CNET Editors' review
This free, open-source word processor strikes us as a worthy alternative to pricey, big-name products. AbiWord has a quick learning curve, since the interface is very similar to those in Word and WordPerfect.
You'll find just about all the features you need, including the ability to cut and paste, highlight, and a bevy of common formatting tools. Although we did miss a grammar-checking utility, AbiWord can check your spelling in many languages--you'll need to choose the appropriate foreign language dictionaries during installation. A huge plus is the ability to open and save Microsoft Word documents, though the program also has its own proprietary file format. You can download plug-ins at the publisher's site to import and export a wide variety of other formats, including OpenDocument.
The latest version integrates with the AbiCollab Web service for sharing documents, and finally introduces an annotation feature that competitors have long had. AbiWord should appeal to a wide range of users who seek a functional word-processing app but lack a large bank account.
Publisher's Description
From AbiSource:
AbiWord is a lean yet full-featured word processor. It features a familiar-looking interface, basic character formatting, paragraph alignment, a spell checker, interactive rulers and tabs, styles, unlimited undo/redo, find and replace, and image support. It can also import Microsoft Word 97 and RTF (Rich Text Format) documents, as well as support headers/footers, superscript/subscript, widow/orphan control and newspaper-style columns. Many plug-ins are available.
What's new in this version: Version 2.8.6 has fixed a bad regression that was introduced in previous version.
More Popular Word Processing Software downloads
- Microsoft Office Word 2010
33,280 downloads
- Free PDF To Word Doc Converter
22,199 downloads
- OpenOffice.org
15,195 downloads
- Free PDF to Word Converter
5,049 downloads
- PDF to Excel Converter
4,931 downloads
-
All versions:
3.9 starsout of 196 votes
-
Current version:
3.8 starsout of 32 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"Great little software program!"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
I just wanted a word program, no other software. This is exactly
what I needed on my new laptop. It's simple and has just enough features.Cons
When I'm typing the letters "jump up" to another line above. I don't know if maybe it is not compatible with my Windows 7. I do a lot of re-typing words in their proper places. This is my only hangup regarding Abiword.
Summary
Even though the word jumping bothers me, I was happy to find an alternative word program. I tried Open Office and that didn't work for me at all. If anyone has any fixes for the above issue, I'd be very pleased to hear them. Thanks!
-
"Basic Word processor that gets the job done"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
Very good program with most feature of LibreOffice and OpenOffice
Cons
None at all.
Summary
Definitely recommend you to download this (very small) file & try it. I hope you like it.
-
"Excellent Word Processor"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
I've used Abiword thru several versions now and find it very easy to work with and compatible with Microsoft Word docs. Much smaller footprint on my hard drive and really enjoy using it. I like the way "tools" are laid out when you open Abiword. Give it a try and I think you will become a fan of it.
Cons
none I can think of right now.
-
"wonderful piece of work"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
easy to handle and works in all formats
Cons
none that I can find
-
"It is good, however in this day it needs to do PDF."
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
uuuuuuuuuuuuu
Cons
uuuuuuuuuuuuuu
-
"Really nice wordprocessor program"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
Easy, user friendly, can use with almost every other processor documents.
Cons
So far, none that I have found.
Summary
Overall one of the best word processor programs that I have found aside from Wordperfect, and it is free.
-
"A perfect replacement for Notepad and Word pad."
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
Spellchecker included! Easy to use. Supports a variety of files including .doc.
Cons
none to report at this time.
Summary
Good text handling program!
-
"Very simple and easy to use."
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
For average documents it is perfect. Clean and there are no many (unwanted) formatting buttons.
Cons
Support for languages other than English is available but has to improve a bit.
Summary
Handy for general purpose work.
-
"Great capabilities, crashes easily."
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
Has spell-checks in many languages, translation and web search among many other plugins, provisions for several people working on the text, and it is free.
Cons
Crashed several times when I tried to change the font. BE SURE YOU SAVE YOUR WORK FREQUENTLY!
-
"Abiiword upgrade"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
Good basic word processing program.
Cons
not as flexible as I would like. Don't like the templates.
Summary
Great for the price:-)
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
See more CNET content tagged:
Previous Versions:
