Independent guide · Last updated

Download WordCraft: free, open-source writing and document editing

WordCraft is ArtCraft's free, open-source Rust app for writing and document editing, with a Microsoft Word-style workflow. Choose an official Windows, macOS or Linux package below. The project is in alpha; the downloads are verified against GitHub releases, while compatibility and production reliability have not been independently tested by us.

Our take: Worth trying for writing and document editing on copies; still alpha.

WordCraftIn development
Compared workflowMicrosoft Word
Release
0.9.0
Platforms
macOS · Windows · Linux · Web
License
MIT or Apache-2.0
Verified
2026-10-22

Official GitHub assets · Checked 2026-10-22

Download WordCraft for your computer

Free and open source. Choose your system below; every download comes directly from the official storytold/wordcraft repository. We do not host or repackage installers.

Version 0.9.0 · Released · Check for a newer release ↗

Windows ARM64 or 32-bit PC? Linux ARM64, DEB, RPM, Flatpak or a portable Windows ZIP? Choose another package in the full release ↗. Match the architecture to your computer; the buttons above are not suitable for every device.

How to install WordCraft on Windows, macOS or Linux

Windows

  1. Check Settings → System → About for your system type. The button above is for x64 Intel/AMD PCs.
  2. Download the MSI and run it, then follow the installer.
  3. Launch WordCraft and open a copied test file. For ARM PCs, 32-bit systems or a portable ZIP, use the full release list.

macOS

  1. Download the universal DMG and open it.
  2. Drag WordCraft to Applications, then launch it.
  3. If macOS blocks the app, verify the source and read the official repository’s signing and installation notes before proceeding.

Linux

  1. Download the AppImage that matches your processor. The button above is for x86_64.
  2. In file properties, allow execution as a program, then launch it.
  3. If it does not start, read the repository’s system-library and FUSE requirements, or choose a documented DEB, RPM or Flatpak package.

App-specific platform requirements

Windows: Choose the x64 MSI below for Intel/AMD PCs; ARM64, x86 and portable packages are listed in the full release.

macOS: The checked universal DMG supports Apple silicon and Intel Macs.

Linux: Choose the x86_64 AppImage below for Intel/AMD systems. Other architectures and package formats are in the release.

Web: A WebAssembly build is distinct from a hosted editor. Check the repository for browser setup and limitations.

Before opening important work, compare the downloaded file with the release’s SHA256SUMS.txt. Open a copy, save or export it, and inspect the output in another app. We checked package availability; we have not run every installer or independently tested production compatibility.

Standalone version 0.9.0Free · MIT or Apache-2.0 · Development software
All packages and release notes ↗

Installing several tools? ArtCraft Launcher 0.6.1 is a separate project; check its supported app list. The WebAssembly ZIP is a self-hostable build, not a hosted web editor. Browse all 13 download guides or find repositories in our GitHub directory.

The short answer

Can WordCraft replace Microsoft Word?

Worth trying for writing and document editing on copies; still alpha.

The alpha roadmap still calls for real-world DOCX testing, preserving charts and SmartArt through round-trips, pagination closer to Word, a stability sweep and native printing. Opening a DOCX file does not guarantee that its layout survives saving.

What is already there

What can you do with WordCraft?

These are capabilities documented by the official project. They are reasons to test the app, not a promise that every Microsoft Word workflow behaves identically.

01

Write and format documents

The README documents a ribbon interface, styles, tables and references. Start with a short document using the fonts and page settings you normally need.

02

Review a copied DOCX

Comments and track changes are documented. Open and save a copy, then reopen it in Word to check changes, tables, headers and page breaks.

03

Export a reference PDF

The project lists PDF export with selectable text. Compare pagination, links and font rendering with the source document before sharing the result.

Before you switch

Who should try WordCraft now?

A good test candidate

Try it if you…

  • Everyday writing, styles, tables and reviewing copied DOCX documents.
  • You can compare exported results with your established Microsoft Word workflow.
  • You want a local open-source app and can report reproducible problems upstream.

Wait or test carefully

Do not switch blindly if you…

  • You require lossless Word .docx documents compatibility without testing.
  • A deadline depends on features, plug-ins or team workflows you have not verified.
  • The alpha roadmap still calls for real-world DOCX testing, preserving charts and SmartArt through round-trips, pagination closer to Word, a stability sweep and native printing. Opening a DOCX file does not guarantee that its layout survives saving.

Common questions

WordCraft FAQ

Where can I download WordCraft?

Use the checked official GitHub assets linked on this page or github.com/storytold/wordcraft/releases/latest for newer builds. We do not host or repackage installers. Match your processor architecture and compare the file with the release's SHA256SUMS.txt.

Is WordCraft free and open source?

WordCraft is published under MIT or Apache-2.0, with free official downloads. Bundled assets and branding may have separate terms. Download availability does not imply production readiness.

Can WordCraft replace Microsoft Word?

It is a free, open-source option to try for focused writing tasks. It is still alpha, and the roadmap records gaps in complex DOCX fidelity, pagination and native printing. Test representative documents and keep Word available for workflows that do not pass that check.

How do I update WordCraft?

Check the official latest-release page and read its release notes before installing a newer standalone package. Back up your projects first. ArtCraft Launcher is a separate option for managing multiple Crafting Apps; check that its current app list includes the tool you need.

How we evaluated this page

Official facts, practical guidance, visible limits.

This guide summarizes the official WordCraft product page and repository. We have not yet independently tested production files, performance or long-session stability, so those claims remain clearly bounded.

Read our editorial approach →

Development journal

Recent updates for this app

All updates →

· Official release

WordCraft 0.9.0: published release

The v0.9.0 notes cover OpenType font-name resolution, table insets across page breaks, retained Navigation Pane visibility and REF-field hyperlinks in PDF output. Compare copied documents with their originals, including fonts, tables and links.

· Official release

WordCraft 0.8.0: published release checked October 20

The notes describe creating headers and footers by double-clicking margins, Alt+numpad character entry, access to proofing languages, and a print preview with zoom and scrolling. They also address text typed after Zotero citations. Document fidelity still needs testing on copied files.

· Official release

WordCraft 0.7.0: document layout, pictures and fonts

Release notes cover section placement and paragraph spacing, WMF and EMF picture insertion, symbol-font rendering and reading RTF using its code page. These changes focus on how imported documents look and behave.

SRC

Sources

Sources used for the facts and attributed reports on this page.

  1. 01
    Crafting Apps: open-source creative tools — ArtCraft

    official page · Accessed 2026-10-20

  2. 02
    Wordcraft — ArtCraft official page

    official page · Accessed 2026-10-22

  3. 03
    storytold/wordcraft — GitHub repository

    official repository · Accessed 2026-10-22

  4. 04
    wordcraft v0.9.0 — official GitHub release

    official repository · Accessed 2026-10-22