Create letters in Linux (Libre Office Writer, templates)

Introduction

Creating a personal letter in LibreOffice Writer is a straightforward process that can be accomplished quickly with the help of templates. In this article, we will explore how to use existing templates from the LibreOffice extensions website, adjust them to meet your specific needs, and save them for future use. Let’s get started!

Downloading a Template

To start, visit the LibreOffice website, where you can find various extensions and templates offered for free. After navigating to the templates section, you will discover a variety of options, including simple CVs, presentations in dark mode, and, importantly, templates for personal letters. You can download a basic personal letter template with just a single click.

Opening and Adjusting the Template

Once downloaded, locate the ODT file (which stands for Open Document Text) and double-click to open it in LibreOffice Writer. This template will provide a simple layout suitable for personal letters.

If you find this template too basic, there are more sophisticated options available, such as templates that meet specific letter-writing standards in different languages, including German.

Editing Your Personal Information

Customize Your Address: Start by updating the template with your address. You can easily add your phone number and email address as well.
Update the Date: The template may contain a placeholder date (e.g., "29th of May 2010"). You can automate the date entry by clicking on the date, selecting "Insert," then "Field," and finally "Date variable." This feature will update the date to the current one automatically.
Adjust Letter Content: Replace the example text with your actual message and customize the addressee's name.

Saving and Using the Template

After personalizing your letter, you can save it as a template within your operating system. If you are using Linux Mint, the template system is user-friendly. Save your modified letter as 'letter template' in the templates directory.

Once saved, you can easily access this template through your file manager. Right-click in your Documents folder, select "Create New Document," and choose your saved letter template. This will generate a new document based on your template, allowing you to write additional letters quickly.

Using LibreOffice’s Built-In Template Management

Additionally, you can save the document as a template within LibreOffice itself. To do this, select "Save as Template" under the file menu, categorize it (e.g., 'my templates'), and name it (e.g., ‘simple letter’).

To create a new document from this template, access the “File” menu and select “New” followed by “Templates.” This encompasses both the operating system's template system and the built-in LibreOffice options, although they may not work seamlessly together.

Conclusion

Using templates in LibreOffice Writer simplifies the process of creating letters, enabling you to personalize them quickly. With the ability to save and reuse templates, you can draft letters in seconds. Enjoy creating your letters! For more videos about Linux and open source, subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly updates.

Keywords

LibreOffice Writer
Personal letter
Templates
Linux Mint
Save as Template
Date variable
Customize address

FAQ

Q: How do I download templates in LibreOffice?
A: Visit the LibreOffice website, navigate to the templates section, and download the desired template with a single click.

Q: Can I automate the date in a letter template?
A: Yes, by selecting the date, then navigating to "Insert" > "Field" > "Date variable," you can automate the current date in your letter.

Q: How can I save my customized letter as a template?
A: In LibreOffice, select "Save as Template" from the file menu, categorize it, and give it a name to save it within your template options.

Q: Is there a difference between operating system templates and LibreOffice templates?
A: Yes, the operating system’s templates interface may function differently from LibreOffice's own template management, although both can be used for creating documents.

Q: What do I do if I want to use a template again?
A: You can either access it from your file manager by creating a new document or directly from LibreOffice by selecting it from the templates menu.