No internet word processor

These free word processors can be a great alternative to Microsoft Word. Many have very similar characteristics to Word and since they’re free, you’ll be saving hundreds of dollars by using one of them.

All of the free word processors below can create, edit, and print documents. Many of them can open and edit Word documents, automatically check your spelling, use a wide selection of free MS Word templates, create tables and columns, and much more.

Our top picks for a free word processor are the first ones on the list. These have the most features and we suggest checking them out first to see if they’ll fit your word processing needs. You should find that most of them can handle just about everything Microsoft Word can.

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Microsoft Word has almost become synonymous with word processors, but its high pricing has stopped many users from using its services. Naturally, a lot of free word processors have come up with similar features and compatibility with DOC/DOCX format. You can use these word processors online and some even offer full-fledged offline desktop apps. Whether you want to write or edit a long-drawn document, you can do everything using these word processors for free. So on that note, let’s go ahead and find out which free word processors are worth using in 2022.

Here are the best free word processors that you should use in 2022 having top-notch features and tools. You can expand the table below and click on the link to move to the corresponding application.

1. Google Docs

If you are looking for a free word processor that can be used on any platform then Google Docs is the perfect pick. Unlike other online word processors, Google Docs is actually pretty feature-packed and supports offline writing too which can be enabled through a Chrome extension. There are a ton of third-party add-ons just like Microsoft Word Add-ins that can be integrated to bring more functionality.

What’s more, Google Docs is far superior to any other word processor when it comes to real-time collaboration. So if you have a writing project where multiple users are working on then Google Docs will fare better than other apps.

Having said all of that, keep in mind, Google Docs does not sit well with MS Word formatting, although it supports DOC/DOCX format. But the good part is that you have the option to export the file in PDF format. All in all, if you generally work on web documents and want a solution that works well and for free then Google Docs is highly recommended.

Check Out Google Docs (Free)

2. Microsoft Word 365

The desktop version of Microsoft Word charges a sky-high price and Microsoft is aware of it. That’s why the company has developed a free version of Microsoft Word and other Office apps that can be only accessed through the web. It means that you can’t use the free version of Microsoft Office while you are offline.

Also, keep in mind, the feature disparity between Microsoft Word 365 (online version) and Microsoft Word Desktop version is quite huge. You simply do not have ample Layout and formatting options in the free version. For a full list of differences between Microsoft Office 365 and Desktop apps, head over to our linked article.

Apart from that, bear in mind, formatting breaks on the online version if you try to import an MS Word 2019 file. Simply put, Microsoft Word 365 can be a great free word processor if you don’t have a complex project at hand. For basic stuff, it’s quite good and does the job well.

Check Out Microsoft Word 365 (Free, Premium subscription starts at $9.99 per month)

3. LibreOffice

After two online word processors, finally we come to a full-fledged word processor that offers offline desktop apps and is totally available for free. LibreOffice is an open-source project that is compatible with Microsoft Word and other Office documents. It aims to bring all the powerful tools and features of popular word processors in a slick and modern user interface — all for free.

Besides that, what gives LibreOffice the edge is that its code is much better optimized, thus making it lighter and faster. Also, LibreOffice is more actively developed and is the default office suite included with the majority of Linux distros. And just recently LibreOffice 7.1 was released with support for better compatibility with DOC/DOCX file format and new table and writing features. I would say, if you want a free word processor in 2022 that has desktop-level tools and features then LibreOffice is simply the best out there.

Download (Free)

4. Apache OpenOffice

Probably after LibreOffice, Apache OpenOffice is another word processor that is available for free and is loaded with features. It features powerful tools, fonts, table elements, and gets new features regularly due to the active development team. Just like LibreOffice, OpenOffice by Apache is completely free and open-source and includes a word processor, a spreadsheet program, a presentation software, a graphics editor, and a DBMS application.

Not to mention, Apache OpenOffice is compatible with DOC/DOCX files, and rarely would you find broken formatting while moving between different programs. In addition to that, OpenOffice also supports a huge number of other file formats including PDF, SWF, PPT, and more.

