- Free Alternative Word Program For Mac Os X
- Free Alternative Word Program For Macbook
- Word Program For Mac Computer
- Microsoft Word For Mac
- Microsoft Word Program For Mac
- Free Word Programs For Mac
- Word Processing Program For Mac
Back in the year 2002, we got a taste of what it would be like to not pay for Microsoft Office. Sun Microsystems released OpenOffice, a completely free office suite, which rivaled Microsoft Office’s offerings. But the sun might be setting on that legendary software.
Find the best free programs like iTunes for Mac. More than 5 alternatives to choose: Winamp, VLC media player, Windows Media Player and more. You’ve got a new Mac and it’s likely you’re never going back to Windows. Included with your Mac was the iWork Suite: Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.These are Apple’s own alternatives to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
OpenOffice was a trend setter. Users got a word processor, a spreadsheet, a presentation program, and a few other apps. It was a free download that worked on all platforms, including Linux, which Microsoft never supported. It was the best free office suite not made by Microsoft.
But now, Ars Technica is reporting that OpenOffice might be shutting down soon. Ever since Apache took over the software, it has been largely neglected. Most developers who helped with the open-source project moved to LibreOffice, a better Microsoft Office alternativeIs the New LibreOffice a Better Microsoft Office Alternative?Is the New LibreOffice a Better Microsoft Office Alternative?LibreOffice, a long-time contender of Microsoft Office, just received a makeover and important updates. After being held back by niggling bugs over the years, has LibreOffice finally found the winning formula?Read More that rose from OpenOffice’s neglect.
According to Ars Technica, Dennis Hamilton, the head of the OpenOffice initiative in Apache recently started an email thread in which he said that retirement of the project is a serious possibility. He wrote:
It is my considered opinion that there is no ready supply of developers who have the capacity, capability, and will to supplement the roughly half-dozen volunteers holding the project together.
While developers and fans in the thread promised to stick by the software, it’s not looking good. Recently, OpenOffice was unable to plug a major security hole in a timely fashion, going so far as suggesting that users should switch to Microsoft Office or LibreOffice.
If OpenOffice itself is saying you should look elsewhere, maybe it’s time to drop it and adopt a new, free office suite. Here are the best free and low-cost alternatives9 of the Best Free and Low-Cost Alternatives to Microsoft Office9 of the Best Free and Low-Cost Alternatives to Microsoft OfficeMicrosoft Office has dominated the market of text documents, spreadsheets and slide shows for years, and for good reason – it’s one of the very best. However, there’s one drawback and that is the price....Read More to OpenOffice.
1. LibreOffice
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
LibreOffice grew from the team that used to work on OpenOffice, so you’ll be right at home when switching to this one. It has the same suite of applications as OpenOffice, and has a much more active developer community.
In fact, LibreOffice 5.1 added excellent new featuresIs LibreOffice Worthy of the Office Crown?Is LibreOffice Worthy of the Office Crown?LibreOffice is the king of free office suites. It's unlikely to replace Microsoft Office in a business environment, but it's an excellent alternative for casual users. Here's what's new in LibreOffice 5.1.Read More that make it the best free office suite around. One of those is the ability to open and save files to cloud services directly, such as Google Drive, OneDrive, etc. The 5.2 update even adds two-factor authentication supportWhat Is Two-Factor Authentication, And Why You Should Use ItWhat Is Two-Factor Authentication, And Why You Should Use ItTwo-factor authentication (2FA) is a security method that requires two different ways of proving your identity. It is commonly used in everyday life. For example paying with a credit card not only requires the card,...Read More.
The developer support matters because of LibreOffice extensions. It’s the same logic as using Chrome because more programmers make extensions for it. With the wide variety of extensions here, you’ll be able to do almost anything you want in LibreOffice.
Download:LibreOffice for Windows, Mac, or Linux (free)
2. SoftMaker FreeOffice
Platforms: Windows, Linux
SoftMaker has been gaining a loyal fan following for its new office suite, FreeOffice. It’s being touted as the best Microsoft Word and Office free alternativeNeed a Microsoft Word & Office Alternative? Try FreeOffice 2016Need a Microsoft Word & Office Alternative? Try FreeOffice 2016Microsoft Office is the most advanced office suite on the planet. But why fork over cash when you can use a free alternative that still offers all you need? FreeOffice 2016 could be right for...Read More, and there’s a reason for that. SoftMaker has made sure FreeOffice works fantastically with files made and formatted in Microsoft Office. It’s loss-free.
