WordPad Alternatives for Mac

WordPad is not available for Mac but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on macOS with similar functionality. The best Mac alternative is LibreOffice - Writer, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to WordPad and many of them are available for Mac so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Mac alternatives to WordPad are Microsoft Word, Typora, Scrivener and Apache OpenOffice Writer.

WordPad alternatives are mainly Word Processors but may also be Note-taking Tools or Text Editors. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of WordPad.

WordPad alternatives page was last updated

WordPad

Free • Proprietary
Word Processor

WordPad is a simple word processor that is included with almost all versions of Microsoft Windows from Windows 95 onwards....

More about WordPad

LibreOffice - Writer
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Word Processor
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
ReactOS
83 LibreOffice - Writer alternatives
Writer has all the features you need from a modern, full-featured word processing or desktop publishing tool.
- - LibreOffice - Writer is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to WordPad.
- - LibreOffice - Writer is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to WordPad.
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LibreOffice - Writer Features
1. PortableLibreOffice - Writer can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
2. Spell CheckingLibreOffice - Writer can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
3. Privacy focusedLibreOffice - Writer is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. Ad-freeLibreOffice - Writer doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
5. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of LibreOffice - Writer.
6. Works OfflineLibreOffice - Writer can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Dark ModeLibreOffice - Writer supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. Distraction-freeLibreOffice - Writer has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
9. WYSIWYG SupportLibreOffice - Writer integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
Export to PDF
Built-in PDF converter
Export to Word
LibreOffice Integration
Compatible with Microsoft Office
Auto Correction
Basic fonts
FOSS
Export to HTML
Export to EPUB
Comments about LibreOffice - Writer as a Alternative to WordPad
Some users think LibreOffice - Writer is a great WordPad alternative, some don't.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Very much like Microsoft Office and Wordpad combined! Extremely easy to use interface and has no limited features! Best of all FREE! Unlike Micro's BS greed, they want you to pay for a better notepad alternative and there it was just sitting around the corners of the net while many of no-brainers like me had no clue such an amazing thing like Libre exist! Thank you very much Libre! You saved not only our time searching further but also saved our wallets!
Top positive comment•
0

Guest
Using it to write my novels. Paying for Wordpad isn't necessary as long as I have this software.
Top positive comment•
-3

Guest
Wordpad is too simple compared to Wordpad. I'm looking for a super lightweight word processor like Wordpad for Linux so I can quickly write simple RTF documents when I don't need the features of LibreOffice. LibreOffice has more features but isn't as lightweight and fast.
Top negative comment•
13

Guest
I like and use LibreOffice, but MS WordPad is extremely more simple than LibreOffice. A similar programme to WordPad is Abiword.
Negative comment•
0

Richard Draucker
Suggesting LibreOffice Writer as an alternative to Wordpad is like suggesting a Boeing 787 as an alternative to a Cessna single engine 2 seater.
Negative comment•
4

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5 of 6 comments
Microsoft Word
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Word Processor
Mac
Windows
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
Windows Phone
iPad
92 Microsoft Word alternatives
Microsoft Word, part of the Microsoft 365 (Office) but also sold as a standalone application, is Microsoft's word processor. Its proprietary (but open-specification) DOC format is considered a de-facto standard, although from 2007 and...
- - Microsoft Word is the most popular commercial alternative to WordPad.
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Microsoft Word Features
1. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Microsoft Word simultaneously.
2. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsMicrosoft Word can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
3. Dark ModeMicrosoft Word supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
4. Spell CheckingMicrosoft Word can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
5. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
6. PDF annotationMicrosoft Word support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
7. Works OfflineMicrosoft Word can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Convert Word documents to PDF
Document structure management
Ribbon Interface
Custom styles
Export to PDF
Text boxes
Cross-references
Digital Signage
Integrated PDF Viewer
Onedrive integration
Comments about Microsoft Word as a Alternative to WordPad
Most users think Microsoft Word is a great WordPad alternative.
Guest
Not lightweight, costs a decent amount of money. In short, not suitable if you only need something comparable to MS Wordpad.
Negative comment•
5

flcferreira
It isn't cheap. And it may be heavier to load than Wordpad. Otherwise, it is a great option.
Negative comment•
1

Guest
Wordpad comes with Windows, but Word is commercial and has more features than Wordpad. Word may have more features, but is slower, while Wordpad is super lightweight and simple. I'm looking for a lightweight and fast word processor for Linux so I can write quick RTF documents when I don't need the advanced features of a full-fledged word processor, like Wordpad for Windows.
Negative comment•
0

