Cloud-ish: Create a Multi-Device Office Suite Using Syncthing and LibreOffice

Welcome! This is the third post in a series documenting my homelab journey (see posts 1 and 2). Note: This series is more journal entry than tutorial. Reader beware.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I’ve been on a mission to set up a homelab server using CasaOS with the end goals of establishing self-hosted cloud storage and office suite tools. The plan was to dive into testing out lighter-weight Linux server distros (Ubuntu Server and Debian) that would run CasaOS smoothly. That process was sidelined by hardware issues with my ThinkStation. Thankfully, the ThinkStation is fully operational again and tinkering can resume.

While I waited to get my hardware running, I pivoted to explore alternative solutions for backup and collaboration which led me to a combination of tools to emulate a cloud-like office experience: Syncthing and LibreOffice.

What is Syncthing?

Syncthing is an open-source, peer-to-peer file synchronization tool that allows you to share files between devices without relying on a central server. This means that once configured, you can synchronize your files across multiple computers, smartphones, or tablets, using the internet as a transport mechanism. Syncthing uses a decentralized approach to sharing files, which means that each device acts as both a client and a server, allowing for seamless file synchronization between devices without the need for a centralized hub.

Syncthing’s capabilities extend beyond simple file sharing; it also includes features like version control, conflict resolution, and robust error handling. The tool is highly customizable, with a user-friendly interface that allows you to manage your synchronized files, as well as a command-line interface for advanced users. Syncthing supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a versatile and reliable file synchronization solution.

What is LibreOffice?

LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite that provides a comprehensive set of tools for word processing, spreadsheet management, presentation creation, and more. Originally based on the popular OpenOffice suite, LibreOffice has since become a standalone project with its own development team and a growing user base. The software offers a wide range of features, including support for document formats like Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel (.xls), and PowerPoint (.pptx).

LibreOffice is highly compatible with Microsoft Office and other popular office suites, making it an ideal choice for those looking to switch to an open-source solution without sacrificing compatibility. The software is available in over 30 languages and supports a wide range of file formats, including PDF, HTML, and RTF. With its powerful features, user-friendly interface, and robust security, LibreOffice has become a popular choice among individuals, businesses, and educational institutions worldwide.

Syncthing + LibreOffice

If you share my goals of de-Googling your life while retaining the ability to work on office files across multiple computers and/or while collaborating with others, this combo of tools is a solution worth exploring. While definitely not as seamless as Google Workplace (you can’t simultaneously collaborate on a document with another user), it does provide a “work on it anywhere” solution across all your devices. Additional benefits include:

• File sharing: Share files between devices without relying on a central server. No homelab required.
• Collaboration (of sorts): While not perfect for collaborative editing, you can use Syncthing to share documents and collaborate in a more traditional sense.
• Cost-effective: Both of these tools are free to use. Beyond the cost of money, set up is relatively quick compared to setting up a homelab server with a Nextcloud instance. Since time is money, you save there as well.

My Experience

I installed Syncthing on my Mac Mini and MacBook Air. The process was relatively painless, and once configured, the files synchronized across devices without any issues. After creating the folder I wanted to share across devices, I saved a couple of files that I want access to everywhere into the new folder on one computer. Voila! It synced to the other computer!

Since LibreOffice is an excellent free alternative to Google Docs or Microsoft Office Online, it can easily be installed on all of your computers. This takes care of the document creation and editing aspect.

Using these two tools in conjunction with each other creates a cloud-like office experience without the headaches of diving into the world of homelab servers and can be used on devices you already own. No additional purchases needed.

While not perfect, this combination offers many benefits that might just work for your needs. Just remember to keep expectations in check; this setup is not ideal for collaborative editing or heavy-duty business use cases. However, as a simple office suite for personal use, it’s a quick and dirty solution worth exploring.

Have you tried Syncthing + LibreOffice? What was your experience like? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

(Next up! More tinkering with my ThinkStation homelab server!)