Table of Contents
Welcome and Introduction
Seafile Community Edition now supports real-time document editing through an integrated OnlyOffice Document Server. This allows users to work on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations collaboratively within the browser — without needing external desktop applications.
OnlyOffice supports standard file formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX) that are fully compatible with Microsoft Office, along with rich export options and collaborative tools.
Accessing and Using OnlyOffice in Seafile
To use OnlyOffice:
- Log in to the Seafile Web Interface: 🔗https://seafile.ischool.utoronto.ca
- Navigate to your library and open any document (.docx, .pptx, .xlsx) to launch the OnlyOffice editor directly in the browser.
- Editing occurs in real-time. Your changes are saved automatically and can be downloaded in various formats.
💡OnlyOffice works best on updated versions of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Editing Documents
✏️ Word Documents (DOCX)
- Formatting Tools Available:
- Headings, paragraphs, bullets, numbered lists
- Tables, images, page breaks
- Page layout settings (margins, orientation)
- Hyperlinks and bookmarks
- Changes are saved continuously and reflect for all collaborators
📊 Spreadsheets (XLSX)
- Upload existing .xlsx files for editing
- Supported features:
- Cell formatting
- Functions and formulas
- Multiple sheets
- Sorting and filtering
📽️ Slides (PPTX)
- Create or edit slide decks
- Supported features:
- Master slides
- Transitions and animations (basic)
- Inserting images, shapes, and tables
Exporting Files
Word (Documents)
From the File menu in the editor:
- Export to:
- HTML
- PNG (downloaded as ZIP containing image)
- JPG (downloaded as ZIP)
- Save as:
- DOCX (compatible with Microsoft Word)
Slides (Presentations)
- Export to:
- PDF/A (archival)
- Save as:
- PPTX (compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint)
Spreadsheets
- Save/export as:
- XLSX
- CSV
⚠️ Export to formats like ODT, ODP, or legacy Office formats is not supported in Seafile Community Edition.
Collaboration Features
The OnlyOffice integration in Seafile supports real-time multi-user editing, with enhanced team visibility.
✨Key Features
- Live cursor tracking – see where others are typing
- In-document chat – communicate directly during editing
- Change tracking – see and accept/reject others’ edits (Word only)
💡 Multiple collaborators can work on the same document simultaneously.
Best Practices
✅For Instructors & TAs
Use shared unencrypted libraries for class materials; edit Word or PPT directly in-browser. Share assignment feedback collaboratively.
✅For Students
Use OnlyOffice for creating and submitting DOCX or PPTX assignments. Export to PDF before submission if required by course policy.
✅For Researchers
Collaboratively draft proposals, or data sheets. Use encrypted libraries for sensitive content but note that OnlyOffice cannot open encrypted documents in-browser – download and open locally instead. If you need a high level of constant collaboration with end-to-end encryption, our tool https://cryptpad.ischool.utoronto.ca is available with this functionality.
🚩 Limitations
- Cannot edit encrypted files in-browser
- Large files (>50MB) may load slowly
- No integration with offline editors – browser-based editing only
Quick Reference Sheet
| Task | Action |
|---|---|
| Open a document | Click on a DOCX/XLSX/PPTX file in any library |
| Edit in browser | Automatic when OnlyOffice opens |
| Export to PDF/HTML | File > Download As > Choose format |
| Export to PNG/JPG | File > Download As > Choose Image |
| Save as MS Office | File > Download As > DOCX/PPTX/XLSX |
| Collaborate | Open same file with others, use chat |
| Chat & Track Edits | Use chat/comment panel inside editor |