Guest
is a superset of wordpad so yes you can use word to fully replace word pad.
Positive comment•
-3
Typora
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
Electron / Atom Shell
143 Typora alternatives
Typora gives you a seamless experience as both a reader and a writer. It removes the preview window, mode switcher, syntax symbols of markdown source code, and all other unnecessary distractions. Instead, it provides a real live preview feature to help you concentrate on the...
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Typora Features
1. Support for MarkDownTypora supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
3. Distraction-freeTypora has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
4. WYSIWYG SupportTypora integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
5. LightweightTypora consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
6. Support for LaTeXTypora supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
7. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Typora.
8. Code FormattingTypora supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
9. Spell CheckingTypora can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
Write files in markdown
Save as Markdown
Clean design
Simple text editor
Code Syntax Highlighting
Export to PDF
Multiplatform
Nested Folders
Minimalistic
Multiple languages
Scrivener
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Novel Authoring Tool
Note-taking Tool
Project Management Tool
Mac
Windows
iPhone
iPad
PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)
Wine
97 Scrivener alternatives
Typewriter. Ring-binder. Scrapbook. Scrivener combines everything you need to craft your first draft, from nascent notion to final full stop.
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Scrivener Features
1. Support for scriptingScrivener supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
2. Support for LaTeXScrivener supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
Corkboard
Integrated Search
Document compiler
Multi-document View
Split files into sections
Visual Organization
Scene Management
Character database
Folders
Export to PDF
Apache OpenOffice Writer
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Word Processor
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
80 Apache OpenOffice Writer alternatives
Writer, part of the Apache OpenOffice suite, is an open-source word processor. It supports the ISO standard Open Document Format (ODF) for data interchange as its default file format, as well as Microsoft Office 97-2003 formats, Microsoft Office 2007...
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Apache OpenOffice Writer Features
1. Spell CheckingApache OpenOffice Writer can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
2. Ad-freeApache OpenOffice Writer doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. Works OfflineApache OpenOffice Writer can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Export to PDF
Fractions
FOSS
Opinions about Apache OpenOffice Writer as a Alternative to WordPad
Most users think Apache OpenOffice Writer is a great WordPad alternative.
WPS Writer
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Word Processor
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
72 WPS Writer alternatives
WPS Writer, part of WPS Office , is dependable and fast word processing software that is highly compatible with Microsoft Word , and can read and edit DOC and DOCX formats.
Suggest and vote on features
WPS Writer Features
1. Spell CheckingWPS Writer can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
Compatible with Microsoft Office
Eye Protection Mode
Convert Word documents to PDF
Tabbed interface
Built-in PDF converter
Office-like
Convert URL to DOCX
Student Tools
Add a screenshot

Comments about WPS Writer as a Alternative to WordPad
pros, cons and recent comments
Guest
Modern Microsoft Word Look-Alike that opens MUCH faster than Word! Has EVERYTHING you need. Not as bloated as Libre. Stable, Familiar UI, and most importantly....FREE!
Positive comment•
0
Dictanote
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Chrome OS
Google Chrome
97 Dictanote alternatives
Switch effortlessly between using the keyboard and your voice to type out notes. Work smarter and more productively with fast, accurate dictation and transcription using Dictanote.
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Dictanote Features
1. PortableDictanote can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
2. WYSIWYG SupportDictanote integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
Dictation
Speech to text
Voice Commands
Voice Notes
Voice recognition
Speech Recognition
Note Garden
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
316 Note Garden alternatives
Just by taking notes, we create an optimized learning course for you to remember for a long time.
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Note Garden Features
1. Support for LaTeXNote Garden supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
2. Support for MarkDownNote Garden supports MarkDown for document formatting.
Srs
Note organization
Knowledge base
Knowledge Management
Bidirectional links
Nisus Writer Express
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Word Processor
Mac
56 Nisus Writer Express alternatives
Nisus Writer feels like home with support for Mac OS X autosave, document versioning, and iCloud. Built from the same core as Nisus Writer Pro, Express features the same elegant user interface and compatibility that has been universally praised by both users and press alike.
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Nisus Writer Express Features
1. Support for scriptingNisus Writer Express supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
2. File VersioningNisus Writer Express has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
Tabbed interface
Support for regular expressions
Regex substitution
Split-screen view
Search and Replace
Split windows
Replace expressions
Support for Right-to-Left
TextEdit
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Text Editor
Mac
97 TextEdit alternatives
When you need to create text documents, TextEdit is a highly versatile word processor, including tools to format and layout your page, edit and stylize text, check spelling, create tables and lists, import graphics, work with HTML, and even add music and movie files.
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TextEdit Features
Rich text editing
Graphical User Interface
Plain text file