There is no doubt that Microsoft Word is one of the best word processors and has been around for years. But, you may want to switch it up with a substitute that might offer better features in terms of formatting, providing citations, maintaining style, organizing documents, and so on. Exactly what the aim of this post is. Here are some of the best free (and paid) alternatives to Microsoft Word.
Why Use A Microsoft Word Alternative?
Before we dive into the list of best Microsoft Word substitutes, you may want to know why I should look for an alternative.
First, with Microsoft Word, you will have to, at some point, take a premium subscription whereas there are Microsoft Word-like programs that are available free of cost. Next, there are several alternatives that let you work with citations in a much better manner where you can automatically populate required links, ISBNs, and other such details.
Another capability that seems to be lacking in Microsoft Word is how it handles plagiarism issues. Not only do many Word alternatives prompt you to correct such issues, they even guide you on the overall style and help you fix proofreading errors as well.
Best Microsoft Word Alternatives
1. MonsterWriter
MonsterWriter comfortably makes it to the first spot as an alternative to Microsoft Word for Mac. Unlike many other word processors, it takes care of formatting which is an integral part of writing theses, academic papers, and other document formats. Another aspect that we liked is that it is a specialist when it comes to dealing with citations.
Features
- Several templates that you can build upon.
- Details of citations are added automatically when you enter details like website link, DOI code, ISBN, etc.
- Talking of citations, MonsterWriter supports styles like APA, IEEE, Harvard, etc.
- Assign a special role to the heading. For example, Abstract.
- Export the document into a format of your choice – DOCX, PDF, Markdown, etc.
Pricing – Free trial available. Pricing starts at $34.99
2. Focused
If you are looking for a minimalistic, simple, and free Word alternative, Focused is an option to consider. It comes with features that let you stay focused on what you are writing. It comes with a Zen Mode that lets you add eight soundtracks of your choice with which you can relax and create quality content.
Features
- Keep track of word count.
- Auto Save documents; keep version history to retrieve an edit.
- Copy the text as HTML.
- Typewriter mode lets you vertically center your copy and helps you fade surrounding text.
- Comprehensive keyboard shortcut to format and structure content.
Pricing – Free trial available.
3. Diarly
Journaling is a great way to pour your thoughts into a diary or notebook and sort your mind. And, Diary is an app that gives you a great journaling experience. Actually, it won’t be wrong to say that Dairly is more than just a journaling app – With Diarly you can easily navigate your journal using the integrated calendar, timeline, maps, and other features.
Features
- Choose to get daily prompts to journal.
- Several dark and light themes, fonts, markdown-based editing, and other customizing options.
- Add journal entries in the form of images, voice notes, videos, etc.
- Seamlessly switch to apps like Evernote, Journey, Penzu, and others.
- Keep data private using encryption and biometric unlocking.
Pricing – 7-day free trial. Pricing starts at less than $2/ month
4. MarsEdit
If you are a blogger, this is an app like Microsoft Word that you can consider. Broadly, it covers you on three fronts – write, preview, and publish. Since it is an app that is specially crafted for bloggers, you can also schedule your blogs for later, thanks to the brand new calendar-based date panel. Also, you can use an iOS device to add photos or sketches directly to your posts.
Features
- Microsposting feature helps you post content on various platforms.
- Enjoy both contextual styling and the simplicity of plain text.
- Advanced WordPress features such as handling featured images, multiple authors, adding custom fields, etc.
- Native filters for MultiMarkdown, Markdown, and convert Line Breaks.
- Write and preview posts at the same time before publishing on the web.
Pricing – Free trial available. Pricing for single user license starts at $59.95
5. Ulysses
Ulysses is a powerful Word alternative for Macs, iPhones, and iPads that lets you draft all kinds of documents. It offers seamless iCloud integration. As a Microsoft Word substitute, Ulysses lets you draft content without having to worry much about formatting. In the process, it even suggests changes that may help fine-tune your writing and make it publish-worthy.
Features
- A markup-based editor that takes care of formatting.
- Inbuilt proofreader that comes with grammar and style check.
- Export to formats like Word documents, eBooks, and PDFs. Furthermore, if you feel the need to edit your PDFs, here are some of the best PDF editors for Mac.
- Publish your blogs directly to WordPress, Medium, Ghost, and others, right from within the blog.
- Easily manage projects based on sizes like diaries, novels, study notes, etc.
Pricing – Free trial available. Pricing starts at $5.99
6. Strike
Another replacement for Microsoft Word that you can have on Mac is Strike. It’s a minimalistic Word editor that lets you maintain version history. This means you can revert back to an old version of the document if need be. Not only text, but you can also seamlessly work with elements such as charts, tables, and others. You can add operators, remove duplicates, and add formulas.
Features
- Various collaboration features.
- Smart markdown.
- Easily format text, add tags, photos, and more
- Password- protects documents and maintains security.
- Sync across Apple devices like iPhone, and Mac by syncing content with iCloud.
Pricing – Free
7. Rocket Typist
Many of us get tired of typing the same phrases over and over again. Enter, Rocket Typist, a free Microsoft Word substitute that lets you effortlessly insert commonly used phrases and chunks of text called snippets. In more technical words, you create Macros of commonly used snippets and prevent yourself from typing every character again and again. It is available for Mac, iPhone, and iPad users.
Features
- Easy snippet editing and organization with a centralized repository.
- Add dynamic elements to snippets using macros.
- Store snippets locally on the Mac or on iCloud.
- Easy snippet management.
Pricing – Free
Which Microsoft Word Substitute Would You Choose?
Now that you have some great alternatives, go ahead and explore them, and let us know which of the above utilities would you substitute with Microsoft Word. If your favorite didn’t make it to the list, drop us a suggestion in the comments section below. For more such content, keep reading Tweak Library.