Editing PDFs with OpenOffice.org
Practical Hybrid Format
Although the name doesn't suggest it, the PDF Import extension also includes an export function that creates a really practical format. This unspectacular feature, which is tagged onto the normal PDF export dialog in OpenOffice (Figure 6), lets you create PDFs in a hybrid format. The document has a .pdf suffix and can be read in any normal PDF reader. In addition, it contains the original file in its native Open Document Format.
This allows OpenOffice or StarOffice users to open the original document for editing in the PDF Import extension. Instead of Draw, it opens the module used to create the file (e.g., Writer, Calc, or Impress). The hybrid document thus combines the benefits of both formats: The recipient can edit the file normally and, just to be on the safe side, is given a "proof copy" in PDF format, with fonts and graphics that show what the original author meant the document to look like.
Conclusions
PDF Import for OpenOffice.org demonstrates its potential despite its fairly early development stage. Already it is useful for minor corrections to PDFs, and the developers are working on improving the extension. It will be interesting to see the changes in the next release.
Despite all this, you should always remember that PDF is a display format that does not lend itself to editing. If you need to exchange editable documents, it makes far more sense to use a format like ODF or to create hybrid PDFs that give you the best of both worlds.
Infos
- PDF Import extension: http://extensions.services.openoffice.org/project/pdfimport
- OOo Extension Repository: http://extensions.services.openoffice.org
« Previous 1 2
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.
-
ZorinOS 17.1 Released, Includes Improved Windows App Support
If you need or desire to run Windows applications on Linux, there's one distribution intent on making that easier for you and its new release further improves that feature.
-
Linux Market Share Surpasses 4% for the First Time
Look out Windows and macOS, Linux is on the rise and has even topped ChromeOS to become the fourth most widely used OS around the globe.
-
KDE’s Plasma 6 Officially Available
KDE’s Plasma 6.0 "Megarelease" has happened, and it's brimming with new features, polish, and performance.
-
Latest Version of Tails Unleashed
Tails 6.0 is based on Debian 12 and includes GNOME 43.
-
KDE Announces New Slimbook V with Plenty of Power and KDE’s Plasma 6
If you're a fan of KDE Plasma, you'll be thrilled to hear they've announced a new Slimbook with an AMD CPU and the latest version of KDE Plasma desktop.
-
Monthly Sponsorship Includes Early Access to elementary OS 8
If you want to get a glimpse of what's in the pipeline for elementary OS 8, just set up a monthly sponsorship to help fund its continued existence.