That’s the big seller behind FreeOffice — being able to open and work on DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX files without the formatting going haywire. That happens more often than you’d think with office suites. However, there is one issue: FreeOffice can’t save documents in those same formats.
More than anything, FreeOffice feels snappy and comfortable. If you’re coming from an older version of Microsoft, you’ll feel at home in FreeOffice. It doesn’t have the famed Microsoft Ribbon, but that’s not a big loss either.
There are other benefits to FreeOffice, like exporting in ePub format for ebook readersHow to Make an EPUB File for the iPad, Nook, Kobo & MoreHow to Make an EPUB File for the iPad, Nook, Kobo & MoreRead More, creating PDF forms, a built-in auto text expander for increased productivity7 Awesome Uses For PhraseExpress Text Expander7 Awesome Uses For PhraseExpress Text ExpanderIn my never-ending quest to find new ways to automate my activities in front of the keyboard, and to shave precious seconds off of my work schedule, I always appreciate new and creative technologies that...Read More, and more. You’ll love it!
Download:SoftMaker FreeOffice for Windows or Linux (free)
3. WPS Office
Platforms: Windows, Linux
Many users love the Microsoft Office Ribbon menu and its customizabilityHow to Optimize the Office 2016 Ribbon or Menu InterfaceHow to Optimize the Office 2016 Ribbon or Menu InterfaceDo you often search for menu items in Microsoft Office? It's time to re-arrange and customize the Ribbon menu for your personal needs. You'll be surprised how flexible and easy it is!Read More, but free office suites haven’t managed to build that yet. All except one: WPS Office, made by Kingsoft.
Kingsoft’s WPS Office is gorgeous software. The WPS stands for Writer, Presentation, Spreadsheets — the three apps you get in the suite. They closely mimic Microsoft Office’s professional look and feel, and are actually much lighter on the system. More importantly, you can open, edit, and save files as DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX, keeping with Microsoft’s file formats.
WPS Office is more the perfect Microsoft Office alternative rather than the perfect OpenOffice alternative. You won’t get extensions or support for cloud saving, for example. But you need to figure out which office suite is best for youWhich Office Suite Is Best for You?Which Office Suite Is Best for You?You'll be pressed to find an occupation that doesn't require word or number processing of some sort. And you may wonder, is Microsoft Office really the best solution? Here are your options.Read More. if you were using OpenOffice as a way to get away from Microsoft Office, then first try replacing it with WPS Office.
Download: WPS Office for Windows (free) or for Linux (free)
4. iWork
Platforms: Mac, Web
There’s no WPS Office or FreeOffice for Mac, but don’t worry, Mac users get Apple’s own iWork for free! If you have a Mac bought in or after 2013, you can download the official Apple office suite without paying a dime.
Pages, Numbers, and Keynotes are the respect word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation apps. Of these, Keynotes is arguably even better than PowerPoint—heck, it’s what Steve Jobs used to make all those legendary presentations. And yes, it works flawlessly with Microsoft Office files, much like FreeOffice.
iWork is best used with iCloudHow the New iWork for iCloud Works With Your Apple DevicesHow the New iWork for iCloud Works With Your Apple DevicesiWork for iCloud is a suite of online office applications (consisting of Pages, Keynote, and Numbers) that sync with the Mac and iOS versions of the programs. The online versions of iWork mirror most of...Read More and other Apple devices, since it can store and sync your documents across your Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It’s yet another reason to buy the Apple ecosystem, not the gadgetsApple vs. Android: Buy the Ecosystem, Not the GadgetApple vs. Android: Buy the Ecosystem, Not the GadgetYou love your Android phone and want to buy a tablet. Everyone tells you the iPad is the best tablet, and it really is the best; but you should still buy an Android tablet.Read More.
Plus, unlike any of the other apps featured here, iWork works in a web browser too. Just fire up your iCloud and get to work.
