Arch Linux

fpemud

Member

Registered: 2023-11-15

Posts: 4

is there anyway I can build libreoffice without X11? [SOLVED]

libreoffice supports wayland since the 2010s.

Is there anyway I can build libreoffice without X11?
I'd like to use it in a wayland only environment (without Xwayland), even if certain advanced features become unavailable.

I have walked through this post, but it doesn't contain much detail:
https://ask.libreoffice.org/t/building- … k/122016/5

Last edited by fpemud (2025-09-21 23:29:38)

tekstryder

Member

Registered: 2013-02-14

Posts: 444

Re: is there anyway I can build libreoffice without X11? [SOLVED]

Sorry, I got the email noti with your question, but haven't filed the aforementioned bug(s) reports. I'll try to do that later today.

And, I'll provide my dirty patch to strip out all the X11 guarded bits since using_x11=no autoconf seems busted.

I'd like to use it in a wayland only environment (without Xwayland)

NOTE: That thread is specific to building LO against GTK3 built without X11 (gtk3 3.24.49 (-Dx11-backend=false)), not simply running LO in an environment without Xwayland.

If that's all you're seeking... executing LO under native Wayland works out of the box at runtime and there is no configuration or building required.

If you have an issue with that scenario, what is it?

fpemud

Member

Registered: 2023-11-15

Posts: 4

Re: is there anyway I can build libreoffice without X11? [SOLVED]

Wow, it's you. What a nice surprise to meet you here!

If you have an issue with that scenario, what is it?

It's pretty straightforward: I'm working with a system that's meant to stay free of X11 libraries, and I've been gradually adding more packages to it. Right now, I'm getting libreoffice up and running.

Last edited by fpemud (2025-07-11 01:10:34)

tekstryder

Member

Registered: 2013-02-14

Posts: 444

Re: is there anyway I can build libreoffice without X11? [SOLVED]

I'm working with a system that's meant to stay free of X11 libraries

That's ambitious in Arch (at least for a full graphical desktop) as many packages 'depend' on X11 but don't really. I suppose it's an effort at general compatibility ala monolithic kernel configs. For each of those packages a local rebuild is required at minimum to strip the dep. For apps that really do have hard deps, and aren't optioned out via build system configs... you'll need to get patchin'!

I recently went down a similar path as a curiosity / proof of concept, and carried a boatload of packages built against X11-less GTK3/4 as described here:

• https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php … 9#p2241019

As for achieving...

$ pactree -r libx11 | wc -l
0

...I wish you luck. I would think Gentoo better suited to this goal. Either way, lots of compiling.

I filed the autoconf build failure issue upstream FWIW and attached my patch allowing the X11-less build.

It's linked and attached in the LO forum thread and applies cleanly to LO 25.2.4.3. Zero issues after a couple months of daily use.

All that's unrelated to Arch specifically tho, so I'll keep it separate from here.

fpemud

Member

Registered: 2023-11-15

Posts: 4

Re: is there anyway I can build libreoffice without X11? [SOLVED]

This is a relative late reply.

I would think Gentoo better suited to this goal.

Yes, I’m actually using Gentoo Linux. I ask here because I know Arch forum has more users .

I successfully build libreoffice in gentoo linux by adding your patch into libreoffice-25.2.5.2.ebuild, at least gui-libs/gtk[X] (GTK4), x11-libs/gtk+[X] (GTK3), x11-libs/cairo[X] dependencies can be eliminated.
I believe your patch removes "window embed" function in libreoffice, which I think I can skip over.

I have added "--disable-skia" and "--disable-gen" to myeconfargs variable in src_configure() function of this ebuild file.
Also, USE="-pdfimport" must be used when emerging.

Thanks again.

tekstryder

Member

Registered: 2013-02-14

Posts: 444

Re: is there anyway I can build libreoffice without X11? [SOLVED]

I successfully build libreoffice in gentoo linux by adding your patch into libreoffice-25.2.5.2.ebuild, at least gui-libs/gtk[X] (GTK4), x11-libs/gtk+[X] (GTK3), x11-libs/cairo[X] dependencies can be eliminated.

Ah, well with that, this thread will likely be closed by a mod.

But do keep an eye on my upstream report:

• https://bugs.documentfoundation.org/sho … ?id=167463

Perhaps comment there if you've anything to add. It's received exactly zero attention.

At the time of my patching, master was identical in all related code, so I'm fairly certain it should apply cleanly to the 25.8.x branch throughout its lifecycle as well.

Also it's a big, dirty hack. But glad it's working for your project. Good luck!

Lone_Wolf

Administrator

From: Netherlands, Europe

Registered: 2005-10-04

Posts: 14,280

Re: is there anyway I can build libreoffice without X11? [SOLVED]

Moderator Note

Ah, well with that, this thread will likely be closed by a mod.

I've moved it to GNU/Linux Discussion instead.
just make sure this thread stays relevant for more then gentoo & archlinux users.

Last edited by Lone_Wolf (2025-09-23 16:51:54)

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Try clean chroot manager by graysky