ONLYOFFICE Docs 8.0 released: PDF forms, RTL, Goal Seek and chart wizard in sheets, updated plugins UI, and more

The latest version of our online editors is already available with multiple enhancements across the suite. Read on to discover all the updates.

Fillable PDF forms

In version 8.0, you are able to create complex forms in PDF and fill them out online, in the desktop and mobile apps.

To build fillable PDF forms, use DOCXF templates. This file format allows inserting various types of fields and adjusting them to make your form look as you need it. Like in a regular document, you can work with text applying any styling and formatting as well as collaborate on forms together with your team.

In the previous versions, we used our own OFORM format for saving and distributing the ready forms. Starting from the v8.0 release, we are switching to PDF as the industry standard while taking all the advantages from our native format.

We took into consideration the requests and suggestions we got from our users and polished our forms:

• so that it will be convenient for you to work with the professional forms created in ONLYOFFICE via other applications;
• so that you will be able to fill out forms created in other apps using ONLYOFFICE;
• to facilitate the integration process of ONLYOFFICE editors, including forms, for developers and integrators.

All the forms you created earlier in ONLYOFFICE will be automatically converted to PDF the first time you open them in version 8.0.

So, we are waiting for your feedback! Share your opinion and tell us how you find the updated approach to working with forms, whether it is comfortable for you – leave comments and suggestions via forum.

Novelties for the form creator & filler

Besides, to make the form creation and filling process even more comfortable, in version 8.0 we added:

• hints for working with DOCXF files;

• Radio button choice setting for the corresponding field type;
• Date Picker for PDF forms containing the date format.

What’s next

In the upcoming updates, we are planning to further enhance ONLYOFFICE forms adding more useful improvements such as new fields, role-based form filling, field navigation, signatures, etc. Stay tuned!

Bidirectional text & RTL interface

We continue to work on RTL implementation — in version 8.0 we have added support for bidirectional text in documents and presentations. This means RTL input becomes partially available (however, with some limitations). It will be not enough for full-featured work with RTL-based scripts, but it is a rather big step forward.

What’s more, you can enable RTL interface in the beta mode and test how it will work for you.

Where to find: File tab -> Advanced Settings -> Workspace -> RTL interface (Beta)

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the translation of ONLYOFFICE interface to Arabic. If you also would like to help us with further translations into RTL-related languages, you are welcome to join our translator community!

We are waiting for your feedback! If you will find any issues, please submit them via forum.

What’s next

In the future releases, we are planning to refine RTL support, adding automatic detection of the correct alignment for different text types, RTL input in spreadsheets, using Arabic numerals and support for complex formatting such as lists, tables, columns while typing RTL, etc.

Accessibility: enhanced Screen Readers

Starting from version 7.5, the ONLYOFFICE online and desktop editors provide the ability to use Screen Readers to convey information when working on text documents, spreadsheets and presentations. It allows facilitating the work process for blind or visually impaired users.

The feature was available in the beta mode. Following the received user feedback, we made some enhancements, such as an ability to use Tab for OK/Cancel buttons in interface dialogs, and from now on, Screen Readers are available to everyone as full functionality.

Besides, it’s now possible to easily enable them via the interface setting. Activation via hotkey remains as well.

Where to find: File tab -> Advanced Settings -> Workspace -> Turn on screen reader support

What’s new in spreadsheets

Goal Seek. If you know the result that you want from a formula, but are not sure what input value the formula needs to get that result, use the Goal Seek feature.

Where to find: Data tab -> Goal Seek

Chart wizard. It displays a list of the recommended chart types and a preview for all types of charts based on the selected data.

Where to find: Insert tab -> Recommended Chart

Series. Quickly create number sequences using the Series feature. This way, you can mark an area of cells and replicate the first one to all others, as well as fill cells with series of values. Thus, you will speed up your work when inserting large amounts of identical data.

Where to find: Home tab -> Fill -> Series

Besides, in spreadsheets we added:

• ability to get a link to the selected range when the file is opened for viewing;
• Expand/Collapse Field options in the context menu and toolbar of Pivot tables;
• Center on page option (vertically/horizontally) for printing.

Usability in collaboration

For better team visualization, we implemented the ability to add user avatars to be displayed in the editors.

Furthermore, in version 8.0 you will find an optimized left panel for working with comments in the document editor:

• Add comment button is now also accessible via the panel header as well;
• Add Comment to Document option is moved up to the Sort and more button.

What’s new in presentations

When applying animations, you are now able to set the final color for the color changing effects.

Where to find: Animation tab -> Parameters -> Theme colors

New localization options

We are constantly improving localization of ONLYOFFICE Docs to make our suite accessible to all users, all over the world.

In version 8.0, you will find:

• Serbian and Arabic translation for the editors;
• regional settings in Indonesian.

We always welcome contributors and translators to our community. Join us to help others use the editors in their native languages and get a reward for your efforts. Check the details

Updated UI for plugins

We added the ability to use several visual plugins simultaneously — a separate button will be added to the left panel for each run plugin. This way, you can translate texts, check grammar, build bibliography lists, etc. at the same time easily switching between several tasks.

Background or system plugins, which work in the background as long as the editors are launched, are now accessible by clicking the corresponding button.

Besides, we added the Changelog tab for each plugin in the Plugin Manager to allow you to check what’s new in each new plugin version.

We also invite you to visit the updated Plugin Marketplace on our official website where you can comfortably explore all the current plugins available for the editors. Visit now

Faster and more powerful

According to the performance testing, the actions of file creation and opening in the version 8.0 are performed faster in comparison with version 7.5.1:

• Creating empty files – up to 15%
• Opening normal files – up to 20%
• Opening big files – up to 15%

Moreover, in collaboration with our partner ownCloud, we have run the load testing which results show that ONLYOFFICE Docs support 100,000 simultaneous connections.

How to use new features

Join our free detailed webinar to learn how to work with the new features (the premiere is scheduled for Jan 31):

Get ONLYOFFICE Docs 8.0

Download the self-hosted version of ONLYOFFICE Docs 8.0:

DOWNLOAD NOW

In the cloud solutions, the new version will be available a bit later. Stay tuned!