Download:Pages for Mac (free), Numbers for Mac (free), Keynote for Mac (free)
Are You Still Using OpenOffice?
OpenOffice’s slow decline over the past few years has been well documented. Several users have shifted away to LibreOffice or other alternatives, but there are still some faithfully holding on.
Are you still an OpenOffice user? Do you believe it will shut down? If you switched, what do you use now and why? Let’s talk in the comments.
Explore more about: LibreOffice, Microsoft Office Alternative, OpenOffice.
You guys should give ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors (https://www.onlyoffice.com/download-desktop.aspx) a try.
I have never had a problem with Open Office. When Libre came along, I looked at it but couldn't see any difference.
Maybe MUD could do a comparison and explain just what any differences are between the two.The ONLY MS Office I consistantly use is Publisher.
I got used to it a long time ago and have had a few updates.
But I have NEVER found another desktop publishing programme that can do for me what MsPub does. The only thing I miss from it is a small additive called Draw101.
It was much simpler than even Paint but I have not managed to trace it anywhere online.I like Draw as a free alternative to Publisher.
Did you know that Libre Office opens Publisher files?
Open Office does not.
I have used the PortableApps version of Open Office for quite some time and have been perfectly content with it. In view of the hints of closure of OpenOffice I was persuaded to change to LibreOffice but have been plagued by an intermittent bug: occasionally, a spreadsheet row that has had a value altered fails to update. There is nothing I can do to make it update. The only solution is to delete the row and rewrite it (or copy and edit a previous occurrence of the row). This problem has sent me back to OpenOffice which is free from the error. I also prefer OO to LO.
I shall continue using OO and only change, reluctantly, if it becomes unusable.
OpenOffice is impossibly, impossibly slow and problematic. I've given up on it. In addition to the ones you've mentioned above, Zoho Office is a great service, especially on Android.
Neither the article nor these commenters touched on the issue that keeps me handcuffed to MS Office: Macros. As a (now retired) journalist, I found keyboard macros invaluable. With alt+p, I never talked about 'pubic policy;' such a mistake would have been a 'l' of an embarrassment. And how many times did alt+s save me keystrokes on deadline. No need to provide the whole list to make my point, which is importing all of those seems impossible. And I've never understood how to do do in the free products.
LibreOffice 5.3 now has the ribbon bar. http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2017/02/how-to-enable-libreoffice-ribbon-notebook-bar
'Many users love the Microsoft Office Ribbon menu . . .'
You keep using that word 'many.' I don't think it means what you think it means.
I am still using Open Office and recently got an update. I had no idea it was in jeopardy. I do everything with this suite except work on PDF files - my only complaint.
I am sure most office suites are capable of doing what they are suppose to do, but the open source alternatives are very unstable and not constant in their document behavior, especially when opening documents created from other software e.g MS Office and the like .
I personally enjoy using SSuite OmegaOffice HD. Much more simpler to use than the main stream resource hogs you mentioned above. Works perfect on my HD screen too. You really don't need all those functions and features that come stuffed into each application. Its running speed is incredible and almost doesn't use any resources either.
I prefer to use Google docs!
sure if you want your documents on thier server LOL
The problems began for OpenOffice when it Oracle took over from Sun, that is what caused the split, with many developers unhappy with the dubious stewardship of Oracle, resulting in the LibreOffice fork, with the wedge deepened when Oracle would not allow allegiance to both projects.
By the time OpenOffice was handed to the Apache foundation, the damage was done, and quite possibly irreparable. Due to licence compatibility issues, there were problems bringing things back from LO to OO.
After the initial fork, the two were very similar, but since then, LibreOffice has pushed far ahead, maybe not the first time where the 'fork' has achieved greater prominence than the original.
You should do a comparison table for us visual folks! :)
On Windows, I had migrated from LibreOffice to OpenOffice due to performance issues. I think OpenOffice doing better on Windows, regarding performance.
I had an odd issue with LibreOffice when I installed it on my gaming computer (X99 motherboard, i7 processor, 32GB RAM- a top-notch computer) running Win 8 at the time. I'd run LibreOffice on an older, much less capable laptop without problem, but for some reason the same software on a much more powerful system consistently took two minute or more to open an Excel file that wasn't all that big and certainly not complicated. It took seconds on the laptop. I never did resolve the issue and finally bought a copy of MS Office, which zipped along. I don't believe it was a problem with LibreOffice specifically as just some weird combination that just didn't play well together. Other MS Office files also took longer to open on the gaming machine than on the laptop. I still recommend LibreOffice.
