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It doesn’t matter if you’re working on a novel, a blog post, or an email—having the appropriate tools at your disposal is absolutely necessary for achieving success. Because there are so many writing applications to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down your options to those that can most effectively boost your productivity and creativity. This question is the reason we decided to write this blog post, in which we will provide our top choices for the best writing apps of 2023, broken down into three categories: writing apps, editing apps, and focus apps.
We provide succinct reviews for each app, so that you can determine which ones are most suited to meet your requirements and satisfy your preferences. However, it is essential to keep in mind that despite the fact that these applications are helpful, their use should not take precedence over the fundamental task at hand, which is the actual act of writing. Set aside some time each day to sit down, concentrate on your work, and compose your written works, such as articles, books, or stories. As a well-deserved reward, after you have finished your writing, you may next take some time to investigate and make use of the various writing programs that are available.
Best Writing Apps Comparison Table
| Product | Features | Platforms | Cost | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reedsy Book Editor | Online writing and formatting tool for book authors | Web | Free | Download Now |
| Scrivener | Comprehensive writing software with organizational features | Windows, macOS | Paid (Free trial) | Download Now |
| Grammarly | AI-powered writing assistant for grammar, spelling, and clarity | Web, Windows | Freemium | Download Now |
| Final Draft | Professional screenwriting software | Windows, macOS | Paid (Free trial) | Download Now |
| Ulysses | Distraction-free writing app with organization and export options | iOS, macOS | Paid (Free trial) | Download Now |
Reedsy Book Editor
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| User-friendly interface | Easy-to-use interface for seamless writing and editing. |
| Collaboration tools | Allows multiple authors and editors to work together on a project. |
| Formatting options | Provides various formatting options for text, headings, and paragraphs. |
| Export to multiple formats | Ability to export the book to different file formats, such as PDF and EPUB. |
| Revision history | Keeps track of changes made to the book, allowing easy version control. |
The Reedsy Book Editor is a great choice for modern writers because it has a clean interface and formatting options that are easy to use. You can drag and drop chapters, add pictures, and even track changes to see how your work has changed over time, which is something that most paid writing apps don’t let you do. And if you find yourself falling behind on your writing plan, you can just turn on its built-in goal reminder system, which will help you get back on track.
The advanced typesetting features of the Reedsy Book Editor will also save you hours of work when it comes time to format your book for publishing. You can make complicated front and back matter and export it as a clean, professional file that can be uploaded right away to any ebook store or print-on-demand provider. The Reedsy Book Editor is the only tool you need if you want to write, organize, and set type all in one place. You can use it for free right away.
The Good
- Easy to use interface makes it easy to write.
- Collaboration tools make team projects easier.
- There are many ways to format the book to change how it looks.
The Bad
- Compared to specialized software, it doesn’t have as many advanced formatting options.
Scrivener
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive writing tools | Offers a wide range of writing tools, including outlining and storyboarding. |
| Project organization | Allows easy organization of chapters, scenes, and research materials. |
| Distraction-free mode | Provides a distraction-free writing environment to enhance focus. |
| Compile and export options | Enables easy compilation and export to various file formats, including ebooks. |
| Customizable interface | Allows users to personalize the interface and layout according to their needs. |
It’s hard to find a list of software for writing books that doesn’t include Scrivener, and for good reason: it’s both simple and very complex at the same time. You can choose a template for your project (a book, an essay, a screenplay, etc.) and start organizing right away with Scrivener. The left sidebar has parts and virtual notecards for everything you can think of, and you can put these things in any order you want.
You can keep track of your study, make materials like front and back matter, and even analyze the text itself with more advanced features. Scrivener is, of course, a great app for writing books and is perfect for any writer who pays close attention to details.
The Good
- There are a lot of writing tools to suit different writing styles and needs.
- Managing complex book projects requires a good way to organize projects.
- Distraction-free mode makes it easier to focus and get things done.
The Bad
- Compared to software that is easier to use, it has a steeper learning curve.
