There are numerous word processors available for OS X, but they tend to be incredibly feature packed tool that try to be all things to all people. When you pay for a word processor, this can mean paying for a huge number of features that you are simply never going to use. Bean is a free alternative word processor that includes all of the basic option you need for everyday writing tasks.

Bean is perhaps better described as rich text editor, but it includes many of the features you would expect to find in an expensive word processing tool. It boasts a live word count so you can easily keep track of how much you have written and the page layout mode gives you an accurate representation of how your document will look when it is printed.

While Bean does not feature options such as pre-defined text styles, support for footnotes or floating graphics, it contain everything you need for basic word processing. Text can be selected by colour and style and a find and replace tool is on hand for your editing sessions.

Automatic document saving and time-stamped backups help to safeguard the words you have typed and floating windows mean that the program interface can be tailored to suit your needs. With a simple and elegant interface, Bean is free from the distractions that may prevent you from getting on with your work and the tools you need are never more than a few clicks away.