- Offline Blog Drafting: Write and edit posts without an internet connection, then publish once reconnected.
- WYSIWYG Editor: Format content visually with a Word-like interface for headings, images, and links.
- Multi-Platform Support: Connect and publish to WordPress, Blogger, TypePad, Moveable Type, and more.
- Direct Publishing: Post live updates directly to connected blogs without logging into a browser dashboard.
- Media Embedding: Insert and manage photos and videos within posts for richer live blog content.
- Lightweight Desktop App: Small installation size (around 5MB) with fast performance on Windows systems.
- Open-Source Codebase: MIT-licensed project with community contributions and transparent development.
- Plugin & Extension Support: Extend functionality with add-ins for formatting and blogging enhancements.
- Draft Management: Save, edit, and organize multiple post drafts locally before publishing.
Open Live Writer
Open-source desktop editor for publishing and managing blog posts
Updated March 20, 2026
Open Live Writer Overview
Open Live Writer is a free, open-source desktop blog editor for Windows that lets teams and individual publishers write, format, and publish posts to platforms like WordPress and Blogger.
Built as a fork of Windows Live Writer, it supports offline drafting, rich media insertion, and direct publishing. It’s lightweight, simple to install, and suited for bloggers who prefer a desktop-based live blogging workflow.
Key Features
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Open Live Writer | $0 | Free and open-source (MIT License) Offline blog writing and editing Publish to WordPress, Blogger, TypePad and more |
Pros
Competitor |
Pros |
|---|---|
| WordPress.com Editor | Open Live Writer gives bloggers a true offline editing mode, which the browser-based WordPress.com editor doesn’t support. It loads faster on older Windows machines and avoids distractions from dashboard notifications. For writers who prefer a Word-style interface and simple publishing flow, it feels more focused and lightweight. |
| Ghost | Compared to Ghost’s modern web app, Open Live Writer is completely free and open source. There are no hosting or subscription costs. Bloggers who already manage their own CMS can use it purely as a desktop publishing layer without committing to a new platform or monthly fee. |
| Blogger Web Editor | Open Live Writer offers a more robust desktop editing experience than Blogger’s web interface. Formatting tools feel closer to Microsoft Word, and managing drafts offline helps writers who publish live updates from low-connectivity environments. It also supports inserting media with more control over layout before going live. |
| Live Blog (Sourcefabric) | For small publishers who don’t need a full newsroom system, Open Live Writer is far simpler and faster to set up. There’s no server configuration or complex backend. Solo bloggers can install it in minutes and start publishing without technical overhead or enterprise-style workflows. |
| Medium | Unlike Medium’s closed ecosystem, Open Live Writer lets bloggers publish directly to their own sites. There’s full control over hosting and branding. It also avoids platform lock-in and algorithm changes, making it appealing for independent publishers who want ownership of their live blog content. |
Cons
Competitor |
Cons |
|---|---|
| WordPress.com Editor | Unlike the constantly updated WordPress.com editor, Open Live Writer doesn’t always keep pace with modern block-based layouts. Advanced Gutenberg blocks and dynamic embeds may not render perfectly. Teams relying on real-time collaboration and inline comments will miss the web editor’s multi-user features. |
| Ghost | Ghost offers built-in membership tools, analytics, and monetization features that Open Live Writer lacks. The desktop app focuses only on drafting and publishing. Publishers running subscription-based live blogs will need additional tools to manage audiences and payments. |
| Blogger Web Editor | Blogger’s native editor integrates seamlessly with Google services and works across devices. Open Live Writer runs only on Windows, limiting flexibility for Mac or Chromebook users. Cloud autosave and instant cross-device editing are stronger in the web-based alternative. |
| Live Blog (Sourcefabric) | Dedicated live blogging platforms like Live Blog provide real-time updates, audience interaction tools, and newsroom collaboration. Open Live Writer doesn’t support live feeds or multi-author dashboards. It’s better suited for traditional post publishing rather than minute-by-minute event coverage. |
| Medium | Medium handles hosting, distribution, and built-in readership, while Open Live Writer requires users to manage their own CMS and traffic strategy. There’s no built-in audience discovery. Writers looking for instant exposure may find the independent publishing model more demanding. |
Reviews
- G2 Review (Rating: 4.3/5): Open Live Writer keeps things simple, and that ease of use makes drafting posts feel straightforward instead of clunky. The offline capabilities get a lot of love too, since people can write and edit blog posts without needing an internet connection. Many stick with Open Live Writer because it handles the basics reliably and fits smoothly into their blogging routine.
