- Free Alternative To Microsoft Word
- Free Alternative To Microsoft Word Download
- Free Versions Of Office
Full list of the top Business Software apps that are similar to Microsoft Word, including Apache OpenOffice, PDF to Excel, AbiWord, DocX Viewer, Jarte, yWriter 5, Nevron Writer, Microsoft Office. Writer (word processing), Calc (spreadsheets), Base (databases), and Impress (presentations) are the Microsoft Office free alternatives offered by OpenOffice that can be used in full at absolutely no cost. The suite also includes Draw and Math.
Lesson 36: 4 Free Alternatives to Microsoft Office
Free Alternative To Microsoft Word
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4 free alternatives to Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is one of the most popular programs on the market, with more than 1 billion users worldwide. But at $139.99 for just the basic package (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote only), it's also a little expensive. What if you can't afford it?
A perfect option if you’re tired of the distracting clutter of MS Word’s options, Jarte provides a very basic, clean layout for you to work on. Jarte has superb loading speed, a tabbed interface, and comes with all the layout and editing options encased in menus instead of cramming them on to the top of the document. Free Microsoft word alternatives, Google Docs allows you to create documents, tablet sheets, presentations, drawings, and even forms in collaboration and sharing. Google Docs is filled with features and different additional components can be added to them. While the first two free word processors we’ve profiled are built to mimic Microsoft Word in many ways, FocusWriter functions as a true Microsoft Word alternative. FocusWriter isn’t so much about editing as it’s about giving you a distraction-free work environment to knock out the first draft of a key assignment or project.
Thankfully, there are programs like Google Docs, Office Online, OpenOffice, and LibreOffice. They don't have as many features as Microsoft Office (think of them as Office lite), but they're free, easy to use, and readily available online. They're a great alternative if you're looking for something simple or if you can't stomach the price of Microsoft Office.
We wanted to share these programs with you just in case you hadn't heard of them before. We hope you find them useful at home, at work, or at school.
Google Docs
Google Docs is a web-based program you can access directly from your browser. This means there's nothing to download or install—all you have to do is sign in to your Google account and navigate to Google Drive (where Google Docs is housed), and you can create and store files online.
Google Docs comes with all types of useful features, like the ability to share your files with other people so you can work on them at the same time. You can also access your files on any device, including your phone, tablet, or a different computer.
To learn more, visit our Google Drive and Docs tutorials:
Office Online
Microsoft's Office Online is also a web-based program. All you need is a free account—this time, a Microsoft account—and you can access your files almost anywhere. You can also share your files online and collaborate with other users.
The coolest thing about Office Online is how similar it is to Microsoft Office (after all, both products are made by Microsoft). It offers many of the same tools and features, just in a simpler, more web-friendly package. The interface should be a breeze if you have any experience with the desktop version of Office.
Learn more about it with our tutorial:
OpenOffice and LibreOffice
Looking for a more traditional alternative to Microsoft Office? Something that you can actually download and install on your computer? You might want to check out OpenOffice or LibreOffice.
These programs may not be as slick as Google Docs or Office Online, but they come with a few extra features, including a tool for creating and managing databases. You can use them for almost all of your home and office needs, and the environment is remarkably similar to older versions of Microsoft Office.
We don't have any current tutorials on these programs, but you can learn more below:
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Which Microsoft Word alternative is right you, depends almost entirely on what you want to use the program for. If it’s important for you to have a lot of options regarding text design, you need a different program compared to those who just concentrating solely on writing. Also, the alternatives to Microsoft Word all take up different amounts of memory – or you could also choose an online program that doesn’t require any space on your hard drive. An important prerequisite is that the program is compatible with your operating system.
The IONOS HiDrive Cloud Storage enables you to store, edit, and share your Office documents centrally and securely. Whether for private or professional purposes, you can work flexibly on any device with the HiDrive app and other interfaces. IONOS' state-of-the-art US data centers ensure your data is optimally protected.