It can also be extended with a variety of downloadable extensions, and its constituent sub-modules include all standard features like diagramming tools, autocomplete, and natural language formulas. So to sum up, if you want to work on a lengthy and complex project then Apache OpenOffice is another free word processor that you can rely on.

Download (Free)

5. Polaris Office

Polaris Office is a pretty popular word processor and it’s strictly not a free word processor like the other ones mentioned on this list. However, the best part about Polaris Office is that the company offers a limited free version that brings enough features to suit the needs of most individual users. Basically, you will not have to pay a high subscription fee to complete your work.

If you are someone who want support for add-ons and diagrams then you can opt for the Enterprise plan which is also quite cheaper than other solutions. When it comes to features under the free version, I would say Polaris Office offers all the essential tools that one might expect from a capable word processor.

What’s more, there’s even real-time collaboration where two and more people can work on the same document simultaneously. And in case, you go for their paid plan then you will also be able to access features such as PDF annotations, comments, animation editing, document security, and more. To conclude, Polaris Office is another great desktop-level word processor which is free in a limited way but is totally usable. I would say give it a try and see if Polaris Office suffices your need.

Download (Free, Paid plan starts at $39.99/year)

6. Zoho Writer

In any discussion of word processors, rarely would you find people talk about Zoho Writer. But Zoho Writer is actually a really good word processor that is completely free — both online and in the offline desktop version. What I love about Zoho Writer is that it’s quite clean with all the basic features and toolset required to edit a word document. Don’t expect MS Word level of features, but it’s there with Microsoft Office 365 version.

You can insert images, change indentation position, change fonts, choose a template, collaborate with multiple users in real-time, and do much more. Not to mention, Zoho Writer has a special engine to convert DOC/DOCX documents and keep that original formatting intact so that is great. All in all, I would say, just go ahead and create a free Zoho account and you will be able to access its word processor for free.

Download (Free)

7. Dropbox Paper

While Dropbox is moving many of its products behind a paywall, it’s still offering Dropbox Paper for free to its users. In case you are unaware, Dropbox Paper is the company’s lite word processor where the focus is real-time collaboration, access to to-dos, and managing tasks. In addition, you can add images, videos to the document, create table, add calendar timelines, and do much more.

What I like is that it also supports adding code snippets which many IT organizations would find helpful. There is also support for bulleted and numbered list. To sum up, if you are not looking for a traditional word processor and something that brings team members on one page then Dropbox Paper is an amazing free tool that you can get behind.

Check Out Dropbox Paper (Free)

8. Apple Pages

If you are in the Apple ecosystem then you don’t need to go hunting for a free word processor because you already have it and it’s called Pages. Pages — part of iWork — is available on Mac, iPad, and iPhone so you are covered on all Apple devices. With Pages, you can create beautiful word documents in various fonts, color schemes, templates, and more.

You can add tables, charts, images, media and create your own style to give a distinct look to your word document. And the best part is that Pages is compatible with MS Word and you can export documents in DOC/DOCX, PDF, EPUB and more. Considering all the points, I would say, you have got a feature-packed word processor right on your Apple device and you should surely take advantage of it.

Comes preinstalled

9. FreeOffice TextMaker

FreeOffice TextMaker is a word processor that is feature-packed, lightweight, free, and one that works really well. It includes all the three standard office programs including a word processor. In terms of feature set, FreeOffice TextMaker is right there with LibreOffice and Free Office. I love the fact that you have similar-looking tools and features which many would appreciate.

Coming to compatibility, FreeOffice TextMaker has robust support for MS Office file formats, and better Office XML compatibility. Apart from that, it includes perks like multiple language dictionaries for more efficient spellchecking and smart indentation. To sum up, FreeOffice TextMaker is another free word processor with desktop-level features and you should definitely give it a shot.

Download (Free)

10. WPS Office

Before we talk about WPS Office, let me make it clear that WPS Office displays ads and there has been a number of allegations against the company regarding data privacy. In addition, WPS Office is developed by Kingsoft which is a Beijing-based company and operates Cheetah Mobile — the shady company that Google banned from the Play Store. So if you feel strongly about your privacy then I would recommend you to stay away from WPS Office.

As for the features, WPS Office is hailed as a lightweight word processor that is available for free without having limited features. It weighs around 300MB and offers all three office programs — word, spreadsheet, and presentation.

