Unleash Your Creativity: The Best Author Alternatives for Mac and Beyond
Author is a powerful Mac app designed to revolutionize how you create and publish documents to the web. While it offers a streamlined experience, many users seek an Author alternative that better fits their specific needs, whether it's for cross-platform compatibility, advanced features, or a different pricing model. This guide explores the top alternatives to Author, helping you find the perfect software for your writing and publishing endeavors.
Top Author Alternatives
Looking for a robust replacement for Author? Here’s a comprehensive list of applications that offer similar or expanded capabilities, catering to various preferences and operating systems.
LibreOffice - Writer
LibreOffice Writer is a feature-rich, open-source word processing and desktop publishing tool that serves as an excellent Author alternative. It's available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, PortableApps.com, and ReactOS. Writer offers extensive features including Export to PDF, LibreOffice Integration, Export to ePub, Writing tool, Export to HTML, Export to Word, Hybrid PDF, Hyperlinks, Live Meeting, Portable, Presentations as Video, Support for Themes, and Writing tool, making it a versatile choice for any writer.
Google Docs
Google Docs is a free, online word processor that's part of Google Drive, offering real-time collaboration and cloud-based functionality. Available on Web, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Android Tablet, and iPad, it’s a fantastic Author alternative for those who prioritize seamless team collaboration. Key features include Real time collaboration, Collaborative writing, Team Collaboration, Cloud based, Online Sharing, High Availability, Online collaboration, Text formatting, Autosave log, End-to-End Encryption, IFTTT integration, Multiple Font Colors, Office Online integration, Works Offline, Export to PDF, Scanner, and Upload directly to Google Drive.
Microsoft Office Word
Microsoft Office Word is a commercial word processor, part of the Microsoft Office Suite, and a leading Author alternative. It runs on Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, Windows S, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, and iPad. Known for its robust features, Word includes Custom styles, Digital Signage, Cross-references, Real time collaboration, Ribbon Interface, Export to PDF, Spell checking, Text boxes, Convert Word documents to PDF, and a powerful Writing tool.
Pages
Pages, a free word processor from Apple, is an excellent Author alternative specifically for Mac, Web, iPhone, and iPad users. It's designed for creating gorgeous documents with stunning design and powerful writing tools. Features include Real time collaboration, Cloud sync, Desktop publishing, Export to Word, Group collaboration, Hand-write on PDFs, iCloud Integration, Sync with iCloud, Live collaboration, Export to ePub, Export to PDF, and Team Collaboration.
WPS Writer
WPS Writer, part of WPS Office, is a freemium and highly compatible word processing software that serves as a strong Author alternative. It runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad. Its key features include Cross-platform compatibility, high compatibility with Microsoft Office, a Built-in PDF converter, an Office-like interface, and a Tabbed interface, making it a versatile choice.
Word Online
Word Online, part of Office Online, is the free web-based version of Microsoft Office Word. It's a convenient Author alternative for those who need to create and edit documents directly in their browser. Available on Web and Chrome OS, it offers features like Guest editing permissions and a Web-Based interface, ideal for quick edits and sharing.
TheRightMargin
TheRightMargin is a commercial, web-based smart writing tool that uses a goal-driven approach to help users finish their writing. As an Author alternative, it offers unique features like a Timer for tasks, Custom templates, Distraction free writing, Goal Tracking, a Visual timeline, and a dedicated Writing tool, making it ideal for focused writing projects.
True Novelist
True Novelist is a free, web-based tool specifically designed to make novel writing as easy as possible for authors, serving as a specialized Author alternative. It offers features such as Auto-saving, Customizability, the ability to divide into infinite sub-divisions, Night mode/Dark Theme, an Outliner, and a dedicated Writing tool, perfect for long-form creative projects.
iBooks Author
iBooks Author is a free Mac app that allows anyone to create stunning iBooks textbooks, cookbooks, history books, and more for iPad. For those who primarily used Author for creating interactive books, iBooks Author is a direct and powerful alternative, focusing on a robust Writing tool for rich digital publications.
Swift Publisher
Swift Publisher is a commercial, easy-to-use page layout and desktop publishing app for Mac. If your use of Author leaned more towards page layout and graphic design for documents, Swift Publisher is an excellent alternative. It provides all you need for creating impressive and professional-looking documents, including Desktop publishing features, Support for Layers, and Print Brochure capabilities.
Whether you're prioritizing collaborative features, cross-platform compatibility, open-source freedom, or specialized writing tools, there's a powerful Author alternative out there for you. Explore these options to find the perfect fit that empowers your document creation and publishing workflow.