Skip to content
Gratistack, home
Menu

Word processing

Write, format and review documents with styles, comments and tracked changes.

Open one to see every alternative, ranked.

Free word processing tools

Every free tool in this category, by name.

Filter alternatives

3 alternatives

  • Google Docs

    Browser-based word processor with real-time collaboration, free with a personal Google account.

    License: Free tier
    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    Status: Verified
    • DOCX: opens and saves, partial fidelity. Complex layouts and styles can change on import and export
    • DOC: opens only, partial fidelity. Opens DOC files; downloads are offered as DOCX, ODT, RTF and PDF
    • RTF: opens and saves, partial fidelity. Basic formatting carries over
    • ODT: opens and saves, partial fidelity. Basic formatting carries over
    • PDF: opens and saves, partial fidelity. Exports PDF; a PDF opened with Google Docs is converted to text and loses its layout

    This replaces Microsoft Word

  • LibreOffice Writer

    Open-source word processor in the LibreOffice suite, with styles, track changes, mail merge and DOCX and ODT support.

    License: Open source
    • Windows
    • macOS
    • Linux
    Status: Active
    • DOCX: opens and saves, partial fidelity. Complex layouts and some fonts can shift
    • DOC: opens and saves, partial fidelity. Legacy DOC opens and saves; macros and embedded objects can differ
    • RTF: opens and saves, full fidelity
    • ODT: opens and saves, full fidelity. Native format
    • PDF: opens and saves, partial fidelity. Exports PDF/A and tagged PDF; opening a PDF edits it in Draw, not as flowing text

    This replaces Microsoft Word

  • Trelby

    Open-source screenplay editor that formats scripts to industry layout, with Final Draft and Fountain import and export.

    License: Open source
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Status: Slow

    This replaces Final Draft

Paid apps with no free alternative yet

No free tool ranks Strong for these yet. Each page says what a free version would need.