Students and professionals must create and edit many documents daily for educational and business purposes. You need word processing software to create, edit, and customize a document on your PC, laptop, or phone. Microsoft Word is a top-rated word processing software with a specific cost.
Do you want a free word processing software download with all the features of MS Word? Which word processing software is best for Windows, Linux, or Mac devices?
In this article, we will describe the 10 best free word processing software for Windows, Linux, and Mac devices and how to use them.
1. WPS Writer
If you want to create a well-designed professional document, then WPS Writer is the best choice. It is part of the WPS Office suite. It is compatible with all file formats. It is also available for all major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, MacOS, and mobile devices.
Main Features
Free to download and use
Create polished documents
Compatible with multiple file formats
100,000+ well-designed templates
Convert files between PDF to Word
How To Download And Use WPS Writer?
WPS Writer comes as packaged software with the WPS Office suite. You can download WPS Office from its Official website for free.
WPS Writer is a user-friendly and easy-to-use software. You can open WPS Office once it is installed and click on the Document tab on the home page.
You can start creating a document from scratch by selecting a Blank document or using any template you choose.
2. Google Docs
Google Docs is a free online word processor offered by Google. It is part of Google Workspace. If multiple team members at different locations want to work on a single document, then Google Docs is the best option.
Main Features & Pros
Seamless collaboration from anywhere
Write faster with built-in intelligence
Suggest, comment, and edit the document
Convert between Word documents to Google Docs
Cons
Document size limitations
Does not support the advanced features of a standalone word processor
Requires internet connection to work
Potential security concerns
A limited number of templates
How To Download And Use Google Docs?
Google Docs is a web-based word processor. You do not need to install it on your device. Just open your browser and go to the official website of Google Docs and start exploring it. Start with a blank document, or choose any template of your choice.
3. LibreOffice Writer
LibreOffice Writer is a free and open-source word processing software. It is used to create everyday documents with ease. It contains many advanced features and templates. It also supports all file formats; you can export your work as PDF.
Main Features & Pros
Free and open-source
Formula editor to insert formulas and equations
Saves documents in Open Document Format (ODF)
Grammar checking feature with language tool API
Cons
An outdated user interface
No collaborative features, i.e., integration with Cloud
Lack of advanced features
Not easy to use for beginners
How To Download And Use LibreOffice?
You can download LibreOffice from its official website. Install the software after downloading it. Open LibreOffice Writer for creating and editing your documents.
4. WriteMonkey
WriteMonkey is another free and easy-to-use word processing software. It comes with a minimal user interface with basic options on the screen so that the user can focus on writing only.
Main Features & Pros
Portable software, no installation required
Free to use
Simple and minimalistic user interface
Cons
No spell-checking feature
No support for standard office file formats
Lack of advanced features such as Table of contents, thesaurus, macros, etc.
How To Download And Use WriteMonkey?
To download WriteMonkey, go to the official website of WriteMonkey and download the zip file for your desired operating system. Extract the zip file and run the exe file to use WriteMonkey. There is no need for installation.
5. FocusWriter
FocusWriter is a simple writing solution. It provides a distraction-free writing environment with minimum options on the screen. It is available for Windows and Linux.
Main Features & Pros
Txt, basic RTF, and basic ODT file formats supported
Theme customization
Optional spell-checking feature
Creation of Goals to track and stay on the task
Cons
Limited features
No support for rich text documents
How To Download And Use FocusWriter?
You can get FocuWriter from its official website Gott Code. Download your desired version and install it on your device. It has a simple interface. You can hover your mouse on the screen edges to get the options menu.
6. AbiWord
AbiWord is another free word processor available for only Linux users. It has an organized option menu interface, allowing users to navigate to the required option quickly. It supports team collaboration; you can save and share your work online with your group members. It supports all standard file formats, e.g., DOCX, DOC, RTF, etc.
Main Features & Pros
Free to use
Supports all standard file formats
Spell check and auto-save features
Online collaboration among groups
Cons
Only available for Linux users
Lacks an intuitive, modern interface
No advanced editing features
How To Download And Use AbiWord?
AbiWord is available for download at its official website. You can download and install it on your Linux machine.
7. AbleWord
It is another free word processing tool with a simple and easy-to-use interface. You can edit both PDF and Word files using AbleWord. Editing PDF files is as easy as editing Word documents. It supports all major file formats, including TXT, DOC, DOCX, RTF, and PDF. It also supports PDF to Word conversion.
Main Features & Pros
PDF editing features
Converts PDF files to Word
Supports file formats including TXT, DOC, DOCX, RTF, and PDF
Spell check feature
Cons
Lack of advanced PDF editing features
Not updated since 2015
How To Download And Use AbleWord?
AbleWord is freely available to download at its official website. You can download and install it on your machine. You can start using AbleWord by creating a new document or editing one made earlier.
