The best free word processor makes it straightforward and quick to create familiar documents without needing a license or subscription.
You may be able to function without a spreadsheet or presentation tool, but text documents are indispensable. However, while some good, free alternatives to Microsoft Word are available, they typically lack the functionality of premium software.
Even when they do, compatibility concerns might arise when transferring document formats between software platforms, mainly when importing to Microsoft Word (opens in new tab).
Here we are looking at the Best Free Word Processor that can use offline (particularly useful for distraction-free writing). Still, there are even several excellent browser-based tools to consider if you would instead do your writing online.
Google Docs (opens in a new tab) is the most obvious option, as it automatically saves your work if your Internet connection fails. It is also an excellent option for collaborative work, eliminating the need to submit files to a separate cloud storage service. However, it has a limited number of templates, there is no method to import content from other Google apps, it suffers from formatting errors when importing, and social media temptations surround any online tool.
Here are the best free word processors and Free MS Word Alternatives that will provide you with a dependable platform to work from, whether at home or in the office.
The best free word processor of 2022: alternatives to Microsoft Word
1. FocusWriter
The ideal word processor for first drafts, with no fussy formatting
- Specifications
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux - Today’s Best Deals
Visit site - Reasons to buy
+Blocks out distractions
+Timers and alarms
+Auto-save function - Reasons to avoid
It is not ideal for editing
Lets talk about the Best Free Word Processor for 2022. FocusWriter is packed with sophisticated tools to help you maximize productivity without getting in the way. For example, if you want to hammer out some words without thinking about formatting, you may use Windows’ built-in Notepad app.
As its name implies, FocusWriter eliminates all distractions so that you can devote your full concentration to that all-important first draught. In regular use, you only see a blank page; toolbars are only visible when you move your mouse pointer to the edge of the screen. However, Focused Text has a killer feature that fades everything into the background except the current paragraph or sentence.
This Best Free Word Processor also has alerts triggered at specific periods, or after you’ve reached a predetermined word count, so you don’t have to keep an eye on a counter (as you would in Microsoft Word). It also makes FocusWriter an excellent tool to use in conjunction with the Pomodoro Technique, which entails working intensely for a period that is long enough to be productive but short enough to prevent exhaustion.
FocusWriter is challenging to beat for productivity, but not for editing.
2. LibreOffice Writer
All-singing, all-dancing word processors for any text-based work
- Specifications
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux - Today’s Best Deals
Visit site - Reasons to buy
+Excellent format compatibility
+Document template galleries
+Support for plugins
+No ads or paywalls
If we talk about the Best Free Word Processor, LibreOffice is a fork of Apache OpenOffice, and the two offer essentially similar word processing apps; however, LibreOffice receives more updates and has a more active userbase; thus, we choose it.
Writer, a word processor, is a feature-rich alternative to Microsoft Word, containing all the tools necessary for any text-based project.
There are wizards and templates for popular document kinds, such as bills and letters, in both versions of Writer, and it is simple to create your templates for future use. The word processors also integrate with the other office apps in their respective suites; for instance, you can use Base to produce a bibliography.
Both word processors support the most common file formats and can export documents to PDF without additional software. So if you’re seeking an alternative to Microsoft Word free download, either of these two-word processors will suffice.
3. Writemonkey
Productivity-focused word processing with quick shortcuts
- Specifications
Operating system: Windows - Today’s Best Deals
Visit site - Reasons to buy
+Distraction-free interface
+Supports markup
+Handy keyboard shortcuts - Reasons to avoid
-Only works with TXT files
Next in our list of the Best Free Word Processor Software For 2022 is WriteMonkey. It is a no-frills word processor designed to help you optimize your output with minimal editing and formatting hassle. It is not intended for formal documents such as letters and CVs. Still, it is ideal for capturing initial thoughts on paper (or computer) so that you have the raw material to develop later.
In contrast to FocusWriter, which is compatible with all of the most common text formats (including Microsoft’s DOC and DOCX), WriteMonkey is only compatible with TXT files. Thus, you will need to convert any draughts before opening them. WriteMonkey’s hidden controls are also more difficult to access; everything is accessible via a massive right-click menu or a vast array of keyboard shortcuts.
