WritingTool review
A focused offline grammar checker for LibreOffice users who value local control.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
WritingTool is a free, open-source LibreOffice extension for creating and editing extensive texts, including literature, scientific work, and business documents. It suits LibreOffice users who want background spelling and grammar checking without depending on a network connection. Manual checking is available in Writer, Impress, and Calc, while configurable grammar and style rules let writers adjust the scope of feedback.
Its strongest distinction is the combination of local checking and deeper writing analysis. WritingTool can check grammar across paragraphs rather than treating each passage in isolation, and its statistical text analysis is intended to support writing-style improvement. LanguageTool supplies the spelling, grammar, and optional style rules, while the extension also supports experimental AI-assisted checking, editing, and text creation. AI support can use OpenAI-compatible APIs or configured AI servers; WritingTool does not include its own AI.
The product is deliberately centered on the LibreOffice ecosystem. That focus makes it a practical choice for people who already write in Writer, create presentations in Impress, or work with spreadsheets in Calc, but it narrows its fit for users seeking a standalone application or broader integrations. The published feature set covers Windows, macOS, and Linux, with LibreOffice, LanguageTool, and OpenAI-compatible APIs listed as integrations. Choose WritingTool for open-source, local checking inside LibreOffice and configurable analysis of longer documents. Consider another grammar checker if you need wider platform coverage, a broader integration ecosystem, or established AI features rather than experimental ones.
WritingTool pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Local offline spelling, grammar, and style checking
- Cross-paragraph analysis and statistical writing insights
- Open-source LibreOffice support across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Where it doesn't
- Built as a LibreOffice extension, not a standalone desktop app
- Integration coverage centers on LibreOffice, LanguageTool, and AI APIs
- AI-assisted features are experimental and use configured services
WritingTool fact sheet, pricing and score →
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