OpenOffice Draw and LibreOffice Draw Functions
Introduction
OpenOffice (OO) Draw and its offshoot LibreOffice are such powerful applications but it’s a shame most people are not even aware of its power and functionalities, which all come for FREE!
OpenOffice Draw is a free and open-source vector graphics editor, with capabilities similar to Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Freehand, and Visio. It was created as a drawing program for use with OpenOffice.org (OpenOffice.org 2.0 or later), but it can also be used as a standalone application.
LibreOffice Draw is a free drawing and diagramming application that provides users with the ability to create flowcharts, organization charts, wireframes and other diagrams easily using simple shapes.
The main difference between OpenOffice Draw and LibreOffice Draw is that the former has more features than the latter when it comes to creating advanced graphics such as gradients, 3D objects and textures. LibreOffice Draw on the other hand has better compatibility with Microsoft formats.
Selected Draw Features
Here are some of the drawing features that are unleashed when you select File > New > Drawing from the main OO menu or launch LibreOffice Draw.
General Drawing Window:
Drop-Down List of Arrows:
Drop-Down List of 3-D Effects (you can transform any shape into 3-D object):
You can arrange the layering (front/back) of multiple objects relative to one another:
You can align the edges of multiple objects relative to one another or center them vertically and horizontally:
You can fill selected objects with photographic binary images:
You can fill your shapes with built-in gradients:
You can fill your objects with pen hatching marks:
You can connect your shapes with many different connectors:
OO Draw comes with built-in drag-and-drop graphic images and exploding stars, etc. (perfect for ads, certificates, etc.)
You can tear individual graphic tabs from the menu and use them all at once on the same drawing!
Conclusion
This is just a snapshot of the few capabilities of these free drawing programs. Do you still think you need MS Visio?
