FocusWriter
FocusWriter is a free, open-source word processor for Linux and Windows that keeps the writing area clear.
What FocusWriter is
FocusWriter is a free, open-source word processor for Linux and Windows that keeps the writing area clear. Its interface hides away and returns when the mouse reaches a screen edge. Users can create themes controlling fonts, colors, and background images, while live statistics, daily goals, multiple open documents, and spell-checking support writing work. On startup, FocusWriter loads the current work in progress and returns to the previous position. Downloads include Linux packages and Windows 10 x64 installers, including a portable Windows version; Linux packages depend on Qt and hunspell. Version 1.9.1 was released July 23, 2026 under GPL version 3, and strict mode can disable unsafe Qt APIs. The maker says no personal data is collected or shared. Optional tips are listed at $5, $10, $20, or another amount.
Good
- Free and open source
- Distraction-free hide-away interface
- Supports daily goals and statistics
- Loads work at the previous position
- Portable Windows version available
Watch out
- Desktop platforms limited to Linux and Windows
- Linux downloads depend on Qt and hunspell
- Bug fixes may take time
- Unreproducible issues cannot be fixed
Who it suits
FocusWriter suits writers who want a distraction-free desktop editor on Linux or Windows. It also fits users seeking open-source software with themes, goals, and basic writing tools.
Verdict
FocusWriter provides a focused writing space with themes, goals, spell-checking, and session resumption at no required cost. Check the listed platform and Linux dependencies before downloading.
Plans and prices
From FocusWriter's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| FocusWriter | Free | Distraction-free word processor · optional tips of $5, $10, $20, or another amount |
| Free FocusWriter | Free | GPL software · desktop writing application · optional $5, $10, $20 tips · No charge stated |
The facts
Each one read from FocusWriter's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- AlternativeTo popularity
- AlternativeTo shows 214 likes and 14 user comments or reviews.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Bug support
- The maintainer asks bug reporters to provide operating-system details, reproduction steps, expected behavior and actual behavior, and says fixes can take time.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Daily goals
- Writers can configure daily writing goals.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Developer
- Graeme Gott describes himself as an open-source programmer and avid Linux user since 2001.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Developer documentation
- The repository includes build and installation files plus a contributing guide, but its README describes the application rather than an API or SDK.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Dictionary links
- The official page links to LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice dictionary resources.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Independent description
- SourceForge describes FocusWriter as a full-screen application that hides menus and notifications until summoned.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Independent feature summary
- SourceForge lists daily goals, timers, alarms, typewriter sounds, themes, autosave, session statistics and spell check.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Latest release
- Version 1.9.1 was released July 23, 2026.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Licence
- The official project is released under GPL version 3.checked 15 Oct 2026
- License
- Version 1.9.1 was released July 23, 2026, under GPL version 3.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Limit: markup
- AlternativeTo reviewers complain that FocusWriter lacks syntax highlighting and Markdown compatibility.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: text controls
- An AlternativeTo reviewer complained that the toolbar lacks a direct increase or decrease text-size control.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: typesetting
- AlternativeTo reviewers describe its typesetting options as limited.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Live statistics
- The application updates writing statistics while text is being entered.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Multiple documents
- FocusWriter supports multiple documents open at the same time.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Portable mode
- A Data folder beside the executable enables running FocusWriter from a USB drive with settings stored there.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Praise: focus
- AlternativeTo’s review summary praises the distraction-free environment, customizability, typewriter mode and word counting.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Praise: simplicity
- Reviewers on AlternativeTo describe the program as simple, lightweight and preferable to heavier office software for lightweight editing.checked 15 Oct 2026
The company
- Company identity
- The maker identifies himself as Graeme Gott, an open-source programmer and Linux user.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Maker structure
- The official site presents Gott Code as Graeme Gott’s personal collection of projects rather than a staffed software company.checked 15 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Download platforms
- The download page lists Linux packages and Windows 10 x64 installers, including a portable Windows version.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Limit: RTF on Windows
- An AlternativeTo reviewer said Windows RTF handling appeared dependent on the WordPad engine, which Microsoft is discontinuing.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Linux dependencies
- The Linux packages require Qt and Hunspell.checked 15 Oct 2026
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