Free Alternatives to Office
If you are looking for a free alternative to Office, look no further. These programs are word processors (like Microsoft Word) without the extra unnecessary features. Best of all – they’re absolutely free!
Google Docs
Google Docs allows you to easily create, collaborate, and share documents. Share the link directly with your friends and colleagues, and choose whether or not they have to be signed in to edit the document. Track changes, make comments, and more!Â
Dropbox Paper
Dropbox Paper can be used for a variety of different things, including: meeting notes, launch plans, idea brainstorming, product specification documents, and creative briefing, to name a few. Furthermore, you can use a Google account or Dropbox account to edit.
Etherpad
Etherpad allows you to collaboratively edit documents with friends and colleagues in real-time. There are plugins available to extend functionality and enhance appearance.
Zoho Writer
Zoho boasts that their word processor, Writer, that is available on all devices. An added bonus is that you can sign into Zoho with an existing Google account.Â
LibreOffice Writer
LibreOffice Writer contains all of the features Microsoft Word offers. It’s great to use from the simplicity of a to-do list, and complicated enough for full books.
Jarte
Jarte is a free word processor that’s based on the Microsoft WordPad word processing engine. It is incredibly lightweight and has touch screen support.
WPS Office
WPS Office is a full office suite that offers a wide array of free templates for teachers, students, and businesses. Furthermore, it has a PDF Converter and PDF Editor for Android.
SoftMaker FreeOffice
SoftMaker FreeOffice is not only free to use personally, it is free for businesses too! It also includes a spreadsheet application and presentation program. All are compatible with the Microsoft versions.
Writemonkey
Writemonkey is a Windows writing application with a minimalistic user interface. Additionally, it supports full Markdown.
FreeOffice TextMaker
FreeOffice TextMaker enables you to create documents easily and quickly. It contains a variety of design options, text wrapping options, spell-checking, and even opens and saves all Microsoft Word (.doc and .docx) files.
FocusWriter
FocusWriter allows you to modify the look and feel of your own personalized, distraction-free writing environment. Further, you can enable typewriter sound effects, live statistics, spell-checking, and more.
OpenOffice Writer
Apache’s OpenOffice Writer is simple enough for a quick memo or notes, yet able to create books with contents, diagrams, and more. For instance, Writer has AutoCorrect, AutoComplete, .docx & .doc support, and allows you to save in multiple formats.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, if you’re one of the few that doesn’t have Office installed automatically on your machine, you don’t have to be without a word processor. These free programs will help you organize your thoughts without emptying your pockets. Do you have a program that you use that we didn’t list? Let us know via email or in the comments below.
Resources & Further Reading
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10 Free MS Word Alternatives You Can Use Today. (2021, January 18). Retrieved January 31, 2021, from https://www.investintech.com/resources/articles/tenwordalternatives/
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Ellis, C. (2020, September 16). The best free word processor 2021: Alternatives to Microsoft Word. Retrieved January 31, 2021, from https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-free-word-processor
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Vigliarolo, B. (2020, November 05). Free Alternatives to Microsoft Word. Retrieved January 31, 2021, from https://www.techrepublic.com/article/5-free-alternatives-to-microsoft-word/