Word alternatives in comparison
Suitable for | Mobile version | DOCX files | Features | Languages | |
OpenOffice Writer | Windows, Linux, Mac, Solars, FreeBSD | Yes, for Android | Only opens | Similar to Word | Many languages are available through the language packets |
LibreOffice Writer | Windows, Linux, Mac | Viewer for Android | Opens and saves | Many updates | Many languages are available through the language packets |
AbiWord | Linux | No | Opens and saves | Many languages are available through plugins | |
WPS Office Writer | Windows, Linux | Yes, for Android and iOS | Opens and saves | Encryption and cloud | Many languages can be installed afterwards |
SoftMaker FreeOffice | Windows, Linux, Mac | Yes, for Android | Opens and saves | Additional dictionaries are available | |
Writemonkey | Windows | No | Opens and saves | Writing without distractions | In addition to English, 14 other languages are available |
Google Docs | Everything, due to being online | Yes, for Android and iOS | Opens and saves | Work together in realtime | Many languages available |
Apache OpenOffice Writer: similar to Word
Apache OpenOffice was operated under the name OpenOffice.org until 2012 and now is simply called 'OpenOffice'. The OpenOffice Writer is the most popular among the Microsoft Word alternatives, and together with LibreOffice, it’s most similar to the original. Just like Microsoft Office packet, OpenOffice (as well as being a word processing program) also provides an alternative to Excel, a database tool, a drawing program, a tool for mathematical formulas, and a presentation tool. OpenOffice doesn’t, however, provide an alternative for the Outlook e-mail program.
OpenOffice Writer has all the functions that you need in everyday office life. It is important that OpenOffice can open all Microsoft Word formats. When saving work, OpenOffice Writer only supports the older file formats (.doc, .xml). Most of the details are in the layout, however subtleties such as the placement of footnotes could shift content around. It is therefore recommendable to convert documents to pdf documents before you print them. OpenOffice Writer is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✔ Similar to Microsoft Word | ✘ Doesn’t save docx files |
| ✔ Can open Microsoft Word formats |
LibreOffice Writer: alternative to OpenOffice
An alternative to the alternative: LibreOffice split off from OpenOffice in 2010 after disagreements with Oracle, who was the main sponsor at the time. The layout and functions of the program are largely the same, but there are some important differences. The LibreOffice Writer can edit and save the docx file format, whereas OpenOffice can only open it. If you often swap documents with other Microsoft Office users, it’s recommended you use LibreOffice.
LibreOffice also provides significantly more updates than OpenOffice, which can be both advantageous and disadvantageous. The advantage is that developers eliminate errors, close security gaps, and implement new features. However, they sometimes also create immature functions and not all users have the patience to keep installing new updates every two months.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✔ Also saves docx files | ✘ Immature functions |
| ✔ More updates | ✘ Updates can interfere |
AbiWord: simple program with many functions
The name AbiWord comes from the Spanish word 'abierto', meaning 'open'. This Microsoft Word alternative provides similar functions to the original and the layout is similar to earlier versions of Word (up until Word 2003). AbiWord takes up little space on the hard drive: only 20 megabytes. With AbiWord, you can create tables, embed graphics, and automatically fill in fields in e-mails with the Mail Merge tool.
With a long list of plugins, the features can be expanded by installing AbiWord. The import filters, for example, are used to read and save most file formats, including docx files. In practice, however, the layout has to be reworked in some formats. AbiWord also offers a platform with AbiCollab.net where you can work on documents with other people in real time. AbiWord doesn’t have a function for exporting documents as a pdf. The program works alongside Windows and Linux on the operating system QNX, FreeBSD, and Solaris.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✔ Lean program | ✘ No export of pdf documents |
| ✔ Also saves docx files | ✘ Extra plugin required for many features |
| ✔ Collaboration platform |
WPS Office Writer: Alternative for frequent writers
The company, Kingsoft, has been distributing its Office package WPS Office since the 1980s. In addition to various paid versions, the manufacturer also offers the extensive Office Free Edition. The structure of the text processing program looks very similar to that of Microsoft, comes however with a few changes. For example, it is possible to open several documents within the program and switch between them with the help of tabs. Another special feature is the two display formats “Eye Protection Mode” and “Night Mode”, which makes the writing area very easy on the eye.
