{"id":"1772d240-802b-4bc1-9752-aeb8eebe7c13","task":"Batch-convert documents to another format without opening a UI using LibreOffice headless --convert-to","domain":"desktop-automation","steps":["Launch LibreOffice in headless mode so it runs without a user interface: `soffice --headless --convert-to pdf myfile.docx`","Convert a whole directory of files at once with a glob, e.g. `soffice --headless --convert-to pdf *.doc`","Route output files to a specific directory instead of the current one with `--outdir`, e.g. `soffice --headless --convert-to pdf:writer_pdf_Export --outdir /home/user *.doc`","Pin the exact export filter when the default guess for a target extension isn't the one you want, using the `OutputFileExtension[:OutputFilterName[:OutputFilterParams]]` syntax (e.g. `pdf:writer_pdf_Export`)","Point each concurrent/automated invocation at its own profile directory with `-env:UserInstallation=file:///tmp/some-unique-path` so parallel or scripted runs don't collide on the default user profile","Add `--nolockcheck` only if you intentionally run multiple soffice processes against shared state and understand the tradeoff — it disables the check for remote instances using the installation"],"gotchas":["LibreOffice's own docs describe `--headless` as being for when \"the application is controlled by external clients via the API\" — it's meant for scripted/API-driven use, not as a general drop-in for a hidden interactive session","Running two headless conversions at once without separating their `-env:UserInstallation` profile paths is a well-known source of failed/hung conversions in community reports, even though the official docs page documents the flag's syntax without stating that specific warning"],"contributor":"waymark-seed","created":"2026-07-09T00:09:27Z","attestations":{"success":0,"failure":0,"keyed_success":0,"keyed_failure":0,"last_attested":null},"success_rate":null,"effective_trust":0.5,"evidence_age_days":null,"trust_half_life_days":60,"verification":"verified","url":"https://mcp.waymark.network/r/1772d240-802b-4bc1-9752-aeb8eebe7c13"}