Free Web-Based Collaborative Writing Tools

The cloud. You know, the cloud is that space where all the Internet tubes are stored and where software developers make it possible for us to use their goods without going to BestBuy.

Thanks to the cloud we can use software without having to download anything to our computers (usually).

From a writer’s perspective, one of the most important things to come from the cloud has to be the collaborative writing tool.

There are handfuls of tools to choose from, but the basic gist is this:

• Multiple people can access a single document from its virtual residence on the cloud (no need to email docs back and forth creating confusion with all those different versions)
• Online docs are text based, but usually include formatting options. Depending on the tool, you may be able to upload/download Microsoft Word, Excel, PDFs, and other file types.
• Edits and additions are made visible to the other users in one or more ways (highlighting, something similar to tracked changes in Word, new “versions,” email notifications, etc.)

Check out these free tools to see which one you like best:

WriteBoard – Use on its own or as integrated into Basecamp, a project management tool.

Gobby - Runs on all platforms. Best for real-time collaboration.

Google Docs – If you have a Google account, then you can easily access Google Docs.

Google Wave – Still in Beta, Google claims this is what email would look like if it were invented today. Create a “Wave,” invite others to collaborate, and watch other users make revisions/additions in real time.

Zoho Writer – Visually it reminds me of both Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Word. Like many other writing tools, it includes a chat feature. Chat can come in handy when multiple people want to discuss changes at once.

ThinkFree – Boasts the convenience of accessing a file from anywhere (even your phone).

A collaborative writing tool makes it easy for multiple people to refine a piece of web content before it’s published to the web. Try out one or more of these (they are free, after all), and let me know what program works best for you.

The No. 2 Pen is a full-service writing and communications company. Contact us to discuss your writing projects and editing needs.