With this fast, powerful and compatible office suite, you’ll complete your writing, designing and calculating in less time:
- Word processor: TextMaker
- Spreadsheet program: PlanMaker
- Presentation graphics: Presentations
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Reviews for SoftMaker Office 2012
(RU)Весьма неплохой офис, но пришлось удалить из-за отсутствия возможности сохранить файл в CSV, пришлось пользоваться LibreOffice
(EN)A very good office software, but had to uninstall because it not support save to CSV, I had to use LibreOffice
If you are someone who like change and experimenting on new things, then the thought of finding an alternative to MS Office is not a new one. I have been on the lookout for alternatives an I came across SoftMaker Office 2012. Clearly, even from its name, the package was released in 2012. it comes as a suite with a Word processor called TextMaker, PlanMaker and Presentations. Below is my experience while using the software.
First Impression
Right off the bat, I could tell that SoftMaker Office 2012 seemed to be more geared towards achieving compatibility with past MS Office files types. Apart from that, you need to spare a bit of time for the installation process. Based on my experience, you would need to check your Span folder for the registration details if they do not appear in your inbox after several minutes. In terms of the interface, it is no match for MS Office.
Pros
Export as PDF
When it comes to saving my files, I prefer them to be in PDF format. Based on that reason, I found the Export as PDF option in SoftMaker Office 2012 useful. Before you initiate the export process, you will access a whole bunch of options. For instance, you can choose a range of pages, choose the quality of the resulting PDF, and also encrypt the document if you want to.
Save Files for Backward Compatibility
After creating or editing a word or presentation document, SoftMaker Office 2012 allowed me to save them in my preferred file type. At the same time, you can use the software to save files supported by MS Office 2007 and 2003. The support also covers documents for Open Office and Libre Office.
Import and Open File Created with Other Applications
As I was trying out this software to determine whether it will be my go to package, I noted that it was able to open both .DOC and .DOCX file formats. It was the same case with the Presentation files. At the same time, the software was able to smoothly important and open files created by Open Office.
Cons
Less Smooth Operations
If you are totally used to MS Office, adjusting to how SoftMaker Office 2012 works may not be a smooth transition. For instance, you will have to click on the drop down option when you want to change the font for you to choose one. That is unlike in MS Word where it automatically auto fills the names of the fonts as you type.
Utilitarian User Interface
Given the fact most people are excited by new releases of applications, SoftMaker Office 2012’s interface is more of a disappointment. Although the program has not tried re-inventing the wheel in most of its features, its interface clearly depicts an old software’s arrangement.
Verdict
SoftMaker Office 2012 scores highly when it comes to compatibility. The software’s options and features also work like in MS Office hence making it easy to use. Its interface is the major downside. You will not be disappointed if you are just looking for a functional editor.
Outstanding program at a reasonable cost.
What a great piece of software. Have been using this for almost 4 years – had to pay for it. Compatible with Word, Power Point & Xcel. 1. Be sure to update (should popup automatically.) 2. Set the three programs to the Windows ‘Files’ compatibility: TextMaker = toolbar>tools>options>FILES>Default File Format>MS Word 2007/2010. Repeat for Presentations & PlanMaker. 3. Default Programs/File Associations: You MIGHT have to generate a Desktop icon (Copy/Paste) for each program. Once you have the icons on the Desktop, Drag each icon into your Windows Programs folder in order to make the Softmaker the DEFAULT programs for the appropriate ‘Default Programs’/’File Associations.’
very nice software
Microsoft Office is an established name in the Windows OS word processor world. The only problem is a Microsoft Office license costs a fortune unless you qualify for a student’s discount. SoftMaker Office proved to be a worthy alternative. I realized that SoftMaker gives you a free standard version (the one you will download here) and a paid Professional version. I’ll focus on the standard version because that’s what I’ve got.
What’s in the package
SoftMaker Office 2012 packs a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation tools. Even though SoftMaker Office seeks to compete with Microsoft Office, it’s rather simplistic user interface and functionality looks like child’s play when compared to the MS Office’s refined functionality and appearance.
This leaves SoftMaker Office a tool comparable to other free word processors like LibreOffice and Open Office. In my opinion, SoftMaker is a couple of steps ahead of these open source office applications that proliferate the Linux/Unix environment.
Pros
Very fast and lightweight
Most open source word processors struggle with Microsoft Office documents. SoftMaker doesn’t. Opening a 1000 word styled document was a breeze and it could handle multiple worksheets with no problem.
Open password protected documents
Microsoft’s password protected documents have always been a bother to other word processors. I found SoftMaker’s ability to handle these documents (as long as you have the password) rather fulfilling.
Advanced document processing and formatting
SoftMaker will give you an edge over other free word processors by throwing in a ton of advanced tools like document formatting. The notable feature is the ability to add footnotes and end notes to documents. SoftMaker could however not let me add both at a go (MS Office does).Nonetheless, the fact that it has the features makes it a worthy free option.
Cons
The user interface still looks, well, free
I am not fond of the Open Office and Libre Office user interfaces. They look like leftovers from the yester-decade UX philosophies. It is a pity SoftMaker takes this path too. You will have to overlook the user interface appearance and focus on its simplicity to survive SoftMaker.
The presentation suite isn’t that good
The presentations suite will piece up basic files and open simple PowerPoint files. But that’s all to it. You won’t make any dazzling presentations using SoftMaker. Look elsewhere if you want to make a statement with your presentations.
Spreadsheets are still lacking
Even though the spreadsheets are undeniably fast, they still lose some MS Office formatting and are well suited for basic data manipulations as you would have to do more to achieve a simple data manipulation result.
Verdict
SoftMaker is an amazing free office suite. It thrashes common open source products like Open Office and Libre Office. If you want something amazing and aren’t willing to pay a penny, SoftMaker is the right way to go. However, don’t try to compare it to MS Office. You will end up frustrated and disappointed.
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Most sized but image-heavy presentations that ran with no problem in Microsoft Office were so slow in Softmaker Presentations as to be unusable, despite a patch provided by the vendor. We also had trouble resizing some images for inclusion in Presentation.
We did not try upgrading to the 2015 version of Softmaker Office Suite (our 2012 version was a purchased copy), but bought a licensed copy of the Microsoft product instead.
The TextMaker and PlanMaker modules, though not using the current Office ribbon bar, worked fine on all projects we tried, and Ashampoo’s tech support (which one does not get with most “free” office suites, was prompt and helpful. If you are mainly a user of Word and Excel, and have only modust demands for PowerPoint, this product may well meet your needs at a considerably lower price (or free).
I disagree with your verdict – I found LibreOffice to be the least frustrating and easiest and fast – and SoftMaker the most frustrating of the three.
The best program after Microsoft Office.
Very best software
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Gave up MS Office for this about three years ago. It is not as complete as MS Office, but it is also not MS. Own both the Windows and Linux versions of 2012, and the current 2016. The 2012 pro version had emClient (own the lifetime version of this separately) in it as well; while the 2016 version has a modified Thunderbird email client.
For free download and use it, nice product.
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