However, if you are willing to memorize these keyboard shortcuts, this Best Free Word Processor is faster to use than toolbar-based alternatives.
We also appreciate the option to check up on words in Wikipedia, Google Images, Poetry.com, and Answers.com, among others, without manually opening a browser window and risk falling prey to Twitter and Facebook.
WriteMonkey is a portable app, so there is no need to install it. Instead, extract the downloaded files to a removable drive or cloud storage service and run the WriteMonkey.exe file to launch the app.
4. WPS Office Free Writer
A word processor download with cloud storage and support for all text files
- Specifications
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux - Today’s Best Deals
Visit site - Reasons to buy
+Interface almost identical to Word
+Excellent file format support
+Free cloud storage - Reasons to avoid
-Contains some ads
If you’re familiar with a modern version of Microsoft Word, the transition to Writer – the word processing component of WPS Office Free – will be seamless.
This Best Free Word Processor online seems and functions nearly identically to its expensive counterpart and even includes its version of OneDrive with 1 GB of free cloud storage.
Its collection of pre-installed templates provides all you need for basic document kinds, and you may develop your own for specialized jobs with ease. In addition, it is compatible with every text file format imaginable, including current and legacy Microsoft Word versions dating back to Office 97.
If we talk about the Best Free Word Processor Alternatives to MS Word, WPS Office Writer is supported by hardly perceptible advertisements, which can be deleted by upgrading to the premium version, but no features are hidden behind a barrier. Overall, WPS Writer is rather impressive and is the best free word processor currently available for download.
Additionally, this free program like Microsoft Word has recently released a free PDF to Word converter (opens in a new tab), which is an excellent complement to its word processor.
5. FreeOffice TextMaker
Another great-looking word processor, but watch your file formats
- Specifications
Operating system: Windows, Mac, Linux - Today’s Best Deals
Visit site - Reasons to buy
+Can export to EPUB format
+Prints multiple pages per sheet
+Opens password-protected files - Reasons to avoid
-Doesn’t support DOCX files
Are you still seeking the best free Microsoft Word alternatives? TextMaker, the word processing element of SoftMaker FreeOffice, is attractive and includes several useful templates for writing letters and other common documents. The selection isn’t as broad as some competitors, but you may create new designs and save them in TMV format for future use.
Advanced formatting options, the capacity to establish databases for managing bibliographies and footnotes, and a mechanism for tracking changes in collaborative work are all present and accurate in a modern word processor.
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TextMaker’s inability to save files in DOCX format is the sole significant downside (though you can open and edit these files without difficulty). In addition, this function is exclusive to the SoftMaker Office premium version.
FAQ:
What is Word Processor Software?
Word Process Software allows you to compose and manage stories, emails, ideas, social media postings, and other documents.
Which is the Best Word Processor Software?
Here is a selection of the Best Free Word Processor:
- Microsoft Word
- Google Doc
- Writer
- Grammarly
- ProWritingAid
- Scrivener
- Calmlywriter
- Ginger
Why use Word Processor Software?
Word Processing Software is used because:
- They facilitate the writing process.
- It provides numerous writing styles, grammar, vocabulary, and syntactic ideas.
- Apps detect and rectify document mistakes.
What are the general features of Word Processor Software?
Here are the Best Free Word Processor features:
- Word Processing Software corrects punctuation, sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, writing style, and language mistakes.
- Export a text file in Markdown, HTML, or rich text format.
- It facilitates the writing process.
How we evaluated the most effective free Word Processor?
To determine the best free word processor, we created an account on the applicable software platform, whether it was a download or an online service. Then, we examined the service to determine how the software could be used for various purposes and circumstances, focusing on its compatibility with multiple file types. Additionally, the objective was to examine the utility of each software platform’s fundamental tools and the simplicity of its more complex features.
Which free Word Processor is best for you?
Consider your actual needs before picking which free word processor to download and use, as free platforms may only offer rudimentary features. Therefore, if you require advanced tools, you may find a premium platform much more beneficial. In addition, free and low-cost software solutions may be limited in terms of the range of tools accessible, whereas high-end software can truly meet any need; therefore, you should clearly understand the features you may require.
