Free Microsoft Word alternative
A free word processor that saves real Word files.
Write letters, reports and essays with headings, fonts, colors, tables, images and page layout, then save a .docx that opens in Word, Google Docs and Pages.
What you can do with openWorkstand
| If you use Microsoft Word for… | In openWorkstand, use |
|---|---|
| Writing and formatting documents | Documents with fonts, styles, lists, tables and images |
| Saving .docx files | Saves standard Word .docx files in your Documents folder |
| Exporting to PDF | One-click PDF export, plus Word to PDF |
| Counting words | Live word count and the word counter tool |
| Citations and references | Citation generator for APA, MLA and Chicago |
openWorkstand vs Microsoft Word: an honest comparison
Where each one is stronger. Last reviewed October 2026; products change, so check Microsoft Word’s own site for current details.
| Topic | Microsoft Word | openWorkstand |
|---|---|---|
| Account | A Microsoft account for Word on the web; the full desktop app needs a Microsoft 365 subscription or licence. | Not needed.Stronger here |
| Where your files are kept | On your computer and/or OneDrive. | In a folder on your computer (or private storage in your browser). Nothing is uploaded. |
| Offline | Desktop app: yes. Word on the web needs a connection. | Yes, once the page has loaded. |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes, co-authoring and comments with OneDrive or SharePoint.Stronger here | No real-time co-editing. You can share the folder with OneDrive, Dropbox or Google Drive, but one person should edit a file at a time. |
| File format | The reference implementation of .docx, with every advanced feature.Stronger here | Opens and saves .docx; advanced layouts (text boxes, sections with columns, mail merge) are simplified. |
| Price | Free web version with an account; desktop Word is paid. | Free. Public tool pages may show a few ads; the workspace has none.Stronger here |
| Connected workspace | Part of Microsoft 365 with Excel, Outlook and OneDrive. | Documents, spreadsheets, calendar, notes, tasks, projects, tables and whiteboards in one app, linked together. |
Why people choose openWorkstand
- Free, with no subscription or account.
- Files are saved in a folder on your own computer, never uploaded.
- Works in any modern browser, on any computer.
- Opens and saves the .docx format you already use.
When Microsoft Word is the better choice
Microsoft Word is the better choice for complex layouts (text boxes, sections with different columns, mail merge), tracked changes with colleagues and advanced reference management.
Microsoft Word is a trademark of its owner. openWorkstand is an independent project and is not affiliated with it.