The best free word processor 2020

The best free word processor 2020
The best free word processor will provide you with a simple and easy way to create familiar documents, without having to purchase a license or subscription to use it. The Best Free Word Processors You might be able to manage without a spreadsheet tool or something to create slideshows, but text documents are unavoidable. However, while there are good free word processing programs out there, they tend not to have as many features as paid software. Even when they do, there can be compatibility issues with moving document formats between software platforms. Here we take a look at the best word processors that can be used offline (especially useful for distraction-free writing), but there are also several great browser-based tools to consider if you prefer to write online. Google Docs is the obvious choice, and it has the advantage of automatically saving your work so you don't have to worry if the connection fails. It's also a good option for collaborative work and means you don't have to upload your work to a separate cloud storage service. However, its template selection is limited, there's no way to import content from other Google apps, and any online tool will be surrounded by distractions like social media.

Divisor

The best word processor available today is: Microsoft Word
When it comes to features and convenience, it's always hard to beat Microsoft Word. While not free like the tools listed below, the latest version fully integrates with Microsoft OneDrive and allows you to seamlessly transfer material between the entire Microsoft 365 suite of applications.

Divisor

(Image credit: LibreOffice)

1. LibreOffice Writer

Singing and dancing word processors for all text-based work

Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux Excellent format compatibility Document template galleries Plugin support No ads or paywalls LibreOffice is a fork of Apache OpenOffice, and both offer very similar word processing applications, but LibreOffice receives more updates frequent and has a more dynamic user base, so we're inclined to lean in its favor. The word processor, Writer, is a feature-rich Microsoft Word analogue with all the tools you might need for any text-based work. Both versions of Writer include wizards and templates for common document types like invoices and letters, and it's easy to create your own templates for future use, too. Word processors also work with other desktop software in their respective suites, so you can use Base to create a bibliography, for example. Both word processors support all of the most popular file formats and can export documents to PDF without the need for additional software. If you're looking for a word processor that can replace Microsoft Word, either of these two will fit the bill.

Divisor

(Image credit: WPS Office)

2. Free WPS Office Writer

A word processor with cloud storage and support for all text files.

Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux Interface almost identical to Word Excellent file format support Free cloud storage Contains ads If you've used a modern version of Microsoft Word, there won't be a learning curve when you upgrade to Writer, the Microsoft Word component. WPS Office Free word processing. This free word processor looks and behaves almost exactly like its premium counterpart, and even has its own OneDrive equivalent, offering 1GB of free cloud storage. Its selection of pre-installed templates gives you everything you need for common document types, and you can easily create your own for custom tasks. It supports every text file format you can think of, including current and legacy versions of Microsoft Word dating back to Office 97. WPS Office Writer supports unobtrusive ads, which can be removed by upgrading to the premium version, but they are barely visible and no functionality is locked behind a paywall. Overall, WPS Writer is very impressive and in our opinion the best free word processor available for download today. WPS recently released a free PDF to Word converter, which is a great companion to your word processor.

Divisor

(Image credit: FocusWriter)

3.FocusWriter

The perfect word processor for first drafts, without formatting issues

Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux Block distractions Timers and alarms Auto save Not ideal for editing If you just want to speak a few words without worrying about formatting, you can use Windows' built-in Notepad app, but FocusWriter is packed with smart tools to help you maximize productivity without ever getting in the way. As its name suggests, FocusWriter blocks out all distractions so you can give your full attention to that all-important first draft. In normal use, all you see is a blank page (the toolbars are only visible if you move your mouse pointer to the edge of the screen), but there's a killer feature on focused text. , which shuffles everything in the background except the current paragraph or sentence. FocusWriter also offers alerts that go off at certain times or when you've reached a predetermined word count, so you don't have to worry about looking at a counter (like you would in Microsoft Word). It also makes FocusWriter a good tool to use in conjunction with the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working hard for a long enough period of time that you can work productively, but not so hard that you tire yourself out. It's not great for editing, but for productivity, FocusWriter is hard to beat.

Divisor

(Image credit: SoftMaker)

4.FreeOfficeTextMaker

Another great word processor, but watch out for file formats

Operating system: Windows, Mac, Linux Can export to EPUB format Print multiple pages per sheet Open password protected files Does not support DOCX files TextMaker, the word processing element of SoftMaker FreeOffice, looks good and comes with several useful templates for creating letters and other everyday documents. The selection isn't as extensive as some of its competitors, but you can also create new designs for future use and save them as TMV. All the features you'd expect from a modern word processor are present and correct, including advanced formatting options, the ability to create databases to manage bibliographies and footnotes, and a tracking function for changes made to texts. collaborative projects. TextMaker's only real drawback is its inability to save your work in DOCX format (although you can open and edit these files without difficulty). This functionality is limited to the premium version of SoftMaker Office.

Divisor

(Image credit: Writemonkey)

5.Writemonkey

Productivity-driven word processing with quick shortcuts < p class="specs__container">Operating system: Windows Distraction-free interface Supports markup Convenient keyboard shortcuts Only works with TXT files WriteMonkey is another simple word processor designed to help you maximize your output without worrying about editing and formatting. It's not designed for documents like letters or resumes, but it's great for submitting initial ideas on paper (or screen) so you have the raw material to develop them later. Unlike FocusWriter, which supports all of the most popular text formats (including Microsoft DOC and DOCX), WriteMonkey only works with TXT files, so you'll need to convert all current jobs before opening them. WriteMonkey's hidden controls are also more difficult to navigate: everything can be accessed via a large context menu or a large collection of keyboard shortcuts. That said, if you're happy to keep these shortcuts in memory, you'll find WriteMonkey faster to use than toolbar-based alternatives. We also love the ability to look up words on Wikipedia, Google Images, Poetry.com, Answers.com, and many more without having to manually open a browser and leave it open to the temptations of Twitter and Facebook. WriteMonkey is a portable application, so there is no need to install it; just extract all downloaded files to a removable drive or cloud storage service and launch it by running the WriteMonkey.exe file.