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Increase productivity with collaborative document editing from ONLYOFFICE

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This article is sponsored by ONLYOFFICE. Product choices and opinions expressed are those of the sponsor and do not reflect the opinions of the MakeUseOf editorial team.



When it comes to teamwork, effective document collaboration can make or break productivity. ONLYOFFICE provides a robust set of tools that simplify workflows for teams of all sizes.


From real-time document co-authoring to managing complex spreadsheets and PDFs, ONLYOFFICE enables teams to collaborate seamlessly whether in an office, remote or hybrid environment. With the latest version, version 8.2, ONLYOFFICE introduces collaborative PDF editing along with improved usability features, making it easier than ever to get things done faster.


Easily collaborate on documents in real time


With ONLYOFFICE, teams can co-create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations simultaneously, reducing back-and-forth communication and speeding project completion.

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The platform offers two co-editing modes:

  • Quick mode: All changes are visible to collaborators in real-time, so everyone stays on the same page.
  • Strict Mode: Allows individuals to lock parts of a document while editing, preventing interruptions and ensuring focus on specific areas.

This flexibility is ideal for distributed teams working on complex projects such as marketing proposals or quarterly reports. For example, a marketing manager can privately edit key parts of a presentation in strict mode while a designer simultaneously updates images and visuals in another section.

Simplified PDF forms and common edits with version 8.2

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One of the most interesting updates introduced in ONLYOFFICE 8.2 is collaboration when editing PDFs. Unlike many platforms where PDFs are static, ONLYOFFICE allows teams to edit PDFs in real-time, enabling seamless collaboration on forms, contracts and official documents.

Imagine a legal team drafting a contract with several stakeholders. With collaborative PDF editing, any team member can add comments, make changes, and suggest edits right in the PDF. Legal counsel can lock down specific clauses they are reviewing while the finance department simultaneously adds payment terms to another section.

The ability to create fillable PDF forms is also proving invaluable to HR departments. For example, HR teams can prepare job application forms that candidates fill out online, eliminating the need for manual data entry and paper forms.


Simple sharing with flexible permissions

ONLYOFFICE makes it easy to share documents by providing flexible permissions for different roles. Users can decide whether others can view, edit, comment or review documents, which is ideal for sensitive projects.

You can also share individual ranges within tables, which is perfect when working with large datasets. For example, an accountant can share only relevant data from a budget sheet with department heads, ensuring that each person can filter and examine information independently without interfering with others’ views.

In addition, teams can restrict copy, download and print permissions, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure. Public sharing is also available for when documents need to be accessible to external partners or clients.

video call only in the office


Communication is at the heart of collaboration, and ONLYOFFICE makes it easy to comment on specific parts of documents and tag teammates with @mentions. This feature is especially useful in fast-moving projects where fast feedback is essential.

For example, during a product launch campaign, a copywriter might mention a marketing executive in a document and ask for feedback on a specific product description. Marketing leaders receive a notification, jump straight to the relevant section and provide their input – no need for lengthy email threads.

To further improve collaboration, ONLYOFFICE offers built-in chat tools and integrates with plugins like Jitsi and Rainbow for audio and video calling. Teams can brainstorm in real time without switching platforms, ensuring everyone stays focused and aligned.


Track changes, compare versions and manage documents effortlessly

ONLYOFFICE offers powerful tools for tracking changes and reviewing contributions from collaborators. Each edit is highlighted, allowing team members to accept or reject changes individually or all at once. This feature ensures transparency in the editing process, making it particularly useful for legal teams or academic researchers revising reports and publications.

The version history feature keeps track of all edits, so users can review or revert to previous versions if needed. This provides peace of mind during long-term projects where errors or outdated modifications may occur. In addition, the platform allows users to compare and combine documents, making it easier to align multiple drafts or proposals into one cohesive file.

Integration with your favorite platforms and custom solutions

ONLYOFFICE seamlessly integrates with over 40 platforms, including Nextcloud, Moodle, WordPress, Box and Odoo. Teams can connect ONLYOFFICE Docs directly to these services, enabling document editing in familiar environments. This flexibility allows users to work efficiently without switching between applications.


Developers can also integrate ONLYOFFICE Docs into their own services to offer branded document editing capabilities to their customers. This feature opens up opportunities for SaaS platforms and online learning systems to enhance their offerings with professional-grade editing tools.

Secure DocSpaces for targeted collaboration

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ONLYOFFICE allows users to create secure DocSpaces that act as dedicated rooms for working on specific projects. Ideal for cross-functional teams, these spaces provide a secure environment where members can view, edit and collaborate on different documents. Whether you’re working from a desktop computer or a mobile device, everyone stays connected and ensures constant progress.


Work on the go with mobile apps and offline support

For teams on the go, ONLYOFFICE offers free mobile apps for iOS and Android that ensure seamless access to documents from anywhere. Users can also edit files offline using desktop apps available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and sync changes back to the cloud when they reconnect.

This flexibility makes ONLYOFFICE ideal for traveling professionals, remote workers, or anyone who needs access to documents in unpredictable environments.

ONLYOFFICE: A comprehensive solution for modern collaboration

ONLYOFFICE provides a comprehensive document collaboration solution that combines powerful editing tools, real-time co-creation and secure sharing. Its latest features, including collaborative PDF editing, highlight the platform’s commitment to evolving with modern business needs.

Whether you’re working on a complex spreadsheet, drafting a contract, or managing a product launch, ONLYOFFICE ensures that teams can collaborate seamlessly. With an intuitive interface, robust integrations, and flexible permissions, it’s a perfect fit for businesses, educational institutions, and individual professionals.


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