Collaborative Editing
Collaborative editors allow you to view and edit office documents directly from a web browser, while offering the ability for multiple users to work simultaneously on the same document while respecting the permissions defined via Sync-in.
Collabora Online and OnlyOffice can be used together or exclusively within Sync-in. This allows you to adapt the collaborative editor to the document type and user habits, without imposing a single choice.
Access Requirements
- The administrator must have previously deployed and configured Collabora Online or OnlyOffice (or both), and then enabled their integration in Sync-in.
- Documents can be opened via the
Openaction in the File Manager. - A modern web browser is required.
When both editors are enabled, document opening depends on the formats supported by each editor. If a format is supported by both editors, the user can choose which editor to use and, if desired, save this choice as the default preference (editable from their profile: Preferences).
Collabora Online
 | Collabora Online is primarily aimed at environments based on open standards and free software. |
Particularly suited if:
- You want to rely on OpenDocument (ODF) formats as primary standards (.odt, .ods, .odp)
- You're looking for an open source solution, transparent and auditable, often required in public or regulated environments
- Data sovereignty and infrastructure control (self-hosting) are essential criteria
- You already use LibreOffice or want to ensure functional and ergonomic continuity with this environment
- Your documents are mostly simple to intermediate in terms of layout and advanced features
Collabora Online is a solid choice for organizations committed to an ODF, open source and sustainable approach.
OnlyOffice
 | OnlyOffice is primarily aimed at uses oriented towards Microsoft Office formats and real-time collaboration. |
Recommended if:
- Your users work primarily with .docx, .xlsx, .pptx files
- You're looking for maximum compatibility with Microsoft Office, including for complex documents (styles, tables, charts, simple macros)
- You want immediate adoption, thanks to an interface similar to Microsoft Office
- Smooth real-time collaboration is a central criterion (simultaneous editing, instant updates)
- Your teams come from Microsoft environments and want to minimize habit changes
OnlyOffice is particularly suited for organizations that want a simple transition from Microsoft Office, without compromising the user experience.
Comparison
| Criteria | Collabora Online | OnlyOffice |
|---|---|---|
| 🧩 Technology | Based on LibreOffice | Proprietary open-core office suite |
| 🌍 Philosophy | Open source (AGPL / MPL depending on editions) | Open-core, some advanced features require a license |
| 📄 Native formats | OpenDocument (.odt, .ods, .odp) | Microsoft Office (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) |
| 📂 Supported formats* | .odt, .ods, .odp, .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .rtf, .txt, .csv | .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .odt, .ods, .odp, .txt, .csv |
| 📄 MS Office compatibility | Good, with possible limitations on complex documents | Excellent (native formats) |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Real-time collaboration | Yes (live cursors and changes) | Yes (smooth simultaneous editing) |
| 💬 Comments & annotations | Yes | Yes |
| 🔐 Permission management | Inherited from Sync-in | Inherited from Sync-in |
| 🔒 File locking | Managed by Sync-in | Managed by Sync-in |
| 🌐 Client-side installation | None (web browser) | None (web browser) |
| 🏢 Typical use cases | Public sector, data sovereignty, open standards | Microsoft Office–oriented environments |
| 🎯 User experience | Similar to LibreOffice | Similar to Microsoft Office |
| 📈 Learning curve | Moderate (LibreOffice UI) | Low (familiar MS Office UI) |
*The supported formats listed above do not constitute an exhaustive list.