Zoho Writer is a free Web-based word processor. To utilize this software, you will need an Internet connection and a Web browser. Zoho Writer doesn't completely support some versions of Netscape, but it does support Internet Explorer 5.5 or later, Safari, and Mozilla FireFox 1.4 or later.

Zoho Writer can import many common file formats, including Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, and HTML, as well as graphics in JPG, GIF, and PNG formats. It can export files in Word, OpenOffice, RTF, HTML, text (TXT), and PDF formats. It cannot currently import or export Corel WordPerfect files. If you have a blog, you can use Zoho Writer to post files to WordPress, Live Journal, Blogger, and TypePad. In addition to importing files, you can create documents from scratch or from templates.

The user interface is similar to a typical word processor. The left side of the window lists your documents, templates, shared documents and public documents. The current document occupies most of the workspace, topped by two formatting toolbars that provide many typical formatting options.

If you collaborate on files with colleagues, you can send them an email with a link to a shared document, and even work on the document together in real-time. You can also mark a document as public, so that anyone can access it.

Zoho Writer is free, but requires registration if you want to save any files online or access all of its features. Unlike many sites, particularly free ones, Zoho Writer doesn't require that you provide a lot of personal information; all you need to do is enter your email address and select a password. You can also test-drive an online demo first if you prefer.

Zoho Writer is a free Web-based word processor that offers many of the same features as a standard word processor, including the ability to import and export many file formats.


Pros: Free; easy to use; stores files in a central location, so you can access them from anywhere, as long as you have an Internet connection, as well as share them with others; can import and export a variety of file formats
Cons: Requires an Internet connection; doesn't support some versions of Netscape; cannot currently import or export files in WordPerfect format; like any web site, Zoho Writer may not always be accessible, or may be slow