What is an alternative to Microsoft Word?

 

Microsoft Word alternatives at a glance

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.

Contents

1. Word alternatives in comparison
2. Apache OpenOffice Writer: similar to Word
3. LibreOffice Writer: alternative to OpenOffice
4. AbiWord: simple program with many functions
5. WPS Office Writer: Alternative for frequent writers
6. SoftMaker FreeOffice: Word processing from Germany
7. WriteMonkey: writing without distraction
8. Google Docs: online word processing

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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.

Apache OpenOffice Writer

Advantages	Disadvantages
✔ Similar to Microsoft Word	✘ Doesn’t save docx files
✔ Can open Microsoft Word formats

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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.

LibreOffice Writer: alternative to OpenOffice

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.

AbiWord: simple program with many functions

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.

WPS Office offers interesting features with familiar design.

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.

SoftMaker FreeOffice offers a complete, free Office suite.

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.

WriteMonkey: writing without distraction

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).

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.

Google Docs: online word processing

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.

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