Writers may choose from a wide variety of word processors, ranging from simple to complex and from free to expensive. Some word processors work only in plain text; others save files with rich text, which stores fonts, spacing, alignment and other formatting. Most word processors help writers by checking spelling and grammar, and many facilitate placing footnotes or endnotes to cite sources. Some processors possess outlining functions to help writers organize sections and move them around when revising. For longer reports that require a table of contents, some word processors automatically create them. Microsoft Word tends to be the most well-known standard, but many other programs have the ability to open and edit Word files.
A helpful tool that saves writers large amounts of time is a bibliographic reference manager. Searching out references can be overwhelming. Keeping track of sources and documenting all pertinent information can be tedious. With reference managers, writers can let the programs download and organize bibliographic information, publishing details and any specific notes the user takes, while satisfying particular style guidelines. Each style guide, such as MLA, APA, Chicago or AP, has specific rules on the order of information and formatting requirements; reference managers, however, can easily switch output styles to meet those requirements. This helps writers spend more time evaluating sources and working on the report than worrying about citation details, like where the publication date goes or if an editor's name should be before or after the title.
While most word processors check spelling and note sentence fragments or problems with verb agreement, some writers want a more robust writing analysis to help refine their style. To meet this demand, many companies have designed writing analysis programs that dissect sentences and produce reports on problems or tendencies. If a writer consistently uses the passive voice, for example, analysis programs note how many times and where. Some programs ask you to describe what kind of writing it is evaluating so it knows what to look for and what kinds of suggestions are appropriate. Like word processors and reference managers, writing analysis programs come online or as installed programs, and they range from free to expensive.