Best Free Word Processing Software

Well, many of us believe that apart from using Microsoft Word for all our document creation needs, we don’t have any other option to go for. And it’s not wrong to an extent as we have only heard about this doc creation tool from our childhood till now.

But due to rising user demand and competitive market, many Microsoft Office alternatives (called word processing software/word processor) have recently emerged and gained user trust. The best thing about these alternatives is that some of them are absolutely free to use to its full capacity, which in our books is a winner.

Today we will explore the topmost used and trusted word processors other than Microsoft Word and choose the best one as per your needs. Out of these word processing software, it will be a combination of online and offline word processors that you can install on your system. Before starting with the list of alternatives, let’s take a look at what actually a “Word Processing Software” is?

Also Read: Best File Sharing Software For Windows PC

What is Word Processing Software/Word Processor?

In order to know the options, first I must know what is the thing I’m looking options of? Correct?

So Word Processing Software or Word Processor is something that allows you to create, edit, and print the documents. It gives you the control to manage all these options including storing it on electronic devices, display on a screen, or modify the amendments you want to make.

In short, a word processor is the same you use MS word for doc creation, make content changes and takeout print in case you need it. Microsoft Word is also an example of the word processor.

Now I hope everyone has a basic idea of what a word processing software means. So, let’s take a good look at the best free alternatives of MS Word:

The free word processors can be categorized into two segments as below:

1. Online word processing software

2. Offline word processing software

1. Online word processing software

Instead of saving the files on your local hard drive and sharing it via email to the other person, it’s always better to work on an online doc. It has all the features of auto-saving and sharing the file with the link given. As simple as that. It has its drawbacks too that can make you switch from online to the offline use of word processors.

Below enlisted are some popular online word processing software:

A. Dropbox Paper

Offered by the online cloud storage provider, Dropbox is a free online word processor. In order to use it, all you need is a Dropbox account. Once you are logged in, you get full access to the online suite. Apart from creating the text document, you can do a lot of things using the tool.

Designed specifically from a professional point of view, Dropbox Paper stores every created document onto the cloud. From this platform, you can perform many tasks including document link-sharing, assigning tasks to team members, remove or download the document for offline purposes.

In order to go ahead and access this amazing online word processing software, Dropbox Paper, click here.

B. Google Docs

One of the most popular and widely used word processors, Google Docs is literally the backbone of some of the organizations. Exactly like MS Office, it lets you create documents, presentations, or work on excel flawlessly (unless there is internet interruption). With many features to count, it’s a treat for professionals who work with the same files and keep each member of the team updated on any changes.

The best part which I experienced is that it automatically saves the file in real-time while you are working on it and store it there only. From that platform only, you have the option to share the file online, download it, or email as an attachment in many formats and those are many, I tell you.

Now in case you no longer have an internet connection, enable offline access and resume your work. Isn’t it great?

Go ahead and enjoy the Google Docs here.

C. Etherpad

A highly customizable Open Source online editor, Etherpad provides collaborative editing in real-time. Like Google Docs, this word processor lets you edit documents, save them, and collaboratively work on the same document. For example, you can write articles, create to-do lists and collaborate on the same task with your friends or colleagues at the same time.

Sometimes users are a bit hesitant of signing up and providing their email addresses, however, with Etherpad, there is no need to sign up. You can directly go to the link, create a new pad, start writing, and share it with your group to work on the same doc at the same time.

Use Etherpad, the real-time online word processor.

D. Zoho

Another online free word processing software, Zoho is also a combination of the features, the above mentioned are embedded with. Considered as a powerful word processor, Zoho is available across all of your devices and collaborates with teammates/friends in real-time. All you need to do is sign up on the page and you are good to go for using its extraordinary services.

Some of the quite effective factors Zoho follows are “write together” “a crisp, clean space” that says a lot about the perks it has to offer. Some of the other features Zoho has including Zia, the writing assistant, WordPress integration, and many powerful tools for work.

Get started with Zoho here and explore the powerful online word processor.

2. Offline Word Processing Software

While many believe and prefer working on an online document that provides real-time saving and multi-users working on the same file at the same time, others go with offline document creation tools that don’t involve internet connection for file-sharing. Maybe they don’t want anyone to review their work unless it’s done and ready to be forwarded. Whatever the reason, we have several free word processing software that can be downloaded and installed on your local computer. Without further ado, let’s check out the offline word processing software below:

A. WPS Office Free Writer

Previously called Kingsoft Office, WPS Office Free Writer is an offline word processor that majorly comes with three products i.e. Writer, Presentations, and Spreadsheets. Available from Android to iPhone and Windows to Linux, WPS Office is a complete office suite with PDF editor.

A Few of the perks the WPS Office word processor comes with are it opens multiple document tabs and has the feature of eye protection and night mode. Some of the downside points can be that there are paid versions in order to suppress ads and use advanced features. But if you aren’t concerned with ads and want to use Office suite for a basic level, this word processor is the best for you.

Go ahead and download WPS Office free writer here.

B. Apache OpenOffice

Compatible with other major office suites, Apache OpenOffice is free to download. A bundle of 6 different products (Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base, and Math), OpenOffice is a bit similar to other offline word processing software and easy to learn and use.

 

 

This leading free doc creation alternative to MS Word, OpenOffice is compatible with Windows XP to Windows 10, macOS, and Linux. Since it is an open-source word processing software, the updates are freely available to download and use.

Explore Apache OpenOffice products here and start creating documents offline for free.

C. Jarte

Another leading and widely used word processor, Jarte is also free to download and offline doc creation software. Jarte is based on the Microsoft WordPad word processing engine built into Windows and works flawlessly only on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, or 10.

Undoubtedly, Jarte is a small, portable, and touch-enabled word processor whose documents are fully compatible with Word and WordPad.

“It’s one of life’s little ironies that in a country with free speech, a program called Word costs over a hundred dollars. Fortunately, we also have Carolina Road Software and their free-of-charge word processor, Jarte.” – PC World magazine

“I found Jarte to be a kick!” – Kim Komando (Kim Komando Radio Show)

Tap, download, and enjoy Jarte (one of the fast and easy to use a word processor).

D. FocusWriter

As the name suggests, FoucsWriter is a tried and proven word processor that provides multiple ways to create a distraction-free interface and I think that’s what any writer will need. No distraction!! In order to stay on the deadline, you can also create short term goals to make sure that you won’t miss out on any teeny-tiny details.

Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS, FocusWriter has been translated into many different languages. The feature of auto-hiding the menu and any other additional buttons so that you can enjoy the full-screen view while writing on your document really stand out. You also can customize the colors and layouts of the document creation tool.

Go ahead, download this amazing word processing software and start writing without any distraction.

Wrapping Up

As there is cutthroat competition in the market, you will encounter many MS Office suite alternatives which claim to be the best at what they do, however, to save your time from that part, we have mentioned here the best ones you can go for.

In case you aren’t happy with the word processor you’re looking for, take advantage of the free trial of Microsoft Office so at least you get to explore the full capabilities of Microsoft Word for a whole month.

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