One of the biggest myths about writing is that you need expensive software and fancy tools to create good work. I've seen aspiring writers spend hours researching the "perfect" writing app or convince themselves they can't start until they have the latest version of some premium program.
Here's the truth: some of the best writing in the world has been created with the simplest tools. What matters isn't the sophistication of your software but the consistency of showing up to write. That said, having the right free tools can make your writing process smoother, more organized, and more enjoyable.
The best writing tool is the one you'll actually use. Don't let the search for perfect tools become another way to avoid writing. Start simple, start free, and upgrade only when you have a clear reason to do so.
I've been writing for years and have tried everything from basic text editors to expensive, feature-heavy programs. What I've learned is that most writers, especially those just starting out, can accomplish everything they need with free tools. Here are the ones I recommend, organized by what they're best for.
Writing and Drafting
Google Docs
Why I love it: Google Docs is probably the most practical choice for new writers. It automatically saves your work to the cloud, so you'll never lose a draft to a computer crash. You can access your writing from any device with internet access, which means you can write on your phone during lunch breaks or switch between your laptop and tablet seamlessly.
Best for: Everything from short stories to full novels, blog posts, and essays. The collaboration features are excellent if you want to share drafts with friends or writing partners.
Bonus features: Voice typing (surprisingly accurate), built-in research tools, and version history so you can see how your writing evolved over time.
Pro tip: Use Google Docs' heading styles to create an automatic table of contents for longer pieces. It makes navigating big documents much easier.
LibreOffice Writer
Why it's great: If you prefer working offline or want something that feels more like traditional Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer is excellent. It's a full-featured word processor that can handle everything from simple stories to complex formatting needs.
Best for: Writers who want robust formatting options, need to work offline frequently, or plan to submit work that requires specific formatting (like manuscript submissions).
Bonus: It can open and save in Microsoft Word formats, so you can collaborate with people who use different software.
FocusWriter / Cold Turkey Writer
Why they're helpful: Sometimes you need to eliminate all distractions and just write. These apps create a full-screen, minimal environment that hides everything except your words. No notifications, no formatting options, no internet to distract you.
Best for: First drafts, overcoming writer's block, or anyone who gets easily distracted by other programs and websites.
Note: These are for pure writing, not editing or formatting. Think of them as digital typewriters that help you focus.
Editing and Improving Your Writing
Hemingway Editor
What it does: This tool analyzes your writing and highlights sentences that are hard to read, suggests simpler alternatives to complex words, and points out excessive use of adverbs and passive voice. It's like having a writing coach that gently nudges you toward clearer prose.
Best for: Making your writing more readable and direct. Especially helpful for bloggers, essayists, or anyone who wants to communicate clearly.
How to use it: Write your first draft elsewhere, then paste it into Hemingway Editor for a clarity check. Don't feel like you have to fix every highlighted issue, but pay attention to patterns.
Important note about editing tools: Apps like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor are helpful, but don't let them override your voice. If a tool suggests changing something that sounds right to you, trust your instincts. These tools catch technical issues but can't judge the artistic merit of your choices.
Grammarly (Free Version)
What it catches: Basic grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and some punctuation issues. The free version covers the essentials that most writers need.
Best for: Catching the kinds of errors that can distract readers from your message. Particularly useful if grammar isn't your strong suit or if English isn't your first language.
Reality check: The premium version offers more features, but the free version catches most of the errors that actually matter. Don't feel pressured to upgrade unless you have specific needs.
Organization and Planning
Notion
Why it's powerful: Notion can be whatever you need it to be: a writing notebook, a project planner, a character database, a research repository. You can create custom templates for your writing projects and keep everything organized in one place.
Best for: Writers who love organization, anyone working on complex projects with lots of moving pieces, or people who want to keep their writing life organized alongside other parts of their life.
Learning curve: Notion can be overwhelming at first, but start simple. Create a basic page for your current writing project and add complexity as you need it.
Trello
How it helps writers: Trello uses a card-based system that's perfect for tracking writing projects, submission deadlines, or organizing story ideas. You can create boards for different projects and move cards through stages like "Idea," "First Draft," "Editing," and "Complete."
Best for: Visual organizers, people managing multiple writing projects, or anyone who likes checking things off lists.
Simple setup: Create three columns: "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." Add your writing tasks as cards and move them through the columns. Instant satisfaction!
