Conclusion

This is not an exhaustive list of what works and what doesn't when exchanging files with Microsoft Office. In fact, such a list does not exist. The OOo online help does list potential problem areas, but this list does not take into account the changes in version 2.0, so it is too pessimistic.

Still, if there's a secret to sharing files between the two office applications, it comes down to three words: Keep it simple.

The more basic the formatting, the more likely that the exchange of files will be trouble-free. Objects, page design, and any styles other than paragraph and character styles are especially likely to cause problems.

Understand, too, that, except in the simplest cases, the process is unlikely to ever be perfect. Sharing files has always been a weak side of office programs. Making import and export filters is too expensive for commercial companies and often is too unglamorous for free-software developers. The situation isn't improved, either, by the fact that Microsoft Office formats are proprietary and often are altered between versions, which means it takes constant reverse-engineering to keep up with them.

Under these circumstances, the fact that sharing files raises problems isn't surprising. Often, what's surprising is that you can share files at all.