ZenWriter logo

ZenWriter

By Beenokle Free to try Editors' Rating

Editors' Review

Download.com Staff Dec 1, 2012

If your job involves writing or editing, you probably need a word processor to get it done. Microsoft Word can cost hundreds, so a free alternative is nice. Zen Writer is a stylish program that will save you cash, but you'll sacrifice most of the features you need in productivity software.

True to its name, Zen Writer gives you an open, peaceful place for organizing thoughts. The customizable music and backgrounds produce a calming effect. You can add a typewriter sound effect to your keystrokes and it even saves your work automatically. It's a fun environment for brainstorming, but it won't match other options like OpenOffice or LibreOffice for productivity. Most of the features you need aren't there. There are only five fonts, and you can't bold, italicize, or underline. There are also no graph, list, or image options, which other word-processing programs have built in. This program just gives you an open space to write in and nothing else.

Zen Writer probably works well for fans of minimalist note-taking environments. Setup is a breeze and it's more pleasant than the blank, white background you may be used to. However, it doesn't offer enough to be a good standalone option. It doesn't save files in DOC format by default or include other productivity software, which means it won't work for essays or presentations.

Full Specifications

What's new in version 2.38

Version 2.38 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

General

Release July 18, 2019
Date Added July 18, 2019
Version 2.38

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Windows, Windows Vista, Windows 7
Additional Requirements None

Popularity

Total Downloads 51,771
Downloads Last Week 40
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User Reviews

4.4/5
7 User Votes
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star

Developer's Description

ZenWriter, a text editor for Windows that cuts out all the distraction and lets you focus on letting your thoughts flow. It's a full screen, zen-like program that offers few formatting options but a whole lot of tranquility. If you find yourself, skipping between tabs in your browser checking up on e-mail and Facebook when you're meant to be writing, ZenWriter is the solution to your distracted mind.
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