Organization tip: Don't over-organize. The goal is to spend more time writing, not more time organizing your writing. Pick one organizational tool and keep it simple.
Research and Inspiration
What it does: Saves articles, blog posts, and web pages for later reading. Perfect for collecting research materials or inspirational pieces without getting distracted from your current writing session.
Best for: Writers who find interesting articles at inconvenient times, researchers who need to save sources, or anyone building a collection of writing inspiration.
Workflow: When you find something interesting while writing, save it to Pocket and keep writing. Read your saved articles during dedicated research time.
Unsplash
Why writers need it: If you're blogging or creating any content that needs images, Unsplash offers high-quality photos that are free to use. Visual inspiration can also help spark story ideas or set the mood for your writing.
Best for: Bloggers, social media content creators, or writers who find visual inspiration helpful for their creative process.
License note: All Unsplash photos are free to use for any purpose, but it's nice to credit the photographer when possible.
Backup and File Management
Dropbox (Free Plan)
Why you need backup: Every writer has horror stories about lost work. Dropbox automatically syncs your files across devices and keeps them safe in the cloud. The free plan gives you enough space for thousands of text documents.
Best for: Anyone who writes on multiple devices or wants peace of mind about their work being safe.
Set and forget: Once you set up Dropbox, it works invisibly in the background. Your writing is automatically backed up without you thinking about it.
Tools You Probably Don't Need (Yet)
Before we get too excited about tools, let's talk about what you probably don't need when you're starting out:
Expensive Writing Software
Programs like Scrivener are powerful, but they're designed for complex, long-form projects. Most new writers will find them overwhelming and unnecessary. Start simple and upgrade only when you have a specific need that free tools can't meet.
Citation Management (Unless You're Writing Non-Fiction)
Tools like Zotero are excellent for academic writing, but most creative writers and bloggers don't need them. If you're writing fiction or personal essays, don't complicate your process with academic tools.
Advanced Design Software
Unless you're self-publishing or creating marketing materials, you don't need Photoshop or Canva. Focus on your writing first; worry about design later.
Remember: Tools are meant to serve your writing, not the other way around. If a tool makes writing feel more complicated or intimidating, it's not the right tool for you right now.
Setting Up Your Free Writing Toolkit
Here's my recommended starter setup for new writers:
Essential trio: Google Docs for writing, Hemingway Editor for clarity checks, and Dropbox for backup. This covers 90% of what most writers need.
Add as needed: If you find yourself getting distracted, add a distraction-free writing app. If you're working on multiple projects, add Trello or Notion for organization. If you're doing research, add Pocket.
Upgrade later: Only add new tools when you have a specific problem that your current tools can't solve. Don't collect tools for the sake of having them.
The most important tool: Whatever you're reading this on can probably be used for writing. Your phone, tablet, or computer already has basic writing capabilities. Don't let the lack of "perfect" tools stop you from starting.
Making the Most of Free Tools
Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
Whatever writing tool you choose, learn its basic keyboard shortcuts. Being able to quickly format text, save documents, or navigate without reaching for your mouse will make your writing flow more smoothly.
Customize Your Setup
Most free tools offer customization options. Adjust font sizes, color schemes, and layouts to make your writing environment comfortable and inviting. You're more likely to write regularly in a space that feels good to you.
Use Templates
Create templates for the types of writing you do most often. A blog post template, a story structure outline, or a character development worksheet can save time and help you start writing faster.
The Tool That Matters Most
After all this talk about software and apps, here's what really matters: the tool between your ears. Your creativity, your voice, your willingness to show up and write regularly, these are worth more than any premium software package.
The best writers I know use simple tools and focus their energy on crafting better sentences, developing stronger characters, and telling more compelling stories. They understand that tools are just tools. The magic happens when you sit down and do the work.
So yes, use these free tools to make your writing process smoother and more organized. But don't spend more time setting up your tools than you spend actually writing. The blank page is waiting, and it doesn't care whether you're using the latest software or a simple text editor.
Start with the basics, write consistently, and upgrade your tools only when you have a clear reason to do so. Your stories are more important than your software, and your voice matters more than your apps.
The writing world is waiting for what you have to say. Pick a tool from this list, open a new document, and start writing. Everything else is just details.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
One book that perfectly complements these free tools is "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott - an honest, encouraging guide about the writing process and overcoming perfectionism. It's a favorite among writers for a reason.
Check out "Bird by Bird" on Amazon →