Desktop word processors are powerful programs that can be adapted to users’ preferred ways of working, but they have their limitations, particularly when document editors are working as a team. Many of the tools available in desktop word processors are now available online and in some cases these tools are more powerful.

This is the case for online dictionaries such as Word Reference [<http://www.wordreference.com>], or grammar and spellchecking tools, such as LanguageTool [<http://www.languagetool.org>]. Automatic translation tools, such as Google Translate [<http://translate.google.com>], Microsoft Translator [<http://www.bing.com/translator>] or DeepL Translator [<http://www.deepl.com/translator>], also work best online.

Likewise, teamwork can be enhanced by synchronizing desktop files to a shared online copy, as with the services offered by DropBox [<http://www.dropbox.com>], Google Drive [<http://www.drive.google.com>] or Microsoft OneDrive [<http://onedrive.live.com>].

The most radical option is to do away with the desktop word processing environment altogether, at least in the initial stages of text creation. Online word processors are now a viable alternative to desktop software. Popular options are GoogleDocs [<http://www.docs.google.com>], Zoho Writer [<http://www.zoho.com/writer>] and Microsoft 365 [<http://www.microsoft.com/en/microsoft-365>].

The word processing environment in these online editors is more rudimentary, but they offer the following advantages over desktop word processors.

• File storage is more secure online than on a local hard disk.
  
  
• All previous versions are stored and the editing of each version can be traced.
  
  
• Since all editors work on the same version, there is no chance of conflicts between versions from different sources.
  
  
• There is enhanced integration with other online resources, such as automatic translation and dictionary look-up.