Calligra Suite is a free open source alternative to commercial office applications. Created by KDE, the suite includes a word processor (Words), a spreadsheet (Sheets), presentation software (Stage), raster graphics editor (Krita), and a vector graphics editor (Karbon). The suite also has a database application (Kexi), and a diagramming tool (Flow).
The default format used is OpenDocument but it is compatible with Microsoft Office. Calligra’s word processor, Words, has an extensive feature set and drag and drop support, and you can actually use it as a desktop publishing application. Sheets meanwhile has all the formulas and number crunching features you would expect from a classic spreadsheet. It is not the most powerful spreadsheet out there, but it is more than enough for regular office work.
Stage makes it easy to create slideshows, and it also has a nice overview feature that provides a summary of the info on the slide being shown. Unlike other office suites, Calligra has a full featured raster graphics editor in Krita which has a full complement of painting tools. Karbon is a very capable vector graphics program and using it is quite easy since all the tools are displayed neatly. Kexi, its database software, has many features that make it easy to implement and create a database.
Aside from the main applications Calligra Suite also comes with an e-book authoring application (Author), a mind mapping and note taking app (Braindump), and project management software (Plan). If you are looking for a comprehensive office suite that can perform all your daily tasks without costing a cent, Calligra is definitely worth a look.
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