6 Ways to Create, Edit, and View Microsoft Word Documents for Free

Take advantage of MS Word Online, Microsoft's mobile app, and third-party tools

By
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Writer
    Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified.
    lifewire's editorial guidelines
    Updated on August 9, 2024

    Microsoft Word is a powerful word processor, but depending on your needs, you don't have to pay for the Microsoft Office/365 suite. Several free options, some even from Microsoft, let you open and edit DOCX and DOC files, and even make brand-new documents from scratch that you can share with anyone.

    Here's a look at the top tools available today for viewing, editing, and creating Word documents for free.

    01
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    Microsoft Word Online

    A Microsoft Word document open in a web browser
    What We Like

    • Available for any operating system.

    • Sharing and collaboration features similar to Google Docs.

    • Multiple templates to choose from.

    • Export to DOCX or PDF.

    What We Don't Like

    • Lacks some features of the desktop version.

    • 'Upgrade' buttons sprinkled throughout to advertise advanced features.

    Word Online offers an almost-full version of the popular word processor in a browser window. As part of Microsoft 365's web edition, it provides all the viewing and editing features you need to create and edit new or existing documents. Of all the options in this list, this one looks the most like the traditional version of Word.

    While not all features in the desktop version made it to this browser-based app, it stores edited files in a cloud-based OneDrive repository and can export to popular formats like PDF, DOCX, and ODT.

    Word Online includes sharing features, so you can invite other users to view or collaborate on any document. Your documents can also be embedded directly in your website.

    Microsoft's online version of Word can be used in any modern browser, like Chrome, on Linux, Mac, and Windows computers.

    02
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    Microsoft Word Mobile App

    Microsoft Word running on iPad Pro
    What We Like

    • Runs on Android and iOS.

    • Surprising number of features for a mobile app.

    • Works with Apple Vision Pro.

    What We Don't Like

    • Typing on a small screen can be difficult.

    • Edits and new creates limited to devices smaller than 10.1 inches.

    Another way to use Word files for free is through Microsoft's mobile app. With just three menu buttons, the app is free from clutter and fairly simple to understand. Upload documents directly from your device or pick a cloud storage option like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive.

    The app is more than just a document viewer. You have full editing privileges if your device isn't too big, so it's great for small changes on the go or if you need to view a document quickly before you share it.

    Here are some nifty features we're pleased to have access to even on a small phone screen: search for text, edit the text style, read the document aloud, auto-detect headlines to create an outline, view the edit history to load previous versions, and add a shortcut to a document on the home screen.

    The Microsoft Word app is free for Android and iOS.

    03
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    Microsoft 365 Free Trial

    Using the free trial version of Microsoft Office 365 to create a graduation announcement for Microsoft Word
    ​
    What We Like

    • Store documents online to sync and share between devices.

    • Unrestricted access to the Microsoft Office suite.

    What We Don't Like

    • A credit card is required.

    • Automatically renews if you don't cancel the trial.

    For full, unrestricted access to Microsoft Word, you'll need more than the thinned-out versions offered in the web and mobile editions. For this, Microsoft offers a free trial of Microsoft 365 Family.

    The trial includes the complete version of Word for up to six people across various platforms and multiple devices. You'll also receive a trial of the company's other software, including Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

    The free trial lasts 30 days and requires a valid payment method. Microsoft charges a yearly fee if you don't cancel the subscription.

    04
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    LibreOffice Writer

    LibreOffice Writer

    LibreOffice
    What We Like

    • Completely free.

    • Looks like the classic version of Word.

    • Endless features.

    What We Don't Like

    • Small prompt and dialog menu text.

    • Must install the whole suite just to use Writer.

    • Collaborative Editing is under development.

    While not a Microsoft product, Writer, the free Word alternative that's part of the LibreOffice suite, resembles Microsoft Word with its easy-to-use interface and support for viewing, editing, and creating new files in formats like DOC, DOCX, and ODT.

    There are far too many features to list here, but just know that you're in good hands with this software, especially if you're used to Microsoft Word. All the same Word file formats are supported and there's automatic spell check, loads of insert options, a Mail Merge wizard, and support for macros, just to name a few capabilities.

    Several options are available when you're ready to save a document. It can be stored on your device in all the popular formats, like PDF, DOCX, and EPUB, or sent directly to Google Drive or OneDrive.

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    WPS Writer

    A document open in WPS Office
    What We Like

    • Downloadable templates.

    • Multilingual support.

    • Clean and simple interface with tabs for organization.

    • Customizable share options.

    • Auto-backup options.

    What We Don't Like

    • Some features have limited usage until you pay.

    • Several 'upgrade' buttons advertise pro-level features.

    WPS Writer (formerly Kingsoft Writer) is another multi-platform word processor. As part of the WPS Office suite, this app supports not only Microsoft's Word document formats but also Excel and PowerPoint formats.

    Right off the bat, you'll notice the polished user interface. Tabs sit along the top so you can easily jump between documents without opening separate instances of Writer.

    Another thing that sets this program apart from these other Word openers is WPS AI, the name for the collection of AI-powered tools built into WPS Office. They include a chatbot and a text generator that's perfect for writing inspiration.

    You'll also get document encryption features, PDF exporting, and document translations with a neat side-by-side view. Several features appear free but you'll need to pay to access them, including PDF editing.

    Writer is available for free as part of the WPS Office package and works with Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, and Windows devices.

    06
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    Google Docs

    Google Docs with Gemini
    What We Like

    • Save documents to the cloud and access from all devices.

    • Real-time collaboration with detailed tracking of changes.

    • Built-in AI features for summarization and text generation.

    • Access to free add-ons for additional features.

    What We Don't Like

    • Offline editing requires a browser extension.

    • Fewer features than similar desktop programs.

    Google Docs is a full-featured word processor compatible with Word files like DOCX and DOTM. It's available free of charge with a Google account and is tied in closely with Google Drive, where all your files are stored.

    Docs allows for seamless document collaboration with several users. You get to pick their level of access (viewer, editor, or commenter), and you can even work on a document with someone who doesn't have a Google account.

    A unique feature in Google Docs is direct access to Gemini, the company's AI tool. Use it to create outlines, brainstorm ideas, build lists, and more.

    Docs is browser-based on a computer and works through an app for Android and iOS.

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