8. Jarte
Jarte is a free and portable word processor. It is easy to use and equipped with all standard features. If you want advanced features, you can get a paid version of Jarte called Jarte Plus. It is built in the same style as Windows WordPad. It is simple, easy to use, and easy to run.
Main Features & Pros
Very simple and lightweight software package
Offers a portable version as well as an installation package
Opens different documents in individual tabs
Supports standard file formats, e.g., DOC, DOCX, ODT, etc
Cons
No update since 2018
Lack of auto spell check feature
How To Download And Use Jarte?
You can download Jarte from its official website. It is available both as an installation package and as a portable version. It is recommended to use a portable version as no installation is required.
9. OpenOffice Writer
It is another open-source and free word processor. It is included as a package in the OpenOffice suite. You must download the complete Office suite to use this software. It has a spell-check feature.
Main Features & Pros
Supports all file formats, e.g., Doc, Docx, Txt, etc.
Supports extensions and templates
Auto spell-checking feature
A portable version is also available
Cons
Must download the entire Office suite just to use Writer
Slow downloading speed
The interface is not user friendly
How To Download And Use OpenOffice Writer?
You can download OpenOffice word processing software free from its official website. It is also available as a portable version. If you have downloaded the standard installation file, you can install it on your machine, and if you have downloaded the portable version. Installing is unnecessary; extract the compressed file and use the OpenOffice Writer.
When the download is complete, launch OpenOffice, and on the homepage, click on Text Document to create your first document using OpenOffice.
10. SoftMaker FreeOffice
SoftMaker FreeOffice is also an Office suite containing a word processing software called TextMaker. It is available for major operating systems, e.g., Windows, Linux, and MacOS. It supports all file formats of MS Office, OpenOffice, and plain text files. You can also create E-books using TextMaker.
Main Features & Pros
Free to use
Feature for creating an E-book
Supports all standard document file formats, e.g., DOC, DOCX, RTF, ODT, WRI, and WPD, etc.
Contains many advanced features
Cons
Lacks collaborative features
Limited document viewing options
Slow performance on complex tasks
How To Download And Use SoftMaker FreeOffice?
Go to the official website of FreeOffice to download it. You can select your desired operating system on the download page.
Features of Word Processing Software
Different word processors may differ in the features they offer. However, all word processors have the following essential features.
Insert and delete text, images, and tables in the document
Copy, cut, and paste the text
Find and replace a word(s) in the document
Word wrap and word count
Formatting features such as margins, borders, text alignment, line and paragraph spacing, bullets, and numbering
Font type and size adjustment
These basic features are included in almost all types of word processing software. However, some word processing software may support some additional features such as;
Spelling and grammar checking
Cross-reference and citations
Adding a table of contents and bibliography
Inserting graphics such as illustrations and vector art etc
Define and execute macros in the document
Built-in dictionary
Collaborative features, e.g., many team members located at dispersed locations, can simultaneously work on a single document.
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AI features, e.g., voice inputs, reading text aloud, and translation from one language to another.
Here is a detailed description of the 10 best word processing software 2023.
Difference between Word Processors & Text Editors & Desktop Publishing Systems
Word processors are similar to Text editors and desktop publishing systems. A text editor only contains the basic editing features. It does not include advanced features to design and format the document. Programmers usually use text editors to write code.
On the other hand, desktop publishing systems are more advanced than word processors and text editors. They are equipped with advanced features to perform complex tasks. However, the Line dividing the word processors and desktop publishing systems is opaque. Modern word processors are also equipped with some of the advanced features of desktop publishing systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excel A Word Processing Software?
No, Excel is a data analysis or a spreadsheet program. It’s also pre-installed as part of the MS Office suite and thus compatible with Word. However, the two software programs have different functions.
While spreadsheet and word-processing applications are similar, there are a few distinctions. A spreadsheet program is designed to work with numerical data, while a word processor is meant to work with text. Also, spreadsheet programs store data in cells, tables, and columns, while word processors use an open template that allows data to be entered everywhere.
Some Other Word Processing Software
Apart from the word processing software listed above, there are numerous other word processors. Some of the examples of these word processors are:
CalmyWriter
Ginger Software
Zoho Office
Grammarly
Jotterpad
Evernote Web
Readable
Prowritingaid
Summary
In this article, we have discussed the ten best free word processing software of 2023. We have described each software's main features, pros, and cons. You can select a word processing software of your choice from this list.
However, we recommend you choose the WPS Office suite. WPS Office is a free, robust, and user-friendly office suite. It contains a word processing tool, a spreadsheet program, a presentation maker, and a PDF reader. It supports all file formats of MS Office, OpenOffice, LibreOffice, and FreeOffice. It is also available for major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Android, Mac OS, and iOS users. You can get WPS Office for free from its official website.
