As a freelance writer, I’m always on the lookout for ways to keep my app expenses low, so I’m naturally drawn to free writing tools. Best free writing software However, with the sea of writing apps available, it can be tough to figure out which free options are genuinely worth your time.
To help you out, I’ve sifted through countless tools and rounded up some of the best free writing software on the internet. These are all tools that either I or the Zapier team have personally used and loved.
In this roundup, I’ve focused on apps that are completely free or have a freemium model with a forever-free plan that’s robust enough for regular use. While many of these apps offer paid plans, those are typically designed for more advanced users.
Best free writing software for expanding your ideas
MindMeister
If you’re someone who enjoys using mind mapping to organize and visualize your thoughts, MindMeister offers a virtual space designed just for that. It comes with various templates, including the classic mind map format and more specialized layouts tailored for different frameworks like SMART goals, case studies, and content plans.
Curious to dive deeper into mind mapping? You can explore Zapier’s roundup of the top mind mapping tools, or check out nine creative ways to use mind maps to kickstart your projects.
As for the cost, MindMeister offers a free plan that allows you to create up to three mind maps. If you need more features, premium plans start at $6.50 per month, providing benefits like unlimited mind maps, advanced exporting options, and group sharing capabilities.
Workflowy (Web, macOS, Windows, Chrome, iOS, Android)
Workflowy is a versatile tool that lets you outline your thoughts as deeply or as simply as you need. It organizes your ideas into clickable bullet points, which you can easily expand or nest. If you’re a fan of Kanban boards, Workflowy has you covered too—whether you want to add one to an existing outline or build an entire board from scratch.
Pricing for Workflowy starts with a free plan that gives you up to 100 bullets per month. For $6.99 a month, the Workflowy Pro plan offers unlimited bullets and other advanced features.
Miro (Web)
When working with a team on a writing software project, navigating the brainstorming phase with technology can be a challenge. Miro, however, simplifies this process by offering tools like mind maps, Kanban boards, and virtual sticky notes to help capture and organize ideas effectively. Even with Miro’s free plan, you can collaborate with an unlimited number of team members simultaneously.
If you’re not a fan of whiteboards, don’t worry—Zapier has compiled a list of the best brainstorming tools, catering to both collaborative and solo efforts.
For an even smoother workflow, you can integrate Miro with Zapier (also free) to automate various tasks. Explore how to automate Miro with Zapier, or jump right in with one of their pre-made workflows.
Claude (Web)
As AI continues to evolve, many writers are now turning to AI-powered writing software tools for brainstorming and building the framework for their projects. Claude, in particular, stands out for its ability to handle creative tasks such as idea generation and proofreading, making it an excellent choice for these needs.
Moreover, you can integrate other apps with Claude via Zapier, enabling a seamless flow of ideas for further development. Explore some automation options or dive deeper into how to streamline your workflow with Claude.
Notion (Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android)
Notion strikes a perfect balance between keeping things organized and allowing for spontaneous creativity, making it an ideal platform to store your notes, links, social media content, transcriptions, and all the resources you need to craft your draft. And if you prefer, you can even write your draft directly in Notion, without spending a dime.
Enhance your workflow by integrating Zapier, which brings even more aspects of your writing software process together. Explore how to automate your Notion workspace or dive into some ready-made workflows to kickstart your productivity.
Google Docs (Web, Chrome, iOS, Android)
Google Docs writing software is not just a tool for solo writing—it’s a powerhouse for collaboration. Its clean interface and simplicity make it easy to jump right in, but where it really excels is in working with others. With features like suggestions, sharing, and version history, it’s right up there with paid alternatives, and all for free.
Plus, you can supercharge your productivity by connecting Google Docs with the other tools you use through Zapier. Want to set up some handy automations? Here are a few ideas to get you started, or dive deeper into how you can automate your Google Docs experience.
FocusWriter (Windows, Linux)
If the standard user interface feels like a distraction while you’re trying to write, FocusWriter offers a refreshing alternative. It immerses you in a full-screen environment where it’s just you and your thoughts, blocking out all distractions. You can personalize your workspace with a range of soothing themes, like a starry galaxy or a serene sky, or even design your own. Plus, you can set a timer to keep your writing software sessions laser-focused.
If FocusWriter doesn’t meet your needs, consider exploring Zapier’s roundup of the best distraction-blocking tools, which includes several free options.
Power Thesaurus (Web, Chrome, iOS, Android)
As a freelance writing software, I’m constantly tweaking my word choices across various platforms online. Power Thesaurus has become my go-to tool for finding synonyms, antonyms, definitions, and more, wherever I write. Whether you’re drafting in Google Docs, typing away in Word, or composing an email in Gmail, Power Thesaurus can be right there with you—accessible on its website, in your browser, or on your phone.
Pricing: Power Thesaurus is free for basic features. For those who need more, Power Thesaurus PRO starts at $2.49/month, offering enhanced filters and an expanded selection of synonyms.
What are the top free writing software options in 2024?
ome of the best free writing software in 2024 include:
Google Docs: A versatile, cloud-based word processor that allows real-time collaboration and easy sharing.
LibreOffice Writer: A powerful open-source word processor that offers many features similar to Microsoft Word.
Scrivener (Free Trial): Ideal for long-form writing projects like novels, offering a robust structure for organizing chapters and scenes.
FocusWriter: A distraction-free writing environment that lets you focus solely on your words without any visual clutter.
Grammarly: A grammar and spell-check tool that also helps with style and tone, available as a browser extension or standalone app.
Which writing software is best for collaboration?
Google Docs is the go-to choice for collaboration, allowing multiple users to edit a document simultaneously, leave comments, and suggest edits in real-time.
What is the best free writing software for novelists?
Scrivener is highly favored by novelists due to its ability to organize complex projects into manageable sections. While it’s not entirely free, the trial version offers substantial time to explore its features.