Microsoft Word Alternative

If you do not own a license for Microsoft Word, there are many Microsoft Word alternative software packages that exist. Why is this important? You may ask. This is important when considering file formats for your resume. If you are applying or have been applying to jobs online, you may have noticed that some companies will only accept resumes formatted in Microsoft Word file formats such as .doc or .docx (2007 and Newer).

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Best Microsoft Word Alternative

The Best Microsoft Word Alternative in my experience has been Open Office Writer. Open Office Writer is one of the most developed and tested Microsoft Word alternative software packages on the market. The best part is that it is Free/Open Source and it allows users to open, edit, and save files in Microsoft Word formats .doc and .docx.

Outside of proprietary and closed sourced features, it can be argued that Open Office is the best full-out Microsoft Office replacement on the market as it includes: Writer a Microsoft Word alternative, Calc a Microsoft Excel alternative, Impress a Microsoft Powerpoint Alternative and Base a Microsoft Access Alternative.

Other features not found in Microsoft Office such as Draw and Math can be beneficial. Draw is a software package that allows users to draft anything from basic diagrams to dynamic 3D illustrations. Math allows users to create mathematical equations with a GUI or by directly typing formulas into an editor.

I could talk about this software all day, but I am sure I am boring you by now. Don’t take my word for it, head on over to OpenOffice.org and download a copy for yourself. I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

Other Microsoft Word Alternative Software Packages

LibreOffice 
LibreOffice is another great MS Word Alternative. LibreOffice shares many similar features to OpenOffice.org as LibreOffice was started by several former developers of the original Open Office software. Like OpenOffice.org, LibreOffice contains: Writer, Calc, Impress, Base, Draw and Math.

IBM Lotus Symphony
IBM has released it’s Lotus Symphony package as free software. Lotus Symphony can save documents in the .doc and .docx formats.

Google Docs
Google Docs is a word processor in the cloud. Documents are created and modified in the cloud with the ability to download a copy to store locally. With Google Docs, everything is accomplished in a web browser. I recommend Google Chrome browser as it’s javascript engine (V8) is the best in the business and runs online apps really well.