When you talk about word processors, most people think of Microsoft Word. It’s one of the most popular word processors used today. Most people also know that you've got to pay for it. But do you know that you can sometimes get it for free?
This article covers how to get Microsoft Word for free and shares some Microsoft Word alternatives. To learn even more about Microsoft Word, read this tutorial.
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How to Get Microsoft Word for Free
There are many different you can get Microsoft Word free. But with some of the options, you 2on’t have access to all of the features that Microsoft Word offers. Other options will give you access to the entire software.
Here’s a look at all of the different ways you can get a free Word program:
1. Download the Mobile App
If you’re looking for a free Word program, then consider downloading the Microsoft Word App. You can download the app on both iOS and Android. But if you want to use the app on a tablet, you’ll have to pay for it.
The mobile version of the Microsoft Word app has limited formatting and layout options for the documents you create. the Microsoft Word mobile app is a great option if you need to look at a document that was sent to you or want to create simple documents with basic formatting. Here are some links to get you started:
- Microsoft Word on the App Store
- Microsoft Word on Google Play
2. Sign Up for the Microsoft Word Free Trial
There is a Microsoft Word free trial for Microsoft 365 for the family plan as well as for all business plans at the time of this publication. You get to use the trail for one month.
This option is only a good choice if you need a temporary solution. Also, you’ll need to create a Microsoft account and enter payment information. But you won’t be charged until the Microsoft Word free trial is over.
3. Use the Student Office 365
Microsoft offers Microsoft 365 Education. This includes the following for free:
- Microsoft Word software
- Excel software
- PowerPoint software
- unlimited personal cloud storage
This is also available as a Microsoft teacher discount, which has the same benefits as students' package. There are some limits, so check to see if you’ll qualify for Microsoft 365 Education.
4. Use Word in Your Browser
Using Microsoft Word in your browser isn’t a Microsoft Word free download for Windows or download Word for Mac free, but it can be used on any machine that has a browser.
To use Word in your browser, you must have a Microsoft account. If you synced your files to One Drive, you can use it offline because files that are synced to OneDrive are automatically updated. Microsoft Word in your browser has the full features of the regular Microsoft Word software.
5. Use an Alternative to MS Word
If you didn’t see a Microsoft Word free download option that you liked above, you should consider using an alternative program.
Many free alternatives to Microsoft Word have similar features or more features than Word. Also, many alternatives use a docx file, so you can use Word documents in the software or send the file to someone else who needs it in Word format.
10 Alternatives to Microsoft Word
If none of the methods to get free Microsoft Word work for you, then you can try using a free alternative to Microsoft Word. Each alternative has different features that can be helpful. Here are ten different Microsoft Word alternatives:
1. Google Docs
A well-known Microsoft Word alternative is Google Docs. To access Google Docs, you only need a Google account.
This alternative is a web-based office suite where you can collaborate with others while sharing documents. One of the collaborative features is the ability to easily edit and add comments to existing documents and make changes to those documents within your browser. You share the links through email and other links that can be public or private.
You can add also charts, graphs, and maps to your documents in Google Docs. Everything you create is saved to Google Drive, which keeps your documents safe.
2. Apache OpenOffice
Apache Open Office is a processor where you can publish documents online and offline. In this word processor, you can create templates, so if you make similar documents often, you can save time. You can also generate a table of contents, indexing terms, biographical references, illustrations, tables, and more. If you're editing your document, you can add notes to the side of the document. You can color code the notes making it easy to organize your thoughts. In Apache Open Office, you can read Word documents and save documents in Microsoft Word format.
3. Zoho Writer
Zoho Writer is a free platform connected to your Google and Yahoo accounts. It saves your documents automatically, so your work is still saved if your network crashes or your browser crashes. You can import and work with Microsoft Word documents within Zoho Writer if needed. Some of the features it comes with are:
- in-app chat
- large file transfer
- encryption
- file recovery
- two-step authentication
- two-way desktop sync
4. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is compatible with most major platforms. One feature of LibreOffice is an AutoComplete feature that suggests commonly used words and phrases to complete what you started typing in your document.
This program also offers more font choices than Microsoft Word. You can also save a document as a pdf and retain all of the original formatting.
You can also transfer all of your Word documents into LibreOffice without changing the original formatting. It's got a track changes feature where you can see the changes made and who made the changes. With this feature, you can also add comments to specific parts of a document which is nice when working with others.
5. WPS Office Writer
WPS Office Writer is a free word processor where you can create, edit and publish documents online. In this program, you can edit and proofread documents before publishing them. You can also easily convert different file formats.
