You’re staring at a blank screen, fingers poised over the keys, ready to start writing. But what writing software should you use? With so many options for word processing programs out there, it can be tough to choose. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We tested and reviewed the top word processing software to find the 18 best choices in 2024. Whether you’re writing a school paper, crafting a novel, or putting together an office report, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 word processing software examples, their key features, pros, and cons. We’ll compare heavy-hitters like Microsoft Word with writing-focused apps like Scrivener. There’s an excellent word processor out there for every type of writing task and personal preference. So read on to find your perfect writing match!
What Is Word Processing Software?
Word processing software lets you create, edit, format, and print documents like letters, resumes, and more. Programs like Microsoft Word and Google Docs are popular examples. They make it easy to write and design text documents without needing advanced desktop publishing skills.
Key Features
Word processors offer simple but robust features for casual and business use. Some of the most useful include:
- Text editing – Type, cut, copy, paste, delete, and move text around.
- Formatting – Change the look of text by adjusting size, color, alignment, and adding bold, italics, or underlining.
- Spell check – Review documents for spelling and grammar errors.
- Templates – Use pre-designed templates to quickly create letters, resumes, invoices, and other documents.
- Compatibility – Easily save or convert files to share with others or for printing. Popular formats include .doc, .docx, and .pdf.
Word processing software takes the hassle out of creating good-looking documents. For personal or professional use, it’s an essential tool for any computer user.
Why Use a Word Processing Software
Word processing software makes writing so much easier. Here are 8 reasons to use it:
- Format your work in seconds. Change fonts, add bold or italics, create headers, indent paragraphs with the click of a button.
- Spell check catches typos. No more embarrassing errors.
- Save and organize your files. Create folders to keep everything tidy on your computer.
- Share and collaborate. Email a draft to a colleague for review or work on the same document together in real time.
- Store your documents in the cloud. Access your files from any device so you can write whenever inspiration strikes.
- Add images, tables, and charts. Visuals help bring your work to life.
- Create standardized documents. Use templates for letters, invoices, flyers and more. Fill in the blanks and you’re done.
- Repurpose content. Copy and paste useful information from one document to another. No need to start from scratch every time.
Top 18 Word Processing Software Examples in 2024
These days, you have a ton of options for creating and editing documents. Whether you’re a student, writer or businessperson, you’ll want word processing software that’s easy to use but also has all the features you need.
We’ll explore 18 of the best word processing software options to simplify your writing and help you create professional, polished documents with ease.
Microsoft Word
As the most popular word processor, Microsoft Word lets you create and edit documents. It is a desktop word processing app that lets you create and edit text documents. It provides various fonts, text sizes, and text colors to customize your documents.
Word’s features include:
- Document editing: You can create, edit and format text documents. Add tables, images, styles and themes.
- Spell check and grammar: It spots spelling and grammar errors as you type to help you create professional documents.
- Templates: Word provides templates for letters, resumes, brochures, etc. to help you get started.
- Comments and track changes: Useful for collaborating, you can add comments and see edits made by other contributors.
- Compatibility: Word files can be opened on both Windows and Mac computers. However, more advanced features may not work well when transferring files between the two operating systems.
While Word is easy to use for simple documents, it can be overkill for minor tasks. It is also quite pricey for a word processor. However, for most professional and academic purposes, Word works well and has the necessary features required.
Google Docs
Google Docs is a free word processing software by Google that allows you to create and edit documents online while collaborating with other users in real time.
Features
Some of the major features of Google Docs are:
- Access your documents anywhere: Since Google Docs is cloud-based, you can access your files from any device with an Internet connection.
- Share and collaborate: You can invite others to view and edit documents simultaneously. This allows for real-time collaboration. -Revision history: Google Docs automatically saves your work as you type. You can also see previous versions of the document and restore them if needed.
-Add-ons and templates: There are many add-ons and templates to help you be more productive. -Store all your files in one place: You can store all your documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, and drawings in Google Drive.
Limitations
Some potential downsides of Google Docs are:
- Lack of advanced features: Google Docs may lack some advanced features found in desktop word processors like Microsoft Word.
