Writers are always on the lookout for exciting tools to compile their written pieces. Despite the different options on the market, there is still a constant need to look for open source options, which will not burn a hole in the pocket.
If you are a Linux user, you are in luck because there are many great open source applications that you can use on your machine. The majority of these apps offer premium-type functionality for free.
If you can’t wait to go, check out these best open source writing tools listed below.
Markdown is an open source, cross-platform plain text formatting language released in 2004. It brings a new approach to character creation over the standardized WYSIWYG MS Word approach.
Markdown formats your text the same way code is formatted. It applies the syntax above the text, then compiles it to generate the formatted effect. For example, users can make text bold by adding two asterisks before and after, like ** sample text **.
You can add items through any plain text editing application and these are not limited to Linux and are also available on Windows and Mac. Today, Markdown is widely used in technical documentation, web content creation, text publishing, presentations, etc.
Some of the most widely used Markdown text editors are Typora, Abricotine, ghostwriter, and Apostrophe.
Espanso is a cross-platform text extender developed using the Rust programming language. It is one of the few type-oriented Linux tools that focuses on text privacy. As a writer application, it continues to be shell integratable on its host platform.
Features built into Espanso’s app include smart input utilities, emoji, date insertion, custom script input, snippet insertion and much more.
This writing platform is one of the few typing tools on Linux that supports smart typing, application-specific configurations, and a comprehensive library of packages that help users extend its functionality as needed. use given.
To download: Espanso
GitBook is an open source CLI tool and Node.js library that uses Git, AsciiDoc, and Markdown languages ââto create content in RTF format.
You can use GitBook Editor to create software documentation and even describe, write, and format vast silos of information. Its inherent ability to host publications created on custom domains on a server sets it apart from some of the other tools on the market.
These features help GitBook Editor excel as an open source tool, tailor-made for software developers who are not too savvy when it comes to creating and formatting electronic copies.
GitBook Editor makes it easy to collaborate between scripters and content creators. Designed for efficient creation, management, sharing, and versioning of corporate documentation, GitBook Editor is definitely one of the tools you should have in your arsenal.
To download: GitBook editor
Caliber is the best solution for Linux users looking for an ezine management suite. It helps editors maintain their publication collections on different devices.
Users can edit content metadata and convert eBooks between formats to extended formats. These improvements pave the way for rich eBook editorials with relevant author and origin information hard-coded.
In addition to creating and publishing your content, you can use Caliber to catalog posts. One can easily convert the content into cool e-ads for personal consumption. It is also possible to retrieve metadata for cataloging e-pubs in your library.
To download: Caliber
5. Creator of panache
Plume Creator boasts of a clean and easily intelligible user interface that caters to those new to software writing.
The input space offers a rich and versatile text editing area. You can quickly describe the content in Plume Creator; Plus, feel free to share drafts while collaborating on content on this writing app.
Alternatively, copywriters can use the app to create multiple projects simultaneously to improve ease of use.
Plume Creator plans to integrate functional spreadsheets at scale. Its ease of use makes it ideal for designing anything from small lines to elaborate novels.
The app is compatible with different screen sizes and offers multilingual support. It also allows users to save files to .html and .odt formatting.
To download: Creator of Plume
Scribus is a lightweight desktop publishing application based on the WYSIWYG approach. It offers unparalleled publishing utilities for print-ready electronic copies, with support for CMYK and spot colors, ICC color management, vector graphics, and PDF creation.
With Scribus you can save and import files in different formats.
Since the tool is open-source, you can use development support from its GitHub repository, which also serves as a subversion repository. Its fast turnaround times and proactive bug repair support make it an ideal addition as an open source tool for Linux writers.
To download: Scribe
AsciiDoc has long been a mainstay among Linux users due to its simplistic WYSIWYG user interface and rich word processing capabilities.
Its advanced workflows can help you publish blogs, books, and even slideshows. AsciiDoc’s integration of real-time collaboration functionality is replicated in many applications available for Linux.
Its business productivity features are extended by its custom-configured hosting support for GitHub, Dropbox, and similar notable services. Users can expect to work on an array of backend, filter, and theme plugins built by Python.
To download: AsciiDoc
LanguageTool is another addition to a Linux-based writer’s kitty. The app is pretty fancy and offers top notch spell-checking credibility compared to your average spell checker.
The app allows you to proofread your text with multilingual support in over 20 dialects, including Polish, German, Russian and English.
LanguageTool has a built-in HTTP server for localized web replay. Its extensive support for various languages ââcan help you proofread documentation, textual entries in designs, server-side content, all with its proofreading API. In addition, the API broadly supports a wide range of programming languages.
To download: LanguageTool
The world of Linux offers many options to its users, and there is no shortage of open source writing tools. Based on your needs, you can choose the one that you think best suits your immediate needs.
Writing tools and apps can help you create better content to some extent, but it’s the effort you put into your work that makes your writing stand out.
Read more
About the Author