LibreOffice Learning Resources: 2025 Update

In 2016 (https://aajkyakiya.blogspot.com/2016/09/three-of-best-learning-resources-on.html), I shared three excellent resources for learning LibreOffice: Full Circle Magazine, Designing With LibreOffice by Bruce Byfield, and TheFrugalComputerGuy.com video tutorials. With LibreOffice evolving (now at version 25.8 as of August 2025), I've revisited these to check their relevance and added new, free resources to help you master LibreOffice in 2025. Here's the update, focusing on free materials for beginners to advanced users.

Are the 2016 Resources Still Relevant?

1. Full Circle Magazine (Including LibreOffice Golden Jubilee Edition)
   Status: Still active and relevant! Full Circle Magazine continues to publish monthly issues covering Ubuntu and open-source tools like LibreOffice, with issue #220 released on August 29, 2025. The 2015 LibreOffice Golden Jubilee Edition (50 articles) remains available via their archives at fullcirclemagazine.org.
   Relevance in 2025: Great for foundational skills and practical use cases (e.g., document formatting, spreadsheets). While the special edition doesn't cover post-2015 features like adaptive toolbars or EPUB export, recent issues include updated LibreOffice tips.
   Access: Free PDFs at fullcirclemagazine.org. Search "LibreOffice Special Edition" for the Golden Jubilee compilation.
2. Designing With LibreOffice by Bruce Byfield
   Status: Highly relevant and updated! The second edition (2022, co-authored with Jean Hollis Weber) is freely available at designingwithlibreoffice.com under a Creative Commons license. It's tailored for LibreOffice 7.3 but still applies to 25.x, covering styles, templates, and new features like HarfBuzz font shaping and Zotero integration.
   Relevance in 2025: A must-read for professional document design and advanced workflows. Over 35,000 downloads of the first edition prove its value. Support the authors via donations or printed copies at Lulu.com.
   Access: Free PDF/ODT downloads at designingwithlibreoffice.com.
3. TheFrugalComputerGuy.com Video Tutorials
   Status: Active and useful! The YouTube channel (youtube.com/user/thefrugalcomputerguy) and website (thefrugalcomputerguy.com) offer embeddable LibreOffice tutorials on Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, and Base, with updates twice monthly.
   Relevance in 2025: Ideal for visual learners mastering basics like pivot tables or database creation. Lacks coverage of 2025-specific features (e.g., UI customization, AI extensions) but remains solid for core skills. Donations are encouraged.
   Access: Free videos at thefrugalcomputerguy.com or YouTube.

Verdict: None of these resources are "too old" for 2025. They cover core functionalities that haven't changed drastically, making them excellent starting points. However, to leverage newer features like collaborative editing or enhanced security, supplement with the resources below.

New Free Resources for Learning LibreOffice in 2025

To complement the 2016 picks, here are the top free resources for learning LibreOffice in 2025, emphasizing accessibility and coverage of recent updates (e.g., version 25.x enhancements like improved font rendering and mobile support). These are curated for beginners, intermediate users, and advanced learners.

1. Official LibreOffice Documentation & Bookshelf
   Why It's Great: Maintained by volunteers, this offers comprehensive guides for all LibreOffice apps (Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base, Math). Updated for 2025 with 650+ help page fixes, it covers new features like customizable toolbars, EPUB export, and migration from MS Office.
   Best For: All levels, especially those switching from proprietary software or exploring advanced features like macros.
   Access: Free at docs.libreoffice.org or books.libreoffice.org.
2. Class Central: Free LibreOffice Courses
   Why It's Great: Aggregates free YouTube and platform-based tutorials (e.g., Udemy free sections) on LibreOffice basics to advanced topics like Base databases and collaborative editing. Many courses reflect 2025 needs, such as AI-assisted publishing.
   Best For: Self-paced learners wanting structured video content.
   Access: Free at classcentral.com/subject/libre-office.
3. DigitalDefynd: 10 Free LibreOffice Courses
   Why It's Great: Curates free MOOCs tailored for home learners, covering productivity (e.g., Writer templates) to data analysis (e.g., Calc pivot tables). Flexible for 2025 job skills like remote collaboration.
   Best For: Beginners and intermediate users seeking practical, job-oriented skills.
   Access: Free at digitaldefynd.com/free-libreoffice-courses.
4. Ask LibreOffice Forum
   Why It's Great: An active community for Q&A, troubleshooting, and advanced topics like Python scripting or extension development. Regularly updated with solutions for 2025 features (e.g., Angry Reviewer for grammar checking).
   Best For: Intermediate to advanced users needing specific guidance or macro tips.
   Access: Free at ask.libreoffice.org.
5. LibreOffice YouTube Channel
   Why It's Great: Official tutorials and community webinars cover new features (e.g., 25.8's accessibility improvements) and practical tips for all apps. Short, focused videos are ideal for quick learning.
   Best For: Visual learners wanting bite-sized, up-to-date content.
   Access: Free at youtube.com/@LibreOfficeOrg.

Getting Started in 2025

Start with Designing With LibreOffice (2nd edition) for a deep dive into professional document creation, then explore Class Central or DigitalDefynd for interactive courses. Use the Official Documentation for reference and the Ask LibreOffice Forum for specific queries. For visual learners, TheFrugalComputerGuy and the LibreOffice YouTube Channel are perfect. Full Circle Magazine remains a fun, broad supplement.

Have other resources or specific LibreOffice needs (e.g., Calc macros, Impress animations)? Share them, and I'll tailor more recommendations!