WritingTool
A LibreOffice extension with long-document checks, style statistics, profiles, and local AI; installing Java is the cover charge.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-08-10
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- LGPL-2.1
- Hosting Model
- Local (on your machine)
- Platforms
- desktopone-click install
- Installation
- Install Java 17 or newer, LibreOffice 24.2 or newer and the WritingTool extension
- Operational Setup
- Java and LibreOffice are mandatory, and optional AI needs a separately configured service
- Where Your Data Lives
- Documents remain normal LibreOffice files; checking is local unless a remote LanguageTool or AI endpoint is configured
- The Catch / Trade-off
- It is centered on LibreOffice rather than working continuously across browsers, email and arbitrary desktop apps like Grammarly.
Replaces 2 paid apps
up to $35.47/mo ($426/yr) in subscriptions
WritingTool FAQ
Common questions
Is WritingTool free and open source?+
WritingTool is an open-source tool licensed under LGPL-2.1 that runs on local. A LibreOffice extension with long-document checks, style statistics, profiles, and local AI; installing Java is the cover charge.
What paid software does WritingTool replace?+
WritingTool serves as a free replacement for 2 paid SaaS applications: Grammarly, LanguageTool, saving up to $35.47/month ($426/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up WritingTool?+
Installation: Install Java 17 or newer, LibreOffice 24.2 or newer and the WritingTool extension. Setup notes: Java and LibreOffice are mandatory, and optional AI needs a separately configured service
What is the catch or trade-off with WritingTool?+
It is centered on LibreOffice rather than working continuously across browsers, email and arbitrary desktop apps like Grammarly.