GridCraft is the open-source Excel clone for Linux I’ve been waiting for
If spreadsheets are your thing, but Microsoft Office isn’t, you might want to give the open-source clone, GridCraft, a try.
ArtCraft, the developers behind PhotoCraft and other similar applications, have now unveiled GridCraft, an open-source Excel clone designed for Linux users. This new development marks a significant step forward for open-source software and Linux operating systems, as some of ArtCraft's previous applications were perceived as hindrances to Linux adoption.
With the release of GridCraft, along with WordCraft, DeckCraft, and PDFCraft, those barriers are now removed. Initial impressions suggest that these open-source applications hold great promise for the future of Linux and open-source.
Unlike a rebranded version of Microsoft Excel, GridCraft runs natively on various operating systems, including Linux, FreeBSD, MacOS, and Windows. The Rust programming language was used to develop the application, resulting in impressive performance. Test runs of large spreadsheets, such as one with 1,000 rows, revealed that GridCraft remained lightning-fast, displaying no signs of lag.
The app is compatible with the native XLSX format, offers over 500 calculation functions, and includes a variety of tools such as charts, pivot tables, and agent-native automation. It also features copy-on-write workbooks with instant undo snapshots, incremental recalculation, and a virtualized grid. GridCraft demonstrates a similar performance on all tested platforms, including Linux, MacOS, and Windows.
As with any software, it is essential to approach GridCraft with caution. Although the developers have tested it extensively, there is a possibility that individual spreadsheets may encounter issues. Therefore, it is advised to create a backup copy of your work before using GridCraft. While GridCraft isn't a perfect one-to-one replacement for Excel, it offers a remarkably similar user experience, with the same features, interface (minus the MS branding), and calculation capabilities.
The developers have acknowledged the lack of robust template support in GridCraft. For now, users can create their own templates or download available templates from the official MS Template download site. This limitation is anticipated to be addressed in future updates. Despite this, GridCraft remains an excellent choice for users seeking a fast, reliable, and free alternative to Microsoft Excel.
Written by urgent.news from ZDNet's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