Files can be saved in different file formats. Therefore, not only the WPS format is available, but also other common file types, including DOCX. If you log in, you can also access a personal cloud and save the files online. Users also have the simple option of securing the file with a password and establishing encryption.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Well-designed structure | Costs extra for the full scope |
Free cloud | |
Many file formats | |
File encryption |
SoftMaker FreeOffice: Word processing from Germany
The German software manufacturer, SoftMaker, also offers a free version of FreeOffice in addition to its fee-based offer. All users need to do is enter a valid e-mail address. You have the choice between a classic menu structure and the modern ribbon view. No matter which one you choose, the window is very tidy.
When saving the documents, you can choose either between Microsoft Office file formats or the in-house SoftMaker formats. Additionally, you have the possibility to export documents as pdf or epub. The free office suite also includes a spreadsheet program and presentation software. FreeOffice receives regular updates and is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac. You can also download a version for Android smartphones.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
User-friendly design | E-mail address must be entered |
Also works with Microsoft formats | |
Complete Office suite |
WriteMonkey: writing without distraction
WriteMonkey is the right choice for anyone who wants to write without being distracted by advanced layout features. The full-screen mode is most similar to the simple white (or depending on the settings, black, green, or another color) paper, where you can let your creativity run wild. Right-click to access the menu, which will then allow you to fade out certain parts of the text, or be able to jump between different paragraphs. You can set the timer for the amount of time you want to concentrate. The built-in word completion also saves a lot of time when typing.
WriteMonkey is the smallest of the desktop programs mentioned here. It doesn’t need to be installed, which means that WriteMonkey can be used on a USB stick and then put onto other computers. To open WriteMonkey, simply download the application file folder, copy it to a random folder on your hard drive, and then open the WriteMonkey.exe file. Texts can be saved by WriteMonkey as a txt file, or exported to Word, also as a docx file. WriteMonkey only works on Windows.
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| ✔ Fullscreen mode for full concentration | ✘ Only for Windows |
| ✔ Timer | ✘ Layout isn’t very elegant |
| ✔ Works without installation | |
| ✔ Also saves docx files |
Google Docs: online word processing
Google Docs is an online writing program. If you have a Gmail account, click on 'Documents' in the tool bar to go to Google Docs. You can also open your documents using Google Drive. In Google Docs, you can create new documents and work with multiple users on the same document at the same time. You can see straightaway what changes other users have made to the document. This is especially useful when you want to write a text together with others, or when working with editors. As with Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, and LibreOffice, Google Docs also provides features for creating tables (sheets) and presentations (slides).
Free Alternative To Microsoft Word Download
The disadvantages of Google Docs are that it’s slower and has fewer features than Microsoft Word alternatives that are stored on the computer. The layout options of Google Docs are much more limited. Also, many users have reservations about trusting the internet with confidential information. In addition, the functionality of Google Docs depends on the quality and security of the internet connection. Fortunately, there is also a Google Docs app that you can download to your computer or smartphone and then work in offline-mode.
Free Versions Of Office
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✔ Work from anywhere | ✘ Fewer functions that desktop programs |
| ✔ Simple to use | ✘ Slightly slower |
Of course, there are also Google Docs alternatives. Buzzword is the online editor from Adobe and requires a free account, just like Google Docs. Zoho offers the most features out of all the online word processing programs, such as an e-mail program and many layout options. Zoho also requires registration with an account and is therefore especially suitable for users who regularly edit texts online. For occasional group work, Etherpad which is accessible without an account. Etherpad has less text processing capabilities - but is the fastest tool when it comes to group work.
HiDrive Cloud Storage with IONOS
Your data is stored securely in data centers in the US and Europe. Access HiDrive from any device, any time, from the office or on the go.