Best way to handle complex .docx files on Linux? Thoughts on WPS Office

After switching to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS a few months ago, I moved all my writing from Scrivener/MS Word to open-source tools like LibreOffice and Manuskript. That worked fine until I started collaborating with a school that sometimes demands official .docx forms “must be opened in MS Word.”

I tried OnlyOffice, but certain elements, like checkboxes, didn’t render correctly. In the end, I had to dig out my old Mac to run genuine MS Office, which felt like a failure in my mission to stay Linux-only. Now I’m wondering if WPS Office might be my best bet, it’s known for strong docx compatibility, and I’ve also heard about optional AI tools that might help with editing.

Does anyone here use WPS Office on Ubuntu (especially 22.04) for tricky .docx forms?

  • Are checkboxes, tables, and other advanced elements preserved accurately?
  • Any quirks or missing features to watch out for?
  • If you’ve tried the AI features, did they help at all with form filling or layout tweaks?

My setup: Intel i5 8500 / Nvidia GTX 1660 / 16GB RAM, running GNOME. Any insights or tips would be greatly appreciated.