- Free word processors side by side
- Ten free word processors to look at
- The default file format setting most people never change
- What to look for in a free word processor
- How to switch word processors without losing your work
- Mistakes that make documents look messy
- My plain advice on free word processors
- Frequently asked questions
A free word processor lets you write, format and print documents without paying for a full office subscription. Desktop apps suit long reports and private files, while browser editors suit quick letters and shared drafts. The thing to sort out first is the file format, because the person you send it to may not open the same format you save in.
Most small businesses need a word processor for the same handful of jobs: proposals, letters, contracts, the odd newsletter draft and a CV or two. You don't need a big monthly plan for that, and plenty of good options are free.
Below are ten free word processors in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from tiny distraction-free apps to well-known names. Each description comes from the tool's own website, re-checked today. If you write for clients, my guide to starting out as a freelance writer covers the habits that matter more than the software.
Before you pick one, think about who reads your documents. If everyone you work with uses Word files, the safest choice is an editor that saves in that format by default or lets you change the default once.
Free word processors side by side
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions often come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| AbiWord | Lightweight desktop word processor | Simple documents on older computers | Yes |
| Apple Pages | Apple word processor | Polished documents on Mac and iPad | Yes |
| Calligra Words | Open-source word processor | Linux users who want an office app | Yes |
| FocusWriter | Distraction-free writing app | Long drafts without distractions | Yes |
| FreeOffice TextMaker | Desktop word processor | Word-style editing on any desktop | Yes |
| LibreOffice Writer | Open-source desktop word processor | Full word processing offline | Yes |
| OnlyOffice Docs | Online and desktop editor | Teams sharing Word files | Yes |
| Word for the web | Browser word processor | Quick edits to Word files online | Yes |
| WPS Office | Suite with a word processor | Familiar layout on Windows and mobile | Yes |
| Zoho Writer | Cloud word processor | Collaborative writing online | Yes |
Ten free word processors to look at
AbiWord
Best for: People with an older laptop who want a small, quick word processor for letters and everyday documents.
Apple Pages
Best for: Mac, iPad and iPhone users who want good-looking documents and templates without installing anything extra.
Calligra Words
Best for: Linux desktop users who like a free word processor that sits inside a wider set of open-source office tools.
FocusWriter
Best for: Writers who want a plain full-screen space for first drafts, with daily goals and nothing else on screen.
FreeOffice TextMaker
Best for: Small businesses who want a familiar desktop word processor on Windows, Mac or Linux without a subscription.
LibreOffice Writer
Best for: Anyone who wants a full desktop word processor with styles, tables and mail merge that keeps files on their own computer.
OnlyOffice Docs
Best for: Teams who swap Word documents a lot and want an editor that keeps that formatting looking right.
Word for the web
Best for: People who already have a Microsoft account and need to open, edit and share Word documents in the browser.
WPS Office
Best for: Users who want a word processor that looks and feels close to Word on Windows, Android and iPhone.
Zoho Writer
Best for: Small teams who draft, comment and share documents online and like having version history built in.
The default file format setting most people never change
Here's the catch that causes most of the mess. LibreOffice's own help pages explain that it saves in OpenDocument format by default, and that if you always exchange documents with people who use Microsoft Office, you can set it to use the Microsoft formats as the default instead. LibreOffice Writer is one of several free editors with this kind of setting buried in the options.
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If you skip it, your client gets an odd file ending they can't open, and you look less organised than you are. Set the default once, then every new document goes out in the format your readers expect.
What to look for in a free word processor
- File formats: can it open and save the formats your clients use?
- Styles: are there heading styles, so long documents stay tidy and get a contents page?
- Offline use: can you write without an internet connection?
- Sharing: can you comment and track changes with someone else?
- Export: can you save a clean PDF in one step?
How to switch word processors without losing your work
- Open three of your real documents in the new app, including your longest one.
- Check headings, tables and page breaks look the same as before.
- Change the default save format if you share files with Word users.
- Save a test PDF and open it on your phone to check the layout.
- Move your templates across last, once you're happy with the app.
Mistakes that make documents look messy
- Spacing with the Enter key. Use page breaks instead, or the layout falls apart on another screen.
- Bold text instead of headings. Real heading styles keep long documents easy to navigate.
- Unusual fonts. If the reader doesn't have them, the app swaps in something else.
- Sending the draft file. Export a PDF for anything final.
If your team shares lots of files, my roundup of collaboration tools for remote teams shows where documents can live so nobody edits the wrong version.
Do you make word processing software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on free word processors
Pick the one that matches the people you send documents to, not the one with the most features. Most small businesses only use a fraction of what any of these can do.
And spend five minutes on the settings on day one. The default save format and a couple of heading styles will save you hours of fiddling later.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free word processor like Word?
Yes. Several free desktop and browser editors open and save Word files and look much like Word, with some differences in advanced layout.
Can I use a free word processor for business documents?
Most free word processors can be used for business letters and reports. Check each app's own terms if you're not sure about commercial use.
Why does my document look different on someone else's computer?
Fonts and page settings vary between apps. Using common fonts and exporting a PDF for final copies avoids most surprises.
Do I need to be online to use a free word processor?
Desktop apps work offline. Browser editors usually need a connection, though some offer an offline mode.
What's the difference between a word processor and an office suite?
A word processor handles documents only, while an office suite adds spreadsheets and presentations.
Can I track changes in a free word processor?
Many free editors include track changes and comments, which is handy when a client needs to review a draft.
Which format should I send documents in?
Send an editable Word file if someone needs to change it, and a PDF if they only need to read or print it.
Are browser word processors safe for private documents?
They're fine for everyday writing, but keep sensitive contracts in a desktop app if you'd rather files stay on your own computer.