I am using OpenOffice for years now. I will continue to use it, till it will be dead (till then I enjoy the comfort not to have to install updates and to learn new things coming in). I trust that I will be able to switch to an alternative in a day or two. Let's cross the bridge when we get there.
No need to worry!
Apache OpenOffice is alive.
Looking forward to 4.1.4.It's Dec 2017 and ...4.1.4 is out there already!
Great having OO alive , strong and going steady for so many years !!!
Thank you ..handful of developers !
These free word processors can be a great alternative to Microsoft Word. Many have very similar characteristics to Word and since they're free, you'll be saving hundreds of dollars by using one of them.
All of the free word processors below can create, edit, and print documents. Many of them can open and edit Word documents, automatically check your spelling, use a wide selection of free MS Word templates, create tables and columns, and much more.
Our top picks for a free word processor are at the top of the list. These have the most features and we suggest checking these out first to see if they'll fit your word processing needs. You should find that most of them can handle just about everything Microsoft Word can.
Free Word Processors Alternatives to MS Word
If you're looking for a free word processor that doesn't require a download, check out this list of free online word processors for only word processors you can access from anywhere you have an internet connection.
All of these word processor programs are 100 percent freeware, which means that you won't ever have to purchase the program, uninstall it after so-many days, donate a small fee, purchase add-ons for basic functionality, etc. The word processor tools below are free to download at no cost.
WPS Office's Writer
What We Like
Features a tabbed interface for better document management.
Includes 1 GB of cloud storage.
Free templates built in.
What We Don't Like
The whole suite has to be downloaded to use Writer.
WPS Office (previously called Kingsoft Office) is a suite that includes a word processor, called Writer, that's easy to use because of its tabbed interface, clean design, and uncluttered menu.
Spell check is performed automatically as you would expect to be done in a good word processor. You can easily toggle spell check on and off from the menu at the bottom.
Writer supports full-screen mode, dual page layout, and the option to hide the menus, which makes for a perfect distraction-free writing experience. There's even a viewing mode to protect against eye damage, turning the background of the page into a greenish color.
You can also add custom dictionaries, read/write to popular file types, create a cover page and table of contents, use built-in templates, encrypt documents, and easily view all the pages of a document from a side pane.
Writer is part of the WPS Office software, so you have to download the whole suite to get the Writer portion. It runs on Windows, Linux, and mobile devices (iOS and Android).
TextMaker From FreeOffice
What We Like
Several neat features.
Opens and saves to common file formats.
Great for making eBooks.
Automatic spell check is included.
Free for home and business use.
What We Don't Like
Relatively large download size.
Must download the whole suite of programs even if you'll just install the word processor.
SoftMaker FreeOffice is a suite of office programs, and one of the included tools is a free word processor called TextMaker.
Immediately after opening this word processor for the first time, you're given the option to choose a classic menu style or use a ribbon menu you might already be familiar with. The choice is yours, and there's even a touch mode option you can turn on.
Menu options are organized logically, and beyond the normal word processor features are ones for eBook-making, like PDF and EPUB exporting, chapter creation, and footnotes.
This free word processor can also preview documents before opening them, track changes, insert comments, add objects such as Excel charts and PowerPoint slides, and use shapes, among many other things.
TextMaker can open a huge variety of document file types, including ones from Microsoft Word, OpenDocument files types, plain text, WRI, WPD, SXW, PWD, and others. When you're ready to save, this word processor exports to popular formats like DOCX, DOTX, HTML, and TXT, as well as file formats specific to this program (e.g., TMDX and TMD).
TextMaker has to be downloaded as part of FreeOffice, but during installation, you can choose to install the whole suite or just the free word processor program. It runs on Windows 10, 8, 7, or Windows Server 2008. Mac 10.10 and higher is supported, too, as well as Linux.
OpenOffice Writer
What We Like
Works with lots of file formats.
Extensions and templates are supported.