Also, this program is compatible with multiple formats. You can also attach files such as photos, music, video, and presentations to your WPS Office Writer document.
6. Dropbox Paper
Dropbox Paper is a free online word processor that you’ll need a Dropbox account to access. When you use this program, you can add media such as audio, video, and images to your program.
A unique feature is that you can embed Trello cards, YouTube videos, and SlideShare decks. The collaborative features are documented and include link sharing and creating and assigning checklist items to members.
7. Etherpad
Etherpad is an online editor focused on a collaborative experience in real time. You don’t need to sign up to use this editor. All you need to do is start a new pad and share the link with others. After you send someone the link, you can start working on your project in real time, no matter the distance.
8. Nimbus Note
Nimbus Note has more features than a typical word processor. Once you make a free account, to have access to all of the features. In this program, you can have information in multiple formats. They are:
- text
- images
- video
- audio
- PDF files
Not only can you create PDF files, but it also comes with a free PDF viewer that can be used within the program without needing to download the document.
In Nimbus Note, you can also create tasks, projects, and databases by using the various table types available within the program. In the tables, you can attach files, check your progress, keep track of tasks, and add links.
Since Nimbus Note can work offline and you can download and sync files across multiple devices, you can easily share documents with others who don’t have a Nimbus account.
9. Focus Writer
Focus Writer is a word processor that helps you focus on your project. One feature that enables you to focus is the Focused Text, which fades everything into the background except the current paragraph or sentence.
Another feature is that it's got alerts that are triggered at certain times or when you’ve reached a specific word count. If you've got trouble focusing, this word processor has many helpful features.
10. Writemonkey
Writemonkey is a simple word processor. It only works with TXT files. So, if you've got other types of files, you need to convert them to use them in this tool.
You've got to right-click to access the menu and memorize some keyboard shortcuts to finish tasks quickly. You also have the ability to look up definitions of a word in the program.
Learn More About Word
Have questions about using Microsoft Word? Check out these step-by-step tutorials:
How to Make Awesome Page Layout Designs in Microsoft Word (+Video)
How to Quickly Create a Fillable Form in Microsoft Word
How to Change the Default Font in Microsoft Word (+ Best 2023 Font Styles)
How to Change the Language In Microsoft Word
Frequently Asked Questions about Microsoft Word (FAQ)
Do you have questions about Microsoft Word? Here are some common MS Word questions and their answers:
1. How Do I Recover an Unsaved Document?
If your computer crashes before you can save your document, your software crashes, or you simply forgot to save your Word document. You can recover it. A nice feature of Microsoft Word is that it has an AutoSave feature and AutoRecover feature. This feature saves a copy of your document every few seconds. For more information, read this article:
2. How Do I Add a Video to My Microsoft Word Document?
There are two basic methods for adding a video to a Word document. The methods are to add a video using a YouTube link or embed a video in your document using a stock video. For a tutorial on both methods, read this:
3. How Do I Make A Flowchart Diagram in Microsoft Word?
You can use two methods to add a flowchart to Microsoft Word easily. You can use Word’s drawing tool to draw your own flowchart or SmartArt to create a flowchart. For a tutorial on both methods, read this article:
4. How Do I Turn on Dark Mode in Microsoft Word?
Dark Mode is a popular trend that has taken over. Some people prefer it because of its benefits, and for some, it's easier on their eyes. Here is a tutorial on how to turn on dark mode in Microsoft Word:
5. How Do I Use Clip Art in Microsoft Word?
Clip Art is a great tool to add visual interest to your document. You can also use it to illustrate your text. For more information, read this article:
The Top Source for Microsoft Word Templates
Do you often make Microsoft Word documents? Do you want to save time? Then using a premium template from Envato Elements is a great option.
Once you become a subscriber, you can access thousands of premium digital assets. The digital assets that you gain access to are:
- Microsoft Word templates
- Images
- Fonts
- Audio
- And more
Professionals make every template look impressive and stylish. When you use a template, you save time because you’re starting with a premade base. Just add text and images to add a personal touch to your project. Most premium templates can be customized to suit your tastes.
Try a Premium Microsoft Word template for Your Next Project!
If you’re looking for a free version of Microsoft Word but unsure how to. This article has covered all of the legitimate options. We even covered free Microsoft Word alternatives.
Once ready, try a premium Microsoft Word template for your next project. There are MS Word templates that can be used for many different purposes. So, try downloading a premium template from Envato Elements today!
