Nextcloud + Collabora Online – Office in the Browser, GDPR-Compliant
Collabora Online brings word processing, spreadsheets and presentations straight into your Nextcloud. Several people edit the same document at the same time in the browser, and no file is handed to an external service. Both products are open source and run on our servers in Germany.
What is Collabora Online?
Collabora Online is an open source office suite that runs in the browser on your own server. You open a document in Nextcloud and it opens in the editor – no local installation, no account with a cloud vendor.
The difference from public cloud office services is where the processing happens: your documents stay inside your Nextcloud instance. For everything else that instance offers, see Nextcloud hosting.
Which formats and features does Collabora Online support?
- ODF natively. ODT, ODS and ODP are the native formats, which matters for public sector bodies and schools that mandate open document formats.
- Microsoft formats. DOCX, XLSX and PPTX can be opened, edited and saved, so exchanging files with Microsoft Office users stays possible.
- Real-time collaboration. Several people write in the same document simultaneously and see each other's cursors.
- Comments and change tracking. Feedback can be attached to the text and edits can be followed.
- Version history. Nextcloud keeps file versions, so earlier states can be restored.
- PDF export. Documents can be exported directly as PDF.
We will tell you on request which Collabora edition we provide for your instance.
How does Collabora work together with Nextcloud?
Nextcloud handles storage and permissions, Collabora Online is the editor. The two interlock: a document that lives in a Nextcloud folder is edited in Collabora and saved back to the same place. There is no second file store and no diverging copies.
Sharing comes from Nextcloud as well. Anyone with read or write access to a folder can work with the documents in it accordingly, and share links let you involve people outside your organization under rules you define. For the data protection view on such shares, start with Nextcloud and GDPR.
Collabora Online vs. ONLYOFFICE
Both suites are open source, run in the browser and integrate with Nextcloud. They differ mainly in origin and emphasis.
| Criterion | Collabora Online | ONLYOFFICE Docs |
|---|---|---|
| Technical basis | Built on LibreOffice | Independent development with a strong focus on Microsoft Office formats |
| Native format | ODF (ODT, ODS, ODP) | OOXML (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX) |
| Handling of the other format | OOXML is supported | ODF is supported |
| Interface | Follows LibreOffice conventions | Follows more recent Microsoft Office interfaces |
| License model | Open source, commercial support available from the vendor | Open source, commercial editions available from the vendor |
| Use at eledia.cloud | Provided by us | On request |
There is no blanket recommendation. If your work revolves around DOCX templates and Microsoft layouts, evaluate ONLYOFFICE; if you prioritize open formats or already use LibreOffice, Collabora will feel closer to what your users know. For a detailed side-by-side view, see Collabora vs. ONLYOFFICE.
What Collabora Online does not replace
An honest assessment belongs in the decision. Collabora Online covers everyday document work well, but it is not a full replacement for every desktop application.
- Very complex layouts. Large DOCX or XLSX files with many macros, special add-ins or intricate layouts can shift on import. Test business-critical templates before you switch.
- Specialized software. An office suite does not replace dedicated applications for accounting, statistics or graphic design.
- Offline work. The browser editor needs a connection to the server. For working without a network, a local desktop editor still makes sense, with files kept in sync through Nextcloud.
- The complete Microsoft 365 feature set. If specific services from the Microsoft ecosystem are mandatory for you, plan the migration in stages. Microsoft 365 alternative →
Frequently asked questions about Nextcloud and Collabora
Do I need an office license on top of Nextcloud? No. Collabora Online is open source, with no license fees and no per-user charges. What you pay for is hosting. Pricing →
Can several people work on one file at the same time? Yes, that is a core feature. Changes appear in real time for everyone involved.
Do my documents stay in Germany? Yes. Collabora Online runs in the same environment as your Nextcloud – with us, in a German, ISO 27001 certified data center.
Can I open and pass on Word files? Yes. DOCX, XLSX and PPTX are supported. For very complex templates, run a test with your real documents first.
Does it work on tablets? Collabora Online is built for browser use. We will tell you on request which devices and browsers we specifically recommend.
What is the difference from Nextcloud Office? "Nextcloud Office" is the name of the office integration in Nextcloud, which is based on Collabora Online. It refers to the same functionality.
Can I use Collabora without Nextcloud? The editor needs a file store that embeds it. With us, that store is Nextcloud. Overview →