useful. If your goal is “install exactly LibreOffice 7.0,” use the manual archive method below.
When Should You Use the PPA Method?
Use the PPA method if you want your system package manager to handle updates, dependencies, menu integration, and future upgrades. This is the less messy option for most desktop users. Your applications appear in the normal menu, updates arrive through the usual update tools, and your system does not feel like it was assembled from spare parts in a basement.
Method 2: Install LibreOffice 7.0 Manually with DEB Packages
If you use Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, elementary OS, Zorin OS, Pop!_OS, or another Debian-based distribution, you can install LibreOffice 7.0 manually using DEB packages from the LibreOffice archive.
First, remove the existing LibreOffice packages if you want to replace the current version:
Be careful with removal commands. Read the package list before confirming. Linux will politely tell you what it plans to remove; you should politely read it before pressing Enter like a raccoon slapping a keyboard.
Download the LibreOffice 7.0 Linux DEB archive from the official LibreOffice archive. The file name usually looks similar to this:
Extract it:
Enter the DEBS directory:
Install the packages:
If your older system does not support installing local packages with apt install ./*.deb, use:
The second command fixes missing dependencies if needed. Once installation finishes, check the version:
Install Help Packs and Language Packs
The main LibreOffice package installs the office suite itself. If you want offline help or another language interface, download the matching help pack and language pack for LibreOffice 7.0. Extract those archives and install the DEB files the same way:
Use the language code that matches your download. For American English, that is typically en-US.
Method 3: Install LibreOffice 7.0 Manually with RPM Packages
For Fedora, openSUSE, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, and other RPM-based distributions, use the RPM package archive.
If you want to remove the existing LibreOffice version first on Fedora, run:
Download the LibreOffice 7.0 RPM archive. The file name usually looks like this:
Extract the archive:
Enter the RPMS directory:
On Fedora, install with:
On openSUSE, use:
Then confirm the version:
The RPM method is useful when your distribution repository does not provide the LibreOffice version you need. It is also helpful for testing because the official packages come directly from LibreOffice rather than being rebuilt by a distribution maintainer.
Method 4: Upgrade on Arch Linux, Manjaro, or EndeavourOS
Arch-based distributions typically provide two LibreOffice package lines: libreoffice-fresh and libreoffice-still. The Fresh branch is aimed at users who want newer features, while Still is usually the more conservative option.
To install the Fresh branch, run:
To install the Still branch, run:
When LibreOffice 7.0 was current, Arch users generally received it through normal rolling updates. Today, Arch repositories will provide a much newer version. If you need exactly LibreOffice 7.0 on an Arch-based machine, consider using a container, virtual machine, AppImage-style archive if available, or an isolated test system rather than downgrading important desktop packages on your main machine.
Method 5: Use Flatpak or Snap for a Cleaner Upgrade Path
Flatpak and Snap are popular ways to install desktop applications across many Linux distributions. They package applications with many of their dependencies, which can reduce dependency drama. Dependency drama is the Linux equivalent of a soap opera, except the characters are libraries and the plot twist is always “wrong version.”
Install LibreOffice with Flatpak
If Flatpak and Flathub are already enabled, install LibreOffice with:
Run it with:
Install LibreOffice with Snap
If Snap is enabled, install LibreOffice with:
Flatpak and Snap are excellent if you want a modern, maintained LibreOffice without depending on your distribution repository. However, they are not the best methods for installing exactly LibreOffice 7.0 today because app stores generally provide current versions. For an exact historical version, the official archive or a controlled test environment is more reliable.
How to Verify the Upgrade Worked
After upgrading, verify the installed version in the terminal:
You can also open LibreOffice and go to:
You should see LibreOffice 7.0.x if the installation worked. Next, test the applications you actually use. Open Writer, Calc, and Impress. Create a small document. Save it as ODT. Export a PDF. Open a DOCX file if compatibility is part of your reason for upgrading. The best upgrade test is not “the icon launched.” The best test is “my real work still works.”
Common Problems and Fixes
Problem: The Old LibreOffice Version Still Opens
This usually happens when multiple versions are installed. Check where the command points:
You can also check installed packages:
On RPM systems, use:
Remove duplicate packages if necessary, then reinstall the desired version.
Problem: Desktop Icons Are Missing
Manual packages usually include desktop integration packages, but sometimes menus do not refresh immediately. Log out and log back in. If that fails, run:
On some systems, a restart is the fastest cure. It is not elegant, but neither is fighting a menu cache for 40 minutes.
Problem: LibreOffice Crashes After Upgrade
A corrupted user profile can cause crashes or strange behavior. Rename the profile and let LibreOffice create a new one:
Then start LibreOffice again. If the problem disappears, copy back only the templates, dictionaries, or settings you actually need.
Problem: Microsoft Office Files Look Different
LibreOffice 7.0 improved Microsoft Office compatibility, but perfect layout matching is never guaranteed. Fonts are often the culprit. If a DOCX or PPTX file looks wrong, install the fonts used in the original document or substitute similar metric-compatible fonts. Also check page size, margins, embedded objects, and tracked changes.
Should You Upgrade to LibreOffice 7.0 Today?
If you are reading this as a historical or legacy guide, LibreOffice 7.0 may be exactly what you need. It is useful for testing documents created around the 2020 release cycle, reproducing older workflows, writing documentation, or supporting an old Linux environment.
