Featured free Text software
AbiWord
This alternative word processor has many of the features, but less of the bloat, found in Microsoft Word. It can read and write industry standard document types, and is able to put together quite a spiffy layout.
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Bean
An open source word processor that does more than TextEdit and is much speedier than Office-style software.
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— 3 so far
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Celtx
Celtx specializes in story development and script writing for film, TV, theatre and new media. Features include a project schedule, media rich breakdowns, production reports, and collaboration. Amazing that you get all this free.
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CopySwap
Text trades places easily with CopySwap. Copy the first text, then paste it on top of the text you want to swap with. CopySwap will simultaneously copy the second text so you can paste it on top of the first text. Confused? Check out the download site and watch the video to see why it’s ingenious.
Creo
Simple-as-possible writing program does away with distractions. Creo uses formatting and colour schemes designed for maximum productivity. Text is automatically saved notebook-style in your Documents folder. (Free to use, but payment requested.)
DreamDiary
Keep track of your dreams — or any other notes — by date and subject.
Eddie
Text editor for programmers features worksets you can save between sessions. Updated for Lion.
FountainPen
Word processor keeps it simple so you can concentrate on writing. A menubar, compositions panel and toolbar can all can be hidden. Best of all, you can bring in an attractive backdrop to cover your desktop and dock. Your work is saved in the app and can be output to HTML, rich text or InDesign tagged text.
Fraise
The well-received Smultron is no longer free, but it lives on in a freeware fork called Fraise. However, the last we heard, the developer of Fraise was looking to start fresh on a new text editor. Update: The link doesn’t work and Fraise has gone missing in action. We’ll keep an eye on things.
JDarkRoom
Simple full-screen text editor keeps distractions to a minimum.
JustNotes
Straightforward note-taking program syncs with SimpleNote for the iPad and iPhone. Search by keywords or tags. Attractive interface allows you to easily add or delete notes. Hide and show with a menu bar item.
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LibreOffice
Developers unhappy with the turn taken by OpenOffice.org when it was acquired by Oracle set off to create their own open source office suite — and the result is LibreOffice. The About Us section notes that it is based on the principle of developers “sharing their work with the world in a non-restrictive way.” A dig at Oracle? In any case, it’s worth checking and comparing if OpenOffice hasn’t been meeting your expectations.
NanoCount
Although this program is indeed quite small, the nano in NanoCount is actually a nod to National Novel Writing Month. Developer Paul Gorman created this TextEdit add-on to keep track of word counts for the event, but you can use it as an everyday improvement to Apple’s free word processor.
NeoOffice
Tired of paying tribute to Microsoft Office? NeoOffice is coming along quite nicely, thank you very much. It includes word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, vector drawing, database, and macro functionality.
Nisus Thesaurus
Pump up the free TextEdit that comes with your Mac by adding the well-done Nisus Thesaurus. Just select a word, and look it up with your Services submenu.
Ommwriter
An amazing and beautiful word processor that makes writing a true pleasure, with an innovative interface, soothing music and a tranquil background. One of the best new apps I’ve seen in a long time.
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OpenOffice.org
Now that a native Mac version is available, this open source alternative to Microsoft Office is a worthy option to consider along with NeoOffice.
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Schnippselchen
Store, track and manage your code snippets. Supports syntax highlighting and dragging to your editor. Data is stored in the app itself for portability. Designed for programmers, but could be adapted for general use.
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Simple CSS
If you’re looking for a simple way to generate style sheets for web pages, Simple CSS will do the trick. It even shows previews.
TeXShop/MacTeX
An editor for writing TeX/LaTeX/XeTeX, that comes bundled with the MacTeX distribution. LaTeX is widely used by mathematicians, scientists, philosopers and scholars because of its ability to create complex typography and formulas.
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Also try: MacTeX
TextForge
A fast and efficient text editor featuring advanced search capabilities and customizable browser previews.
TextWrangler
Bare Bones has updated TextWrangler and is making it free. It’s got a lot more features than BBEdit Lite, so why not go for it. But watch out — you may find yourself wanting to upgrade to the wonderful BBEdit.
Tincta
Fast, clean and intuitive text editor features syntax colouring, line numbering, full drag and drop, indented text with the press of tab, and much more. If you’re looking for a replacement for Smultron and Fraise, this could be the one.
Tofu
It reorganizes text into narrow columns and let’s you side-scroll through it — making it easier to read. I was skeptical, but once I tried Tofu, I was impressed with how well it works.
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WordService
Add a number of services to your free TextEdit, along with Nisus Thesaurus, and you’ve pretty much got a free, full-featured text editor. Find a bunch of other freeware you might like at the WordService website.
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