In addition to having all the essential document creation/editing abilities, WPS Office includes hundreds of free templates and fonts. The free version lets you create and edit documents in MS Office compatible formats. To sum up, on the utility side, WPS Office is really good and a lightweight word processor, but on the privacy front, it leaves a lot to be desired.

Download (Free)

Use Word Processors for Free on Windows 10, macOS, Linux in 2022

So these are some of the top word processors that are freely available and can be used both online and offline on several desktop platforms. Personally, I use Google Docs and Microsoft Word online, but there are times when you want to add complex tables or customize the border then you realize, you need a full-fledged word processor. So just go through our list and pick the suitable one for you. Anyway, that is all from us. If you found the article helpful then comment down below and let us know.

Typically, a word processor is bundled with other applications in an office suite, but not always. There are also standalone word processors like Abiword and AbleWord. Like it or not, Microsoft Word is still the most popular word processor used by many people around the globe. But, everyone also knows that Microsoft Word is a paid software. Is there a free word processor to replace it?

Word processors like LibreOffice Writer and WPS Writer are great free alternatives to Microsoft Office. They are part of LibreOffice and WPS Office, respectively. Most Word Processor developers have made their applications to be compatible with Microsoft Word so you can still working on the documents you created with Microsoft Word.

Below is the list of free word processors you can use to replace Microsoft Word.

1. LibreOffice Writer

LibreOffice Writer is a free word processor part of LibreOffice. It is not available as a standalone application so you have to install the whole office suite of LibreOffice to use LibreOffice Writer. LibreOffice is an open source software and available for major platforms from Linux, Windows to macOS. In addition, the software is also available for iOS and Android. LibreOffice Writer uses OpenDocument Format as the default document format. Your file will be saved with the the extension of .ODTunless you choose other formats. There are about 14 different document formats you can choose on LibreOffice Writer, including Microsoft Word (DOCX). LibreOffice Writer allows you directly convert your document into a PDF format without needing to install any add-on. LibreOffice itself becomes a default office suite on most Linux distros.

2. Apache OpenOffice Writer

Apache OpenOffice Writer is free word processor part of Apache OpenOffice, an open source office suite developed by Apache Software Foundation. Apache OpenOffice is built with the same core as LibreOffice so the features offered by the two are not much different. Hardly even any difference between them in terms of feature. Apache OpenOffice Writer also uses the OpenDocument Format as the default document format and also compatible with Microsoft Word. Apache OpenOffice is also available for three major platforms; Windows, Linux and macOS.

3. WPS Writer

If your intention of looking for a free word processor is really to replace Microsoft Word then WPS Writer is probably the best option. You don’t need to make too many adaptations when switching to this word processor since its interface is extremely similar to Microsoft Word. The menu and toolbar layout of WPS Writer is extremely similar to Microsoft Word. It is even also uses Microsoft Word as the default document format. Unless you change it, your document will saved in the Microsoft Word format with the extension of .DOCX. WPS Writer itself is a part of WPS Office, a cross-platform office suite that is available for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and iOS. WPS Writer comes with a tabbed interface, allowing you to work on multiple documents in a single window.

4. OnlyOffice Document Editor

OnlyOffice Document Editor is also a nice free word processor to replace Microsoft Word since it also uses Microsoft Word as the default document format. In addition, OnlyOffice Document Editor also supports multiple tabs like WPS Office to allow you work on multiple documents without needing to switch from a window to another one. OnlyOffice Document Editor is a part of OnlyOffice, a cross-platform open source office suite developed by Ascensio System SIA. OnlyOffice itself is available in two versions, SaaS (web-based) and desktop-based. The desktop-based version of OnlyOffice is available for Windows, Linux and also macOS.

5. AbiWord

Unlike four first word processors above which are part of an office suite, AbiWord is a standalone word processor. So, if all you need only a word processor without other applications then AbiWord is a great option. It’s just, AbiWord is only available for Linux. Previously, AbiWord also supported Windows, but the Windows support has been stopped. AbiWord is an open source software. Popular Linux distros like Ubuntu have added AbiWord to their software repositories so you don’t to manually build it. There are about 27 document formats supported by AbiWord, including Microsoft Word (DOC and DOCX) and OpenDocument (ODT). AbiWord itself has its own default document format with the file extension of .ABW.