Checks for spelling errors automatically.
Includes advanced and basic formatting options.
There's a portable option available.
What We Don't Like
You have to download the whole program suite even to use just Writer.
Might take a while to download on slow internet connections.
The interface and menus are dull and cluttered.
OpenOffice Writer has all the necessary features to make it on any list of good word processors. Plus, there's a portable option so you can use the program on the go with a flash drive.
Automatic spell check is included, as well as support for a huge variety of popular file types, the ability to add notes to the side of any document, and easy-to-use wizards for creating documents such as letters, faxes, and agendas.
A side menu pane lets you quickly switch between editing page properties, styles, and formatting to adding images from the gallery. You can even undock these settings so that you can have more room for writing but still have simple access to important tools.
Similar to WPS Office, below, you must download the whole OpenOffice suite to your computer even if you're just installing Writer. With the portable option, you have to actually install the entire office suite even if you just want to use the Writer tool.
WordGraph
What We Like
Includes unique advanced features.
Has a spell check.
You can download it apart from its whole suite.
Downloads and installs quickly.
What We Don't Like
Spell check doesn't work automatically.
The interface can be distracting.
WordGraph includes most of the standard features you'd find in any word processor, but it also has some unique tools.
In addition to adding things like graphics, charts, tables, and illustrations to a document, WordGraph can also produce PDFs, create a table of contents and index, and access files stored on online storage services like OneDrive and Dropbox.
While a spell check utility is included, it doesn't work in live mode, which means you must manually run it to check for spelling mistakes.
Unlike the two programs from above, you can download WordGraph on its own without having to download the SSuite Office software that it belongs to.
AbleWord
What We Like
Easy to use with a clean and uncluttered UI.
Lets you find spelling errors in your writing.
Popular formatting options are supported.
Can open and save to popular file formats.
What We Don't Like
Hasn't been updated since 2015.
Spell check isn't automatic.
Limited open/save file format options.
AbleWord opens documents quickly, has a really simple design, and supports editing and saving to popular file types. It's very easy to use and looks really nice.
Free Alternative Word Program For Mac Os X
There isn't much that makes AbleWord stand out among similar software except that it's not bogged down with unnecessary buttons or confusing features and settings, and you can use it to import PDF text into the document.
Spell check is built in but you have to run it manually because it doesn't find errors automatically.
This program hasn't been updated since 2015, so it probably won't be updated again any time soon, or ever, but it's still fully usable today as a free word processor.
AbiWord
What We Like
Spell check is automatic.
Supports automatic saving.
Lets you collaborate with others in real time.
Works with lots of file types.
Supports plugins.
What We Don't Like
Print preview isn't as easy to use as it is in similar programs.
Doesn't have a modern interface.
AbiWord is a free word processor with automatic spell check and common formatting options. The menus and settings are organized well and aren't cluttered or confusing to use.
Free Alternative Word Program For Macbook
You can share documents with others and have the changes reflected automatically, making live, real-time collaboration possible.
Common file types work with AbiWord, like ODT, DOCM, DOCX, and RTF.
During setup, you can enable or disable all sorts of extra features, like an equation editor, grammar checker, web dictionary, Google Search and Wikipedia integrator, translators, and file format support for DocBook, OPML, ClarisWorks, and others.
One downside to this program is that the print preview feature isn't like most programs in that you have to open the preview as an image in a photo viewer, which isn't supplied with AbiWord.
Jarte
What We Like
Word Program For Mac Computer
Customize the layout a number of ways.
Can be set up to auto-save every so often.
Opens documents in tabs.
Supports common document formats.
Small setup file.
There's a portable option available.
What We Don't Like
Must run spell check manually.
Could be hard to use.
No update since 2018.
Jarte is another free word processor that has a tabbed interface to keep all open documents easily accessible on one screen.
Common file types are supported, you can set Jarte to automatically save a document from every minute to every 20 minutes, and you can install several spell check dictionaries during setup.
Jarte can be configured to automatically open the last file you were using upon launching the program, which is a nice option that most of the other software from this list doesn't allow.
Unfortunately, the spell check feature isn't automatic, and the program itself is sometimes confusing to grasp.
WriteMonkey
What We Like
Completely portable (no installation necessary).
