Software & Apps MS Office 49 49 people found this article helpful AbleWord Review This free word processor works with Microsoft Word files by Stacy Fisher Stacy is a freelancer with over 18 years experience writing about technology and personal finance. She has published hundreds of articles and co-authored a book. our editorial process Stacy Fisher Updated on December 05, 2019 Tweet Share Email MS Office Word Excel Powerpoint Outlook AbleWord is an easy to use, free word processor program for Windows operating systems. With support for common formatting tools and popular file formats, AbleWord is a great choice for a word processor. Plus, because of its PDF features, you can also use it as a PDF editor and a PDF to Word converter. What We Like Easy to use. Includes the ability to check for spelling mistakes. The interface and design is clean and uncluttered. Supports common formatting abilities. What We Don't Like Spell check feature isn't automatic. Hasn't been updated since 2015. Works on Windows only. Limited file association settings. Download AbleWord More Information on AbleWord AbleWord can be used with the Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP operating systemCommon file formats can be opened and saved to, such as Microsoft Word's DOCX and DOC, as well as PDF, RTF, and HTML/HTMAbleWord works as a PDF to Word converter because you can open a PDF file and then save it to DOCX or DOC (the two most popular file formats used in MS Word)You can import just a PDF's text and automatically exclude all images and other non-text stylings by using the File > Import PDF Text menuSupports inserting common things like a page break, current date, image (BMP, TIF, WMF, PNG, JPG, GIF, and EMF files), text frame, table, and page numbersRegular formatting functions are allowed like changing font, paragraph, styles, columns, header/footer, image, borders, and bullet detailsThe Edit menu holds all sorts of editing functions you'd expect to have in any good word processor, such as undo, redo, cut, copy, clear, paste, find, and replace. The find and replace options even include a toggle to make the search case sensitiveCustom user dictionaries (.TXD files) can be added to AbleWordA word counter is included so you can quickly see how many words, pages, characters (with and without spaces), paragraphs, and lines that the document containsSome of the spell check options include the ability to toggle between enabling and disabling things like flagging repeated words, ignoring internet addresses, ignoring email addresses, and ignoring words that contain numbersTwo views can be chosen from to see a document in a draft or print layout formIn the Page Setup screen are settings for changing what type of paper the document will be printed on and how large the margins should be from the top, left, bottom, and right side of the page. This is also where the headers and footers, columns, and borders settings areAbleWord's Online Help provides a handful of tutorials if you're having trouble using the program Thoughts on AbleWord Even at first glance it's easy to see how simple it is to use AbleWord. The toolbars are easy to read and understand, and the program as a whole is just very clean and easy on the eyes. As with any word processor, it's unfortunate that AbleWord can't check for spelling mistakes while you type. However, the spell check utility is easily accessible from the toolbar. When you select it, the spelling errors are underlined in red, but then they return to normal when you exit the spell check tool. While you're installing AbleWord, you're asked if you want to associate the program with DOC and DOCX files. If you enable that option, then any documents that end in those file extensions will open in AbleWord when double-clicked. This is a useful feature, but unfortunately you can't enable or disable it once the program has been installed, and it only works with those file extensions. AbleWord is definitely a good choice if you're looking for an easy to use word processor that comes at no charge and works with files that are used in most other word processors. Download AbleWord Free Programs Like AbleWord If you're looking for another word processor like AbleWord that may better suit your needs, check out the reviews we have for some other free word processors like OpenOffice Writer, WordGraph, and WPS Office Writer. Also look through this list of free online word processors for programs like these that have the added benefit of working online through your web browser. What that means is that you don't have to download anything and you can use it from basically any computer you're on, and usually even mobile devices, too, like your phone or tablet. Google Docs is one example. Was this page helpful? 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