6. FreeOffice TextMaker

FreeOffice is a free, cross-platform office suite that is projected to be a Microsoft Office alternative. This office suite consists of three applications, including FreeOffice TextMaker that you can use to create as well as editing documents. FreeOffice TextMaker is also compatible with Microsoft Word. FreeOffice itself is available for Windows, Linux and Android. It’s a proprietary software. You will be asked to enter your email address to download the software. FreeOffice needs your email address to send the activation key.

7. Calligra Words

Calligra Words might not the best option to replace Microsoft Word, but if you want to try something different then there is no bad to give it a try. Calligra Words is a free word processor part of Calligra Suite, an open source office suite developed by KDE. Calligra Suite is also a cross-platform software that is available for Linux, Windows and also macOS. Calligra Words supports about 8 different document formats, including OpenDocument and Microsoft Word.

8. AbleWord

AbleWord has one thing in common as AbiWord. It is a standalone free word processor. The difference, AbleWord is built exclusively for Windows, no other platforms are supported. AbleWord is also compatible with Microsoft Word. It supports fewer document formats than other word processors above. AbleWord only supports Microsoft Word (DOC and DOCX), Rich Text Format (RFT), HTML and Plain Text Format (TXT). AbleWord comes with simpler interface and features. But, it is reliable enough to create complex documents.

9. Google Docs

In addition to desktop-based word processors like mentioned above, there are also web-based word processors you can use for free to replace Microsoft Word. One of which, or course, is Google Docs. Google Docs is also capable of handling complex documents and it is also compatible with Microsoft Word. When creating a document on Google Docs your document file will be saved automatically to Google Drive. But, you can also download it if you want. There are about 7 document formats that are supported by Google Docs, including OpenDocument, Microsoft Word and Rich Text Format.

10. Zoho Writer

Zoho Writer is an online word processor part of Zoho Docs. You can also use it without spending a dime. When you use Zoho Writer for the first time you may think like “can I really use this tool to work on my complex documents? This is a text editor, dude. Different stuff to word processor”.

Unlike Google Docs which has a toolbar, Zoho Writer comes with a very clean interface. You will see no toolbar to make document formatting until you block the words or sentences you want to format. A pop-up containing toolbar will appear once you block a certain word or sentence. From this pop-up you can also show the sidebar containing the formatting tools you need. While your document will be automatically saved on the cloud, you can also download it. Zoho Writer supports several document formats including Microsoft Word, OpenDocument, Rich Text Format and EPub.

11. SSuite WordGraph Editor

Back to desktop. Another free word processor you can use to replace Microsoft Word is SSuite WordGraph Editor. This word processor is intended to be an alternative to Microsoft Word and OpenOffice Writer. Sadly, SSuite WordGraph Editor is only available for Windows although the official site says that you can run it on other platforms using emulator. The interface of SSuite WordGraph Editor is a bit similar to older Microsoft Word (Microsoft Office 2003 and older version). SSuite WordGraph also comes with document compatibility with Microsoft Word.

The web is overflowing with writing apps of all shapes and sizes. To find one that’s perfect for you, you have to start with a list of your writing needs and app preferences.

Do you want a vanilla text editor? Feature-rich software for writing novels? A good old word processor?

If it’s the last one you’re looking for, you’ll appreciate our following roundup of the best web-based online word processors currently available. The apps are all free of cost!

1. Microsoft Word Online

Word processing has been synonymous with Microsoft Word forever. Naturally, the first app on our list is Microsoft’s online version of Word. Why pay for Microsoft Office when you have enough reasons to use Office Online?

To use Word Online, all you need is a free Microsoft account. You’ll find the app interface familiar if you have used the desktop version of Word. Going online with Word makes document sharing and working on the go easier. Like the desktop app, the online app also supports real-time collaboration among other features.

Word Online is a lighter version of the desktop client, so you might have to do without a few features such as split views and style creation. Also, you can save files only to the default MS Office file format, DOCX. But you can still view and edit documents in other Office file formats.

