Hey everyone! I'm working on my PhD in a math-heavy field and primarily use Linux with LibreOffice Writer for my documents. I've encountered some frustrating issues when it comes to sharing these documents with colleagues who use Microsoft Word. It seems that specific fonts are causing problems, especially Calibri and Cambria, which are not easy to install on Linux (I'm using Zorin). I usually convert documents to PDFs for sharing, but it'd be great to work collaboratively on Word documents instead. If you've faced similar challenges, what solutions have you found? I'm also considering using MS 365 online, which I'd prefer to avoid if possible.
7 Answers
If you or your coworkers are familiar with TeX, I highly recommend using Overleaf. It’s perfect for collaborative projects, allowing multiple users to edit and comment simultaneously. Plus, the output is a PDF that looks sharp on any device. I've found it super helpful for all my physics papers!
You can also try to fix the issue related to Calibri and Cambria fonts as shown [here](https://easylinuxtipsproject.blogspot.com/p/first-mint-cinnamon.html#ID1.8.2). It provides some helpful steps.
WPS Office could be a solid alternative too! It’s free for Linux and even has a paid option with extra features like PDF support. It might ease some sharing headaches.
OnlyOffice might be your best bet! It’s less feature-rich than LibreOffice, but it has excellent compatibility with MS files. You could create your documents in LibreOffice, save as ODF, then open and finalize them in OnlyOffice for the best results.
For equations, maybe try using LibreOffice Math to create images of your equations. Then, ask your collaborators to add comments with simple tools like paint. Noto fonts from Chrome might also work well across both platforms if your Windows buddies have Chrome installed.
I’d say that TeX/LaTeX is ideal for your needs, especially for equations. Sharing PDFs isn’t the best, but Overleaf seems to come up a lot here! Another thought could be to explore markdown formats; they can be surprisingly effective, especially with math expressions using LaTeX style.
You might be able to get around the missing fonts by copying them over from a Windows machine or by using font alternatives. There’s a useful discussion on this [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/linux4noobs/comments/15smqdv/how_do_i_get_the_fonts_calibri_cambria_etc_on/). Also, consider trying OnlyOffice as it’s more forgiving with cross-platform edits, which might help your situation.
Thanks! I saw that post, but it’s a bit old, so I was wondering if there were any newer solutions.
Definitely! LaTeX makes writing complex math so much easier. It does take some getting used to, but once you’re in the groove, it really becomes your go-to for anything math-related.