ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.4 It is now availableCounting the zero point, we are facing the fifth median update of the 9 series, which I will arrive in mid-2025.
Although it is a free solution with advanced options for custom deployments, update 9.4 is not limited to minor tweaks: It includes new features visible to the user (horizontal lines, slide themes, dark mode in spreadsheets) and also more technical adjustments, from form management to changes in the license and architecture of the community version.
New features in the text editor: horizontal lines for better organization in ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.4
One of the most talked-about features of ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.4 is the addition of horizontal lines in the text document editorIt may seem like a minor detail, but it was one of the most frequent requests from the community to improve the visual organization of long texts.
It is now possible to insert these lines from the button. border in the toolbarBy choosing the "horizontal line" option, the element is placed exactly where the cursor is located, making it practical for separating chapters, sections, or blocks of content without resorting to tricks like underlining or empty paragraphs, thus improving overall readability.
ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.4 with faster forms and improvements to digital signatures
Version 9.4 introduces notable changes in the section of fillable formsThis area is increasingly used for internal processes, contracts, and data collection. Until now, managing recipients meant exiting form editing mode, which disrupted the workflow.
With the new version, users can assign recipients and track fill status directly within the editorwithout having to change views. This makes it easy, for example, to check who has already completed a form or review which fields are still pending without leaving the editing screen.
The signing process has also been simplified. The digital signature field now... remember the last signature image usedThis eliminates the need to upload the same file for each document. For those who sign contracts or documents in series, this feature reduces many repetitive steps and significantly streamlines the workflow.
Dark mode in spreadsheets for working with less eye strain
In the spreadsheet editor, the star new feature is the arrival of a dark mode specific to the work areaUntil now, it was possible to darken the overall interface, but the canvas where the cells are placed kept the background light, something that many users found annoying in long sessions or in low-light environments.
Starting with ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.4, when the general dark theme is activated, you can Also change the document background to a dark tone From the View tab, in the "Dark Document" section. This affects both the data area and the relevant toolbars, providing a more consistent experience and helping to reduce eye strain during intensive work with numbers or tables.
Presentations: New themes and transitions for slides
The presentation editor, equivalent to typical slide applications, receives a set of features in this update 25 new ready-to-use themesThese templates cover a variety of styles, from more understated designs for corporate environments to more visual and eye-catching ones.
New themes can be selected from the tab of Design within the editorThis makes it easy to start a presentation without having to build the format from scratch. It's especially useful for those who frequently need to prepare slides but don't want to spend too much time on the aesthetics.
In addition, version 9.4 adds 20 new slide transitionsThese effects, accessible from the "Transitions" tab, allow you to give your presentation a more polished look by choosing which animation is used when moving from one slide to another, whether for internal presentations, training sessions, or more formal presentations.
ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.4 introduces general improvements to web editors and new languages
Beyond the visible functions in each editor, ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.4 integrates a series of general improvements that affect the experience in web editors. Among them, a specific tab dedicated to graphic design stands out, in which all formatting and style options are grouped, preventing the user from having to jump between scattered menus.
In the linguistic field, the suite incorporates the Full compatibility with the Croatian languageThis means that users who work in this language can use the suite's interface and tools in their native language, expanding the platform's reach and reinforcing the idea of ​​a solution tailored to different markets.
The pasting external contentThis allows images, tables, text, and other elements to be integrated more efficiently. These adjustments reduce formatting problems when copying data from other sources, a common occurrence when working with multiple applications.
Manual saving on mobile and mobile web
In the area of ​​mobile applications and the web version adapted to small screens, ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.4 incorporates the option of manual saving of documentsUntil now, the system relied mainly on automatic saving, which is practical in many cases but less controllable for those who want to decide the exact moment when changes are recorded.
The new feature allows the user trigger the save when you deem it appropriateThis is useful if you work with unstable connections or prefer to keep specific versions of a document. The suite itself indicates that this improvement will be rolled out gradually to the iOS and Android apps, as well as the mobile web version.
Changes in the community version and deployment requirements
The community edition of ONLYOFFICE Docs, designed for self-hosted installations on own serversIt also undergoes significant adjustments. One of the most visible changes for administrators and developers is that the code is no longer minified, making it easier to read, audit, and analyze.
In addition, the suite is now running as a single process and without depending on RabbitMQ or external databasesreducing the complexity of the necessary infrastructure. This simplifies deployment on servers, which is especially interesting for small organizations or projects that want to set it up on their own machine without overly complex configurations.
Another relevant change is that The limit of 20 simultaneous connections is removed which existed in this edition. This modification gives a little more leeway to teams that, without reaching the volume of a large company, need to support several concurrent users working on the suite.
License update and project context
Alongside the new features, ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.4 comes with a update to the terms of your AGPLv3 licenseThe company has introduced clarifications on aspects such as attribution, maintenance of copyright notices, labeling of modified versions, and the use of trademarks under a specific policy.
This adjustment comes in a context where the project has been at the center of debate within the free software community, especially after the emergence of Euro-Office, a fork powered by Nextcloud and IONOSThis fork questioned, among other points, the transparency of the development and the additional conditions of the license, while ONLYOFFICE accused the fork project of not respecting those conditions.
Although the company has not explicitly stated that the review of the license terms is a direct response to this controversy, the timing and content of the clarifications suggest that there is a willingness to better define the obligations of those who reuse or modify the codeFor organizations interested in deploying open-source office solutions, this type of legal clarity is crucial when making decisions.
Download and availability of ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.4
ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.4 is offered in two main ways: on the one hand, the option of self-host the suite on your own infrastructure, designed for companies, public administrations or educational centers that need to keep data under control; on the other hand, the possibility of installing the editors on individual computers for those looking for a reliable office tool on their computer.
In both cases, the update focuses on improve productivity and refine the user experience without introducing radical changes to the way you work. Those who already used previous versions will notice mainly small shortcuts and new functions that alleviate repetitive tasks, while those approaching it for the first time will find a mature suite, compatible with the most common formats and with particular attention to data security.
Overall, ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.4 represents a step forward in consolidating this suite as solid office suite alternative, combining visible innovations for the end user with technical and legal adjustments that strengthen its position in a market increasingly sensitive to digital sovereignty, privacy and regulatory compliance.
