LibreOffice get colors back in PDF exports
LibreOffice get colors back in PDF exports
Since OpenOffice [1] moved to LibreOffice [2], direct consequence of Sun Microsystems bought by Oracle [3], some differences may have been felt, except name change.
OpenOffice.org - the Free and Open Productivity SuiteLibreOffice, free and open source productivity suite
Oracle and Sun
One of them, on my LibreOffice version (actually 3.3.3), had a particular impact on me : my PDF exports were systematically black and white.
For example, while working on a LibreOffice Writer document (Fig 1), containing some colored titles, I noticed that PDF export, with same options (Fig 2) as before version change, was exported as a black and white PDF (Fig 3).
A simple solution that I propose you, is to look in your print options (Ctrl + P). Once in the print screen, go in the LibreOffice Writer tab, and uncheck Print text in black option (Fig 4). Cancel is enough, it is not necessary to start printing.
Re-export then your file in PDF, and colors are back (Fig 5)!
On my computer, this manipulation have to be done each time I start LibreOffice [2], as this option is automatically checked, even if I change it.
LibreOffice: export directly as PDF
In LibreOffice, print to PDF is a standard function of the software, accessible in the menu File > Export as PDF.
An OpenOffice PDF export, or a LibreOffice PDF export, can be generated easily simply by using this built-in function, and following the instructions – the standard PDF export settings will be good enough for most cases.

Yoann is an International Business Consultant, facilitator and coordinator. He worked more than 10 years in global business, supply chain, financial, SAP ERP projects, Web and SEO optimization for various industries, such as logistics, cosmetics, consumer goods, beauty care, or fashion, in more than 30 countries around the globe.