Getting Started with Zoho Writer desktop app
1. Overview
Writer’s desktop app is a cross-platform word processor (Windows, macOS, Linux) that lets you create, edit, and manage documents both locally and in the cloud.
Key features include:
- Open and edit your existing MS Word (DOCX) files without needing Word.
- Use core authoring tools: formatting, layout, templates, tables, images, text boxes.
- Working offline: recent documents saved locally; cloud sync when online.
- Tabbed view (multiple docs in same window), multi-page view for better navigation.
- Track changes, comments, document properties (word/page count, version, etc.).
- Supports many UI display languages (over 40).
2. System Requirements
Platform
| Minimum Requirements
|
macOS
| macOS 10.13 or newer
|
Windows
| Windows 8 or newer
|
Linux
| Ubuntu 18 or equivalent
|
3. Installing and setting up the app
- Download the desktop installer for your operating system (macOS .pkg, Windows .exe, Linux .deb, etc.). Download Link.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Once installed, launch Writer. You’ll see a prompt to set your username (for comments/track changes) and display language. You can skip or change them later.
Setup
- You can start using the app without signing in. This allows you to create and edit local documents.
- To use advanced features like cloud storage, syncing, sharing, you’ll need to sign in with your account.
- Changing display language or username later: via the app’s menu (for example, in the “Writer” menu on macOS or equivalent on others) → change display language / modify username.
4. Working with documents
Viewing & Opening
- Create a new document from scratch using the New Document option.
- Open existing DOCX files: double click them (if associated) or via Open → My Computer.
- View both local files and cloud files from a single pane (local / Cloud).
- Use typical text formatting (font, size, color, bold/italic/underline).
Insert tables, images, text boxes.
- Use templates and layouts if needed.
- Use Find & Replace to change text globally.
- Track changes & comments: useful for reviewing / collaborating.
Views & Navigation
- Tabbed view (navigate between documents): opens multiple documents in tabs so you can switch between them easily.
- Document navigation pane: jump between sections, or use it to move quickly.
- Multi-page view: see several pages at once (helps when working with long documents).
5. Offline mode for cloud & Syncing
- You can work fully offline with local documents without signing in.
- For cloud documents (Zoho Cloud / WorkDrive), you can set offline mode so recent or selected files are available even without internet.
- When your device is online again, changes sync automatically.
6. Saving, Sharing, & Collaborating
- Save documents locally by default.
To share, upload/sync to Cloud / your account. Then you can share links, set permissions.
- Collaborators can use comments and track changes.
7. Uninstalling the app
- macOS: Go to Applications folder → right-click Writer → Move to Trash.
- Windows: Control Panel → Uninstall a program → find Writer → Uninstall.
- Linux: via terminal:
- sudo dpkg -r Writer
- or sudo dpkg --purge Writer
Note: Before you uninstall, ensure you save the documents that are open in the app and then proceed to uninstall as unsaved changes in documents may be lost.
Related article
- FAQ on Zoho Writer Desktop App