AbiWord

2.9.4 Lightweight word processor for Windows

Tina de Pierre

Review: Free, open-source Word processor with basic formatting and collaboration features.

Free and open source text editing software download, reviewed by Tina de Pierre
Surprise-free installation and minimal GUI - Screenshot of AbiWord
Use templates, insert tables and format various elements - Screenshot of AbiWord
Support for multiple file types and languages - Screenshot of AbiWord
Similar with MS Word - Screenshot of AbiWord
Free and simple word processing program - Screenshot of AbiWord
A very light word processor - Screenshot of AbiWord
Fully customizable - Screenshot of AbiWord
The robust Office desktop apps like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel - Screenshot of AbiWord
Newest version of the popular suite - Screenshot of AbiWord
Editing - Screenshot of AbiWord
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A free Word alternative word processor with similar features.

AbiWord is a full and extensive word processor with features and a feel similar to older, more classic versions of Microsoft's Word product. Unlike Word or WordPerfect, AbiWord is completely free and maintained by an open source community.

The program doesn't really provide many advantages over classic versions of Microsoft or Corel's word processor products, except that it is completely free.

Some useful features worth mentioning here are the spell check, support for many popular document formats (docx, doc, html, txt, rtf, etc.) and its ability to add pictures to your document. In fact, there is not too much which separates this word processor from its commercial counterparts. Of course it also supports rich text enhancements as virtually all modern word processors do.

AbiWord is still under development and this is the latest stable version but their web site is such to also provide you with development versions if you would prefer to be on the bleeding edge.

Features of AbiWord

  • Automation: Create macros and automate repetitive tasks.
  • Collaboration: Share documents in real-time with remote users.
  • Cross-Platform: Compatible with a wide range of operating systems.
  • Find & Replace: Easily find and replace text.
  • Formatting: Rich text formatting with support for styles, fonts and sizes.
  • Graphics: Insert images, clip art and other graphical elements with ease.
  • Headers & Footers: Add headers and footers to documents for a professional look.
  • Mail Merge: Create personalized documents with mail merge functionality.
  • Outlining: Create outlines to easily organize long documents.
  • Plugins: Extend AbiWord's functionality with an extensive set of plugins.
  • Security: Protect documents with support for passwords and digital signatures.
  • Spellcheck: Built-in spellcheck with support for multi-language dictionaries.
  • Tables: Create tables with customizable row and column sizes.
  • Templates: Create documents quickly with professionally designed templates.
  • Track Changes: Keep track of changes with support for comments and annotations.

Compatibility and License

AbiWord has been released under the open source GPL license on Windows from office software. The license provides the options to freely download, install, run and share this program without any restrictions. The source code for AbiWord should be freely available and modifications are certainly permitted as well as the option to inspect the software.

What version of Windows can AbiWord run on?

AbiWord can be used on a computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10. Previous versions of the OS shouldn't be a problem with Windows 8 and Windows 7 having been tested. It runs on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems with no dedicated 64-bit download provided.

Other operating systems: The latest AbiWord version from 2024 is also available for Mac.


Filed under:
  1. AbiWord Download
  2. Free Office Software
  3. Open source and GPL software
  4. Portable Software
  5. Text Editing Software
AbiWord has been picked by our editors as good software.
AbiWord has been tested for viruses and malware.
We have tested AbiWord 2.9.4 against malware with several different programs. We certify that this program is clean of viruses, malware and trojans.