- Learning curve: It may take some time to get used to the differences between Google Docs and traditional word processing software.
- Privacy concerns: Some users may have privacy concerns since documents are stored on Google’s servers. Google does have strong security and privacy policies, however.
Open Office
Open Office is a free, open source office software suite. It includes word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics and database components. Open Office is compatible with Microsoft Office file formats and is available in many languages.
Some of the main features of Open Office are:
- Writer: A word processor similar to Microsoft Word. It can create and edit text documents.
- Calc: A spreadsheet application similar to Excel. It can create and edit spreadsheets.
- Impress: A presentation program similar to PowerPoint. It can create and edit presentations.
- Base: A database management program where you can create and edit databases.
- Draw: A vector graphics editor where you can create and edit graphics, diagrams and clipart.
However, Open Office also has some limitations:
- The interface can be confusing for new users accustomed to Microsoft Office.
- It lacks some of the advanced features of Microsoft Office like real-time collaboration.
- File format compatibility with Microsoft Office is not always perfect. Some formatting may change when opening files.
- Technical support is limited as it is open source software.
- The mobile and web-based versions lack some features of the desktop software.
In summary, Open Office is a great free alternative to Microsoft Office for basic needs, but may lack some advanced features and compatibility for power users. For casual or home use though, it works very well and can help you avoid paying expensive license fees.
LibreOffice
LibreOffice is an open-source office suite containing word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, vector graphics, and database applications.It is free to download and use, both for personal and commercial purposes. Unlike proprietary software like Microsoft Office, LibreOffice’s open-source code can be freely studied, modified, and distributed by anyone.
Features
LibreOffice includes several applications:
- Writer: A word processor similar to Microsoft Word.
- Calc: A spreadsheet program similar to Excel.
- Impress: A presentation program similar to PowerPoint.
- Draw: A vector graphics editor similar to Microsoft Visio.
- Base: A database management program.
Limitations
However, LibreOffice also has some limitations compared to MS Office:
- Less advanced or polished interface. The user experience isn’t as slick or intuitive.
- Limited compatibility with MS Office formats. Though LibreOffice can open and save to .docx, .pptx, and .xlsx, the formatting isn’t always perfectly preserved.
- Less support for macros, plugins, and add-ons compared to MS Office.
- Steeper learning curve. The differences in the interface and features can be frustrating for longtime MS Office users.
Scrivener
Scrivener is a popular word processing app designed for long-form writing projects. It lets you organize notes, concepts, research, and outlines to help you craft complex stories or reports.
Some of the key features of Scrivener include:
- A distraction-free writing environment
- Tools for organizing and structuring long documents
- Compatibility with multiple file formats like .doc, .docx, .rtf, .pdf, and more
- Integration with reference materials, images, and multimedia
- Powerful export options for ebooks, print books, screenplays, and academic papers
However, Scrivener also has some limitations:
- Steep learning curve to master all its features
- Not ideal for short-form or collaborative writing
- Limited styling and formatting options compared to full word processors
- iOS and Android apps have fewer features than the macOS and Windows desktop software
If you need an app tailored to long-form writing and can invest the time to learn it, Scrivener is a great choice. But for more general purpose or short-form writing needs, a standard word processor may suit you better.
ProWritingAid
ProWritingAid is an AI-powered writing assistant. It helps improve your writing by pointing out grammar, spelling, and style issues in your text. It analyzes your writing and provides feedback and suggestions to help tighten prose, improve readability, and increase clarity.
Some of the main benefits of using ProWritingAid include:
- Real-time grammar, spelling, and style checking as you write.
- Detailed writing reports to help strengthen your writing.
- Integration with MS Word, Google Docs, Scrivener, and more.
- Help improving sentence structure, word choice, and conciseness.
- Catch common writing mistakes like passive voice, excessive adverbs, and repeated words.
However, there are a few limitations to be aware of:
- It relies on algorithms and AI, so it may miss some context-specific nuances in your writing.
