LibreOffice 26.8 is out – local first, and with no AI
LibreOffice 26.8, the latest twice-yearly release of the free, open-source office suite, has been launched with an explicit “no artificial intelligence” message. The Document Foundation presents it as a local-first application: it runs natively on Windows, Linux and macOS, keeps files on the user’s computer and does not automatically use cloud storage. This stance is notable amid wider AI integration in competing office products, including offerings linked to LibreOffice contributor Collabora.
The release adds improved typography, paragraph and formatting handling, accessibility support through ARIA, and broader internationalisation for different writing systems and alphabets. LibreOffice 26.8 is available in 120 languages and continues to use its own OpenDocument formats by default, although it supports Microsoft Office formats such as DOCX for compatibility. The article notes that LibreOffice remains widely bundled with Linux distributions and faces alternatives including OnlyOffice, WPS Office, Nextcloud-based services and paid European suite SoftMaker Office.
- LibreOffice 26.8 emphasises local operation and no AI features.
- The release improves typography, accessibility and language support.
- It remains free, cross-platform and compatible with Microsoft Office files.
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LibreOffice is a free office suite made by an open-source community and overseen by the Document Foundation. It includes tools for writing documents, working with spreadsheets and making presentations, and is commonly included with Linux operating systems.
Its own OpenDocument file types are the default, though it can also open and save Microsoft Office formats such as DOCX. People can use it on Windows, Linux and macOS, alongside alternatives such as OnlyOffice and WPS Office.
Office software is increasingly adding AI features and cloud services. LibreOffice’s local-first approach means it runs on the user’s computer and does not automatically store files online, a distinction that may matter to people choosing how their documents are handled.
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The case for
A local-first suite without AI can appeal to people who value privacy, control over their files and software that works without a cloud account or automated features they did not choose. Keeping development focused on typography, accessibility, internationalisation and open formats may also make LibreOffice a dependable public-interest alternative, while compatibility with Microsoft Office files helps it serve users who need to exchange documents.
The case against
Some users and organisations may prefer office software that offers optional AI tools and cloud services to help with drafting, summarising, collaboration and access across devices. A firm no-AI stance could leave LibreOffice less useful to those seeking these features, while its OpenDocument defaults and the practical limits of compatibility with Microsoft formats may create friction for people working in Microsoft-centred environments.