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Have you been considering getting a word processor app on your Android device? Word processing apps aren’t just limited to iPads. If you want to view documents like Word files, spreadsheets, PDFs, and PowerPoint presentations, or create new documents on your tablet or phone, there is likely an app out there that's right for you. Here are a few of the best and most popular Android word processor apps.
OfficeSuite Pro + PDF from MobiSystems (available on the Google Play store) is a robust app that is feature-rich, and lets you create, edit and view Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and PDF documents, and the ability to view PowerPoint files. OfficeSuite + PDF is a free trial version of the app that gives you a chance to try out the app before committing to purchasing it. This app is easy to use, and actions such as margin setting and text alignment are simple. It handles the insertion of images and other media well, and formatting and manipulating text are also simple. One of the best features in OfficeSuite Pro is how well it preserves formatting in documents. Transferring a document from a laptop using Microsoft Word using cloud storage (examples cloud storage services that offer free space include Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive) resulted in no format changes.
Google Docs for Android is part of a suite of office productivity applications that includes Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms. The word processor application, called simply Docs, allows you to create, edit, share and collaborate on word processing documents. As a word processor, Google Docs gets the job done. All essential functions are available, and the user interface has a familiar feel if you're used to Word, so the adjustment is no onerous. Google Docs is integrated with Google Drive, the cloud storage service from Google, where you can save your files in cloud space and access them from all of your devices. Those files in Drive can be shared out to other users, either as simply viewable files, or others can be granted editing permissions. This makes collaboration very easy and accessible for users, no matter the device or operating system they may be using. Google Docs has had some issues with formatting loss when converting an uploaded Word document, but this has improved more recently.
Microsoft has moved its staple office productivity software suite Microsoft Office into the online mobile world. The Android word processor version of Microsoft Word offers a functional and familiar environment for reading and creating documents. The user interface will be familiar to users of the desktop version Word, though streamlined to the core functions and features. The interface makes a less elegant transition to the small screens of smartphones, however, and can feel awkward. Although the app is free, if you want features beyond the basic ones included, such as real-time collaboration or reviewing/tracking changes, you'll have to upgrade to a subscription to Microsoft Office 365. There are several subscription plans available, from single computer licenses to licenses allowing installations on multiple computers. If you're comfortable using Word on your computer and cringe at the thought of learning a new app's interface then Microsoft Word for Android might be a good choice as you make your move to mobile.
Documents To Go--now called Docs To Go--from DataVis, Inc., has decent word processing reviews. The app is compatible with your Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 and 2010 files, and has the ability to create new files. This app is one of a few that also supports iWorks files. Docs to Go offers extensive formatting options, including bulleted lists, styles, undo and redo, find and replace, and word count. It also uses InTact Technology to retain existing formatting. Docs To Go offers a free version, but for advanced features, such as support for cloud storage services, you will have to purchase a full version key to unlock them.
This is just a small selection of the word processor apps available to Android users. If these don't quite fit your needs, or you're just looking for a different experience from familiar Word, try out others. Most offer a free, though usually scaled down, version of their app, so if you find one you want to try but it has a cost, search for free versions. These are often featured on the right side of the app page; if you don't see one, try a search for the developer to see all of the apps they have available.
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