- The free version only allows checking 500 words at a time, so longer pieces of writing require upgrading to a paid plan.
- It focuses primarily on grammar, spelling, and style; it does not evaluate the actual substance or content of your writing.
In summary, ProWritingAid is a useful tool for any writer looking to improve their craft and produce higher quality, error-free content. While not perfect, its AI-based analyses and feedback can help take your writing to the next level.
Evernote
Evernote is a popular note-taking app that lets you capture and organize your ideas, to-do lists, images, web clips, voice memos, and more. Store all of your digital information in one place so you can find what you need quickly when you need it.
The features of Evernote include:
- Sync your notes across all your devices. Whether you use Evernote on your phone, tablet, or computer, your information is always up to date and accessible.
- Save anything to your notes. Add text, images, audio, PDFs, web clippings, and whatever else is relevant to your work or life.
- Organize your information in a way that makes sense to you. Use notebooks, notes, tags, and saved searches to keep everything tidy and easy to find.
- Share notes and collaborate with others. Work with colleagues, friends, and family in real time.
- Access your notes even when you’re offline. Your most recent notes and notebooks are available to view without an Internet connection.
Limitations:
- Free version only allows syncing between two devices.
- Can be overwhelming for new users with many features.
- Mobile apps lack some functionality of desktop app.
- Privacy concerns as your data is stored in the cloud.
Evernote is a helpful tool for organizing your digital life, but be aware of the limitations and privacy concerns with using the service. For basic note-taking needs, the free version works great, but power users may want to upgrade to a paid plan for additional features and storage.
Notion
Notion is an all-in-one workspace for your notes, tasks, wikis, and databases. Think of it as a digital workspace for organizing all your information in one place.
With Notion, you can take notes, create task lists and to-do lists, build a personal wiki, manage projects, and more.
Some of the main features include:
- Flexible building blocks: Use databases, kanban boards, calendars, and markdown to organize your information. -Relationships and backlinks: Create links between pages to connect your ideas.
- Versatile content: Add images, videos, code blocks, comments and @mentions.
- Share and collaborate: Invite others to view or edit pages.
- Available everywhere: Access Notion on the web, desktop and mobile apps.
The main downside is that Notion can have a learning curve for new users and the free plan has limited storage space. However, if you’re looking for an all-in-one productivity tool, Notion is a great option.
WPS Office
WPS Office is a popular word processing software. It offers word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation capabilities. With WPS Office, you can create and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDF files.
Some useful features of WPS Office include:
- Compatibility with Microsoft Office formats like .DOCX and .PPTX
- Built-in templates for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
- Annotation and markup tools for PDF files
- Cloud connectivity to easily access files from any device
- Basic design and layout tools to make your files look professional
However, WPS Office also has some limitations to be aware of:
- Limited support for macros and scripts compared to Microsoft Office
- Fewer advanced features for power users
- Interface can feel dated at times compared to modern competitors
- Primarily focused on individuals and small businesses, not enterprise use
For basic word processing and productivity needs, WPS Office works great and is available for free. But for more advanced requirements, you may need to consider other options.
Zoho Writer
As a free word processor, Zoho Writer lets you create and edit documents for personal and business use. It offers a simple yet useful interface with formatting options and autocorrect features. However, it may lack some of the advanced functionality of paid word processing software.
Zoho Writer allows you to construct memos, letters, articles and more. You can choose from several templates to get started or build documents from scratch. It provides standard editing capabilities like finding and replacing text, checking spelling and grammar, and tracking changes. You can also insert images, tables, shapes, headers and footers.
While Zoho Writer works well for basic needs, its capabilities are limited. It may lack some of the robust styling, reviewing and security functionality of Microsoft Word or Google Docs. The free version only provides 2GB of storage and documents can only be shared with up to three collaborators. For more advanced features, you’d need to upgrade to a paid Zoho Workplace plan.
So in summary, Zoho Writer can be great for simple word processing tasks, especially if you’re on a budget. But for anything complex, you may find it somewhat constraining. By understanding its abilities and constraints, you can determine if it will work for your particular needs.