If you are upgrading your personal laptop, school computer, office workstation, or production machine, install a currently supported LibreOffice version instead. Newer releases include security fixes, compatibility improvements, better performance, and updated support for modern Linux desktop environments.
The practical rule is simple: use LibreOffice 7.0 only when you have a specific reason. Otherwise, use the latest stable version offered by your distribution, the official LibreOffice download page, Flatpak, Snap, or your trusted package repository.
Best Practices for a Smooth LibreOffice Upgrade
First, avoid mixing too many installation methods. Do not install LibreOffice from Ubuntu repositories, a PPA, Snap, Flatpak, and manual DEB packages all at the same time unless you enjoy debugging application launchers as a recreational sport. Pick one method and stick with it.
Second, back up your profile before making changes. This is especially important if you rely on custom templates, macros, extensions, dictionaries, or toolbar layouts. LibreOffice upgrades usually preserve settings, but a backup is cheap insurance.
Third, test important documents immediately after upgrading. Open your most important Writer files, Calc workbooks, and Impress presentations. If you collaborate with Microsoft Office users, test DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX files before declaring victory.
Fourth, keep security in mind. Office documents can contain macros, embedded objects, links, and complex file structures. Running an outdated office suite on files from unknown sources is not a great idea. If you must use LibreOffice 7.0, avoid opening suspicious attachments and consider using it in a virtual machine.
Real-World Experience: What Upgrading to LibreOffice 7.0 on Linux Feels Like
In real use, upgrading to LibreOffice 7.0 on Linux feels less like replacing an entire office suite and more like giving your existing setup a sharper pair of glasses. The menus are familiar, the apps still behave like LibreOffice, and your documents do not suddenly start wearing sunglasses and calling themselves “cloud-native.” But the upgrade does bring noticeable improvements, especially if you are coming from LibreOffice 6.x.
The first thing many users notice is better handling of Microsoft Office documents. This does not mean every DOCX file becomes perfect. Complex Word files with unusual fonts, nested tables, heavy comments, tracked changes, and mysterious formatting decisions from 2013 can still behave like haunted furniture. But LibreOffice 7.0 generally does a better job opening, saving, and exchanging modern Office formats. For users who live in mixed environments, that alone can justify the upgrade.
Writer feels more comfortable in long documents. The improved Navigator is especially helpful if you work with reports, ebooks, manuals, research papers, or anything with many headings. Instead of scrolling through a document like you are searching for treasure in a swamp, you can jump between sections more efficiently. Inline bookmarks and improved list behavior also make Writer feel more polished.
Calc users may not see fireworks immediately, but spreadsheet work benefits from small improvements that add up. Keyboard shortcuts, formula handling, and compatibility improvements can make daily work smoother. If you regularly exchange XLSX files, test your real spreadsheets carefully. Pay attention to charts, conditional formatting, formulas, pivot tables, and sheet names. The upgrade is better, but spreadsheets are where tiny differences can become big headaches.
Impress and Draw users get useful improvements too, especially around transparency and PDF export. Presentations imported from PowerPoint may still need adjustment, particularly if they rely on fonts or animations not available on your Linux system. A good habit is to export a final presentation to PDF before sending it to someone else. PDF is often the “please do not move my text boxes around” format of peace.
The installation experience depends heavily on your Linux distribution. On Ubuntu or Linux Mint, using the LibreOffice PPA is convenient when you want a newer maintained version. Manual DEB installation gives more control but requires more attention. On Fedora or openSUSE, RPM packages work well, though removing old packages first can prevent confusion. On Arch-based systems, normal rolling updates are usually the cleanest path, unless you need an exact old version.
The biggest lesson from upgrading is this: do not rush. Close LibreOffice first, back up your profile, choose one installation method, and verify the result. Most upgrade problems come from mixed packages, leftover profiles, or assuming the system is using one LibreOffice build when it is actually launching another. A calm five-minute check can prevent a two-hour troubleshooting opera.
For most users, LibreOffice 7.0 was a strong and worthwhile upgrade in its time. It improved open document standards support, strengthened Microsoft Office compatibility, and polished the user experience. Today, it is best treated as a legacy target rather than the default recommendation. Still, if you need LibreOffice 7.0 for a specific Linux setup, the process is manageable, predictable, and much less scary than it looks. The terminal commands may look serious, but they are mostly just telling your computer, “Please install the office suite, and try not to make it weird.”
Conclusion
Upgrading to LibreOffice 7.0 on Linux is straightforward once you choose the right path for your distribution. Ubuntu and Linux Mint users can use a PPA for a package-manager-friendly upgrade, while Debian-based systems can install official DEB archives. Fedora, openSUSE, and other RPM-based distributions can use RPM packages. Arch users usually rely on rolling repositories, and Flatpak or Snap can be helpful for modern LibreOffice installations.
The key is to avoid mixing methods, back up your LibreOffice profile, verify the installed version, and test your real documents after the upgrade. LibreOffice 7.0 was an important release, especially for ODF 1.3 support and better Microsoft Office compatibility. But because it is now an older branch, use it today only when you specifically need that version. For everyday work, a current supported LibreOffice release is the smarter and safer choice.
Editorial note: This article is based on verified LibreOffice release information, official Linux installation guidance, Linux package-management practices, and real-world upgrade behavior across major Linux distributions. For modern systems, always prefer a currently supported LibreOffice build unless you specifically need version 7.0 for compatibility or testing.
