Best alternative word processor programs to MS Word
These free word processors can be a great alternative toMicrosoft Word.
All of the free word processors below can create, edit, and print documents.
Our top picks for a free word processor are the first ones on the list.
You should find that most of them can handle just about everything Microsoft Word can.
The word processor tools below are free to download at no cost.
Did you knowMicrosoft Word is free if you use the online version?
WPS Office Writer
Features a tabbed interface for better document management.
Includes 1 GB of cloud storage.
Free templates built in.
The whole suite has to be downloaded to use Writer.
Spell check is performed automatically as you would expect to be done in a good word processor.
you could easily toggle spell check on and off from the menu at the bottom.
It runs onWindows,Linux,Mac, and mobile devices (iOSandAndroid).
FreeOffice from SoftMaker
Several neat features.
Opens and saves to common file formats.
Great for making eBooks.
Automatic spell check is included.
Free for home and business use.
Relatively large download size.
Must download the whole suite of programs even if you’ll just roll out the word processor.
Hasn’t updated in a while.
The choice is yours, and there’s even a touch mode option you might turn on.
It runs on Windows 10, 8, 7, or Windows Server 2008.
Mac 10.10 and higher is supported, too, as well as Linux and Android.
OpenOffice Writer
Works with lots of file formats.
Extensions and templates are supported.
Checks for spelling errors automatically.
Includes advanced and basic formatting options.
There’s a portable option available.
You have to download the whole program suite even to use just Writer.
Might take a while to download on slow internet connections.
The interface and menus are dull and cluttered.
OpenOffice Writer has all the necessary features to make it on any list of good word processors.
WordGraph
Includes unique advanced features.
Has a spell check.
it’s possible for you to download it apart from its whole suite.
Downloads and installs quickly.
Spell check doesn’t work automatically.
The interface can be distracting.
WordGraph works on Windows computers but can be used on a Mac or Linux machinewith extra software.
AbleWord
Easy to use with a clean and uncluttered UI.
Lets you find spelling errors in your writing.
Popular formatting options are supported.
Can open and save to popular file formats.
Hasn’t been updated since 2015.
Spell check isn’t automatic.
Limited open/save file format options.
It’s very easy to use and looks really nice.
Spell check is built-in but you have to run it manually because it doesn’t find errors automatically.
AbiWord
Spell check is automatic.
Lets you collaborate with others in real time.
Works with lots of file types.
Print preview isn’t as easy to use as it is in similar programs.
Doesn’t have a modern interface.
No longer gets updated.
AbiWord is a free word processor with automatic spell check and common formatting options.
The menus and parameters are organized well and aren’t cluttered or confusing to use.
Common file types work with AbiWord, likeODT,DOCM, DOCX, andRTF.
It also works on Linux but only throughFlathub.
Jarte
Customize the layout a number of ways.
Can be set up to auto-save every so often.
Opens documents in tabs.
Supports common document formats.
Must run spell check manually.
Could be hard to use.
No update since 2018.
Unfortunately, the spell check feature isn’t automatic, and the program itself is sometimes confusing to grasp.
it’s possible for you to download Jarte for Windows 10 down through Windows XP.
WriteMonkey
Completely portable (no installation necessary).
Features a very minimal interface.
Every menu option in WriteMonkey is only shown if you right-poke the document.
WriteMonkey is a free word processor for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
RoughDraft
Supports automatic spell check.
Tabbed browsing helps organize open documents.
Lets you use shortcut keys.
Very outdated; no longer gets updated.
Supports a limited number of file formats.
Another free word processor, this one advertised for creative writers, is RoughDraft.
FocusWriter
Provides multiple ways to create a distraction-free interface.
Colors and layouts can be customized.
Goals can be created to stay on task.
There’s a portable option.
Can’t open documents with rich text formatting.
FocusWriter is similar to WriteMonkey in that it’s portable and has a minimal interface.
Basic formatting is allowed in FocusWriter, like bold, strikethrough, and aligning text.
However, documents with rich text formatting might import into FocusWriter in plain text and become completely unusable.
FocusWriter runs on Windows,macOS, and Linux.
Judoom
Supports tabbed browsing.
Makes project tracking easy.
Works with the two most popular MS Word file formats.
It’s missing several features common in a Word processor.
Word counter doesn’t update automatically as you punch in.
you might download Judoom on Windows only.
AEdit
Protect documents with a password.
Spell check is included.
Lets you edit unique document file formats.
Doesn’t open DOCX files.
Saves to just a few basic file formats.
AEdit is for Windows computers.