Dropbox Paper
Dropbox Paper is a collaborative workspace that lives in Dropbox. It allows teams to create and share documents, notes, and to-do lists. Think of it as a blank canvas for creative work.
Dropbox Paper provides features like:
- Rich text editing with fonts, lists, and embedded images
- Real-time collaboration with comments and notifications
- Organization with folders, tags, and a full-text search
- Integration with other Dropbox tools like Dropbox Spaces
However, Dropbox Paper also has some limitations:
- Lack of advanced formatting like columns, tables, and charts
- No offline access or editing
- Less functionality than full word processors
In summary, Dropbox Paper is a simple yet powerful tool for collaborative writing and project management. While more feature-rich options are available, Paper’s minimal interface and real-time collaboration are ideal for some teams.
OpenOffice Writer
OpenOffice Writer is a free, open source word processor similar to Microsoft Word. It allows you to create and edit text documents, including formatting text, inserting tables and graphics, and more.
Some of the main features of OpenOffice Writer include:
- Format text by changing font, size, color, alignment, etc.
- Insert tables, pictures, shapes, charts, etc.
- Check spelling and grammar.
- Page layout options like margins, page size, orientations, etc.
- Supports .odt, .doc, .docx, .rtf, .pdf, and more file formats.
- Free to download and use.
However, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Less advanced or polished than Microsoft Word. The interface and features may feel basic.
- Limited built-in clip art and templates. You’ll need to find additional options online.
- Compatibility issues may arise when sharing files with Microsoft Word users. Formatting or layout changes may occur.
- Limited built-in collaboration features. You’ll need to use a separate service for tracked changes, comments, etc.
- Mobile app versions have less functionality. The desktop software is most robust.
Overall, OpenOffice Writer works as a simple but capable word processor for basic needs. For more advanced features, you may need an alternative like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. But for casual or personal use, OpenOffice Writer can work great as a free writing tool.
WordPerfect
WordPerfect is a word processing application for creating and editing text documents. The first version for CP/M operating system was launched in 1979, WordPerfect dominated the word processing market for DOS and early versions of Windows. While Microsoft Word overtook it in the 1990s, WordPerfect still has a loyal following for its ease of use and feature set.
The program provides typical word processing features like spell check, grammar check, text formatting, page layout, and keyboard shortcuts for efficiency. WordPerfect supports most common file formats, allowing you to open and edit documents from other word processors.
A limitation of WordPerfect is that its interface and tools can feel outdated. The learning curve for new users may be steeper compared to more modern word processors. WordPerfect also lacks some of the collaboration features found in Office 365 and G Suite. For basic word processing needs though, WordPerfect remains a capable and affordable option.
FocusWriter
FocusWriter is a simple, distraction-free writing environment. It’s basically a blank page and your words, no formatting options or menus to get in the way. This minimalistic word processor was created specifically for focused creative writing.
Some of its key features include:
- Tabbed interface to manage multiple documents
- Timers and alarms to keep you on track
- Daily progress reports to maintain momentum
- Auto-save and backup to prevent data loss
- Portable so you can write anywhere
However, FocusWriter is fairly basic. It lacks some standard word processing features like spell check, dictionaries, templates, and collaboration tools. So, for academic papers or business documents, you may need a more robust solution. But for distraction-free creative writing and drafting, FocusWriter is ideal.
iWork Pages
Pages is a word processing application developed by Apple Inc. It is part of the iWork productivity suite and runs on the macOS and iOS operating systems. Pages lets you create and edit documents like letters, reports, and newsletters.
Some of the main features of Pages include:
- Professionally designed templates to get you started.
- Advanced typography tools like kerning, ligatures, and glyph scaling.
- Object animation and interactive charts to help bring documents to life.
- Real-time collaboration allowing you to work with others on the same document simultaneously.
- Export to Word, PDF, and ePub formats.
However, Pages also has some limitations:
- It’s only available for Mac and iOS devices.
- Less advanced features compared to Microsoft Word.
- Limited support for macros and add-ins.
- Weaker compatibility with older Word document formats.