Features a very minimal interface.
Includes spell check.
Supports plugins.
What We Don't Like
Hasn't been updated since 2014.
Spell check isn't automatic.
WriteMonkey is a portable word processor that's centered around providing an interface with the least number of distractions as possible so that you can focus on writing and nothing else.
Every menu option in WriteMonkey is only shown if you right-click the document. From there, you can do everything from format text or check the spelling to open the preferences, create bookmarks, insert symbols, manage profiles, and lots more.
Although spell check is available, it's not automatic, which means you must open the utility manually to check for errors.
RoughDraft
What We Like
Supports automatic spell check.
Tabbed browsing helps organize open documents.
Lets you use shortcut keys.
What We Don't Like
Very outdated.
Supports a limited number of file formats.
Another free word processor, this one advertised for creative writers, is RoughDraft. It works with RTF, TXT, and DOC (from Word 2010–97) files, provides automatic spell check, allows shortcut keys for nearly every command, and lets you switch between various writing modes — Normal, Screenplay, Stage/Radio Play, and Prose.
It's simple to open and edit files from your computer because of the file browser that's open on the side of the program window. New documents appear in their own tab so that you can keep up to 100 files open in RoughDraft at the same time.
One of the downsides to this word processor is that the last version came out in 2005, making it highly unlikely that you'll get new features in the future. Also, while the DOC file format is supported, the file has to have been created in Word 2010 or older.
FocusWriter
What We Like
Provides multiple ways to create a distraction-free interface.
Colors and layouts can be customized.
Goals can be created to stay on task.
There's a portable option.
What We Don't Like
Can't open documents with rich text formatting.
FocusWriter is similar to WriteMonkey in that it's portable and has a minimal interface. The program automatically hides the menus and any buttons from being viewed, and you can run it in full-screen mode so that you don't see any other program windows.
Basic formatting is allowed in FocusWriter, like bold, strikethrough, and aligning text. You can also edit the foreground and background text, page margins, color, and line spacing to produce custom themes.
You can open and save documents to popular formats like DOCX, ODT, RTF, and TXT. However, documents with rich text formatting might import into FocusWriter in plain text and become completely unusable.
FocusWriter includes an alarm and lets you set goals regarding your typing, like to type a particular number of words or to type for a certain number of minutes per day.
Another advantage this program has over some of the other free word processors in this list is that it gets updated far more often, so you can be sure that new features and/or security updates are released as often as they need to be.
Judoom
What We Like
Supports tabbed browsing.
Makes project tracking easy.
Works with the two most popular MS Word file formats.
What We Don't Like
It's missing several features common in a Word processor.
Word counter doesn't update automatically as you type.
Judoom has a similar look and feel to Microsoft Word, and you can even use some of the same file types, like DOC and DOCX.
It's easy to keep track of projects because you can add up to two at a time and easily browse through local files and folders from a side menu. Any new documents that are opened are kept in their own tabs to keep everything closely together but organized at the same time.
While it's easy to use and has a clean look to it, Judoom doesn't include common features that you'll normally find in a word processor, like spell check, headers/footers, and page numbers.
Microsoft Word For Mac
AEdit
What We Like
Protect documents with a password.
Spell check is included.
Lets you edit unique document file formats.
Installs in seconds.
Microsoft Word Program For Mac
What We Don't Like
Doesn't open DOCX files.
Saves to just a few basic file formats.
Spell check isn't automatic.
Very outdated.
AEdit has a bit of an outdated interface since the development team abandoned the software and haven't released an update since 2001, but it still works just fine for a word processor.
AEdit lets you password protect documents and provides a spell check function, though it doesn't check for errors automatically.
Free Word Programs For Mac
The free AEdit word processor works with files in Microsoft's popular DOC format but not their newer DOCX format. You can also open 123, BAT, ECO, HTML, RTF, TXT, and XLS files.
However, when you save a document with AEdit, your options are limited to ECO, RTF, TXT, and BAT.
Free Trial of Microsoft Office
Word Processing Program For Mac
If you can't find a word processor that you're happy with, consider taking advantage of the free trial of Microsoft Office so that you can get the full capabilities of Microsoft Word for a whole month.