Keep in mind that Word Online is just one of several free alternatives to Microsoft Word, and that gives you plenty of options to choose from.

Visit: Microsoft Word Online

2. Google Docs

Google Docs works anywhere and for everyone. Apart from the expected basic tools you need for creating and editing stylish documents, Google Docs gives you many more.

You can start off with beautiful templates, get back to older file versions, and share documents easily. The collaboration tools bring in comments and real-time editing options. And thanks to autosaving, you don’t have to worry about saving your writing manually.

Plus, with Google Docs add-ons, you can sign documents, create charts and mind maps, insert text snippets, and so on.

Google Docs has an edge over Word Online thanks to its cleaner interface, better collaboration tools, and free voice typing.

Visit: Google Docs

3. Zoho Writer

Zoho Writer is sturdy enough to compete with Word Online and Google Docs. When we compared the three apps, Zoho Writer came out on top.

Besides the usual document editing and collaboration tools, the app has separate views for each stage of the writing process. This makes for a minimalist interface, because the tools you need at each stage are the only tools you’ll see.

Zoho lets you save your documents to other cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. But by default, it saves your documents to its own cloud storage, Zoho Docs. For more on what it can do for you, check out our reasons for trying Zoho.

Visit: Zoho Writer

4. Pages for iCloud

If you’re a Mac user, Pages for iCloud is the perfect solution for word processing. It’s the cloud-synced version of Pages, which is part of iWork, Apple’s native office suite.

The good news is that you don’t need a Mac to use Pages for iCloud. If you sign up for an iCloud account, you can use Pages anytime, anywhere.

The app has a clean and easy-to-use setup, so you should have no trouble using it from the get-go. It also supports real-time collaboration, but there’s a catch. The people you’re collaborating with need to have an iCloud account or create one to view and edit documents. If you don’t consider this a dealbreaker, go ahead and get yourself Pages for iCloud.

Visit: Pages for iCloud

5. Quip

With Quip’s structure and functionality, you might find yourself in unfamiliar territory. But the minimalist interface will help you orient yourself quickly.

Start off with one of the in-built templates to save time. If you begin with a blank document, you can still insert useful elements like a checklist, calendar, a Kanban board, and a project tracker. Formatting options show up in place when you select text.

Keep in mind that Quip is free only for personal use (and comes with unlimited documents). For collaboration with a group or a company, you’ll have to pay up.

Visit: Quip

6. Dropbox Paper

You’ll find many compelling reasons to try Dropbox Paper, but the strongest one is probably its tight integration with Dropbox. The beauty of it is that Paper documents don’t count toward your Dropbox storage.

Paper wins another point for Markdown support. Markdown, after all, is now the fastest way to write for the web. Unlimited documents and versions, rich media support, and collaboration tools make Paper even more attractive.

Visit: Dropbox Paper

7. OnlyOffice Document Editor

OnlyOffice is open source, which is not the same as free. It’s one of the lesser-known online word processors, but it’s no less capable than the other apps on our list. Actually, in terms of layout and features, it’s reminiscent of Microsoft Word.

You can upload documents from your computer or bring them in from other cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox. It’s quite handy that you can collaborate in real time with anyone and not just OnlyOffice users.

Visit: Only Office

8. Writer

Word processors typically give you rich text formatting options. That makes Writer, plain-text writing software, a misfit on our list. But it’s too good an online word editor to pass over.

Writer gives you a distraction-free setup, which means no toolbars and icons in sight unless you want them. Throw in autosaving, offline support, unlimited documents, a word counter, and you have a reliable place to store your words.

No rich text support here, but keeping up with the times you have Markdown formatting and preview options. And you can not only download your documents to TXT, PDF, and HTML formats, but also publish them directly to platforms like WordPress and Tumblr.

Feel free to change the look and feel of the editor to suit your tastes.

Visit: Writer

The Best Online Word Processors to Use Anywhere

A free online word processor may not come with the advanced options built into desktop word processing apps. But it can still work out well for you.

Finding a satisfying solution depends on the feature complexity you need. And now you have several great online options to choose from. While you’re exploring them all, you might also want to take a look at a few other browser-based tools for writing and related activities.