The best free software for writers 2017

Free software for writers

Writers tend to make a very big deal of their tools, whether those tools are delicate pens or ancient typewriters. Increasingly, though, they'll talk about their software. Even the most genteel literary event can soon devolve into a fist-fight between fans of Scrivener and Ulysses (both of which cost around £27, US$40, AU$50).

Word is the default tool for many writers, but the latest version – Microsoft Word 2016 – will set you back £109.99 (US$109.99, AU$149) for the non-commercial edition. That's almost as much as the full Microsoft Office 2016 suite, and a hefty price for cash-strapped wordsmiths.

There's often a better option for those of us starving in garrets: free apps. Come with us as we discover the best free apps to turn your talent into something tangible.

FocusWriter's extremely pared-back design might not appeal to everyone, but it removes all possible distractions
1. FocusWriter

Block out distractions and get on with some serious work with the best free program for writers

Available for Linux, Windows and OS X, FocusWriter is designed to eliminate distractions so you can actually get on with the job of writing. To that effect it enables you to hide other apps, customize the way your text appears on screen and keep track of your progress. If you're feeling particularly old-school you can even add typewriter sound effects.

FocusWriter isn't for everyone - it looks pretty daft on a 27-inch monitor, for example - but it's a lovely little app with a very modest footprint that stops you keeping an eye on Twitter all day.

Download here: FocusWriter

WriteMonkey is a streamlined text editor, but still packs all the features you'll need
2. WriteMonkey

A text editor that cuts down on distractions, not features, helping you work more efficiently

We're big fans of Markdown, the text-editing language that enables you to format, annotate, classify and link as you type with the minimum of fuss, and the superb WriteMonkey makes good use of it.

This free program delivers an incredibly stripped-down user interface that's considerably more powerful than it looks. There's an excellent outliner, automatic syntax highlighting and file organisation, and although markdown takes a bit of getting used to, you'll be very glad you made the effort.

Once you've mastered WriteMonkey, you can use it to create blog posts, print publications and anything else that needs words in it.

Download here: WriteMonkey

Celtx is an excellent free alternative to premium scriptwriting software Final Draft
3. Celtx

Celtx is ideal for solo writers or small teams who don't need the power of Final Draft

Hollywood scriptwriters swear by the famous Final Draft software, but if you're yet to sell a script then you might prefer an option that doesn't cost any money. Say hello to Celtx, an online scriptwriting platform that's designed for small creative teams and includes a solo screenwriting package - all for the excellent price of zero.

You don't get the extensive collaboration tools of the paid-for products, but for straightforward scriptwriting it's well worth a look before considering a scriptwriting tool that costs real money. Take a look at Trelby too - more on that in a moment.

Download here: Celtx

Writer is part of the open source LibreOffice suite, and packs almost all the features you'd expect to find in a premium word processing program
4. LibreOffice Writer

A fully-featured alternative to Microsoft Word, completely free. Part of the superb LibreOffice suite

LibreOffice is a free, open source alternative to Microsoft Office, and that means its Writer word processing app has many of the power features of Microsoft Word without the accompanying price tag.

One of its most useful features is the LibreOffice Template Center, where you'll find templates for all kinds of content.

If you're interested in more full office suites, see our guide to the best free office software.

Download here: Libr