Grammarly
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced grammar checking | Offers powerful grammar and spelling checking capabilities. |
| Writing style suggestions | Provides suggestions for improving writing style and clarity. |
| Plagiarism detection | Helps identify instances of copied content and offers originality checks. |
| Vocabulary enhancement | Suggests alternative words and phrases to enhance writing. |
| Browser and app integration | Integrates seamlessly with various browsers and writing apps for convenience. |
The premium version of Grammarly has powerful features that also help you improve your writing skills. It provides several editing recommendations such as avoiding passive voice, using shorter sentences, alternative word suggestions for using a wider vocabulary, and so on.
Many of these features are invaluable when you need to trim your word count. I use this application to check for typos and spelling errors in my blog posts and book chapters.
The Good
- Excellent grammar check to make sure writing is free of mistakes.
- Advice on how to write to make things clearer and easier to understand.
- Plagiarism detection tools encourage writers to come up with their own ideas.
The Bad
- Some features that are more advanced are only available in the paid version.
- Some of the time, it gives false positives or wrong suggestions.
Final Draft
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Screenwriting-specific tools | Offers specialized tools and templates for screenplay writing. |
| Script formatting | Provides automatic formatting for industry-standard screenplay layout. |
| Collaboration features | Allows multiple writers to work on a script simultaneously. |
| Revision and note management | Facilitates tracking revisions and managing script notes. |
| Production features | Includes features like scene numbering and production reports. |
Screenwriters should utilize Final Draft. The software offers sensible industry-standard formatting suggestions. It generates character and scenario lists. Beat Boards and plot Maps help maintain plot rhythm and script length. Final Draft is one of the most expensive writing tools, but it’s worth it and costs one-time. Final Draft is our Choice for screenwriting software and a top writing app.
Other apps may benefit novelists and book authors if you’re not a screenwriter. Ulysses for Mac and Scrivener for Windows are our favorites. There are also great, affordable writing programs for shorter, less structured work like articles and marketing copy. Final Draft, Scrivener, and Ulysses are the best writing applications for organizing and structuring lots of text.
The Good
- Screenwriters need tools that are made for their needs.
- Formats professional screenplays according to industry standards.
- Collaboration features make it easier to work as a team and write at the same time.
- Revisions and script notes are handled well.
The Bad
- Beginners might find it harder to get used to.
- Not enough freedom for projects that aren’t screenwriting.
Ulysses
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Distraction-free writing | Provides a clean and minimalist writing environment to boost focus. |
| Markdown support | Offers support for writing in Markdown syntax for easy formatting. |
| Document organization | Allows flexible organization of documents, folders, and sub-folders. |
| Writing goals and statistics | Tracks writing progress, sets goals, and provides detailed statistics. |
| Publishing options | Enables easy exporting to various file formats and publishing platforms. |
Ulysses’ beauty may console writers facing a blank page. Ulysses keeps its UI simple without sacrificing capabilities to help authors focus. Don’t buy Windows knockoffs—it’s for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. If you like hand-holding, Ulysses isn’t for you, although many long-form and short-form authors will like it. It won’t guide you through your draft like other writing programs.
Ulysses isn’t prescriptive. It includes many tools for organizing your work, however it doesn’t advise you how to organize your novel’s drafts or that you need a title page, contents page, foreword, etc. Scrivener, an Editors’ Choice, provides excellent assistance. Scrivener works on macOS, iOS, and Windows. Writers love Ulysses and Scrivener, but they’re different. This review compares them extensively.
The Good
- A simple interface makes it easier to write without getting distracted.
- Formatting is easy and flexible when Markdown is used.
- How to organize documents well to manage large writing projects.
The Bad
- May not have as many advanced features as other writing programs.
- Users who don’t know Markdown syntax will have a harder time getting started.
FAQs
A1: Writing apps are software programs that help people write, whether it’s for creative writing, work, or school. These apps often have tools and features that make writing easier and help you get more done.
A2: The features you should think about rely on what you want to write. But some common features to look for in writing apps are a distraction-free writing environment, spell-check and grammar correction tools, formatting choices, cloud syncing for easy access across devices, and the ability to export or save files in different formats.
A3: Yes, there are many free writing apps for a variety of devices. Most of the time, these apps have basic writing tools that are good for beginners or people on a cheap budget. But writing apps that cost money may have more functions and a better user experience.