In summary, Pages is a capable and intuitive word processor for casual use, but may lack some of the power features found in Microsoft Word for more complex documents. For most people, Pages hits the sweet spot of functionality and usability.
AbiWord
AbiWord is a free, open-source word processing software. It allows you to create and edit text documents. AbiWord is lightweight, easy to use and available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.
Some of the main features of AbiWord include:
- Supports .doc, .docx, .rtf, .odt, and .abw file formats
- Spell checker, grammar checker
- Table creation and editing tools
- Mail merge
- Plug-ins and extensions
- Multi-language support
However, AbiWord also has some limitations:
- Limited design and layout options
- No collaboration features
- Limited pre-installed templates
- No desktop publishing capabilities
So in summary, AbiWord is a great free word processor for basic tasks but may lack some advanced features needed for complex documents. For most casual users though, AbiWord works perfectly well and is a good alternative to more sophisticated paid software.
Grammarly
Grammarly is a popular free web browser extension. It works by checking your writing for proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and delivery mistakes. It can quickly scan what you type on websites like Gmail, Facebook, and blogs, detecting potential issues in your writing and suggesting corrections. With Grammarly, you get explanations for each correction along with examples of proper usage.
Its key features include:
- Real-time mistake detection: As you type an email, document or social media post, Grammarly scans your writing and underlines potential issues so you can address them right away.
- Customized suggestions: Grammarly adapts to your writing style and vocabulary over time. The more you use it, the more personalized its suggestions become.
- Explanations and examples: Grammarly doesn’t just tell you when there’s a mistake, it explains why it’s a mistake and shows you the rule. It also gives you examples of correct usage for quick reference and learning.
However, Grammarly has some limitations. It cannot detect mistakes in handwriting, and its suggestions may not always match a particular style guide you need to follow. It also cannot determine whether the tone or content of your writing is appropriate for a specific audience or purpose. But overall, Grammarly is an easy to use and powerful tool for improving your writing and learning proper grammar usage.
ClickUp
ClickUp is a project management tool that helps teams plan and organize work. It allows you to break down projects into tasks, schedule work, assign responsibilities, and track progress. You can use it for personal to-do lists or for managing complex team projects. ClickUp’s Content Writing Template is designed to make content creation easier than ever before. This template will assist you: Plan and prioritize tasks to ensure an efficient workflow. Organize and save all project details in a communal workspace.
Features
ClickUp has useful features like task dependencies, custom statuses, timers, reminders and more. It offers task views like list, board, calendar and Gantt chart. You can also integrate with tools like Slack, Google Calendar, Dropbox and Git to automatically sync information between the services.
Limitations
Although ClickUp is a powerful project management tool, it does have some limitations. The interface can feel overwhelming for new users. It is also missing some enterprise-level features like resource management and budgeting tools. For large, complex projects, you may need a more robust solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have any burning questions about word processing software? Here are some of the common FAQs and their answers:
Are word processors free?
Some popular word processors like Google Docs and Apache OpenOffice are free to use. However, other options like Microsoft Word are commercial software that require a paid license. It depends on your needs and budget.
Can I use a word processor offline?
While some word processors are web-based, many also offer desktop applications that can be used offline. For example, in addition to the online version, Google Docs has a desktop app called Google Docs Offline. Likewise, Microsoft Word and Apache OpenOffice are desktop software. So you have options whether you want to work online or offline.
What is the easiest word processor to use?
If you’re looking for an easy to use word processor, Google Docs is a great choice. It’s simple, intuitive and freely available as part of your Google account. For basic tasks like writing letters or school assignments, Google Docs should work well.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 18 of the top word processing software options to consider in 2024 and beyond. From free, open-source choices like OpenOffice to Microsoft’s industry-standard Word, there are plenty of solid writing tools to choose from. Just think about your budget, platform, and feature needs to narrow down the selection. And don’t be afraid to download a few free trials to test them out firsthand. The writing software you ultimately select can make a huge difference in your productivity and workflow. So weigh all the options, choose the best fit for your needs, and start writing!