Discover the best writing apps in 2023 and learn how they can help you with different types of writing.

Best writing apps

There are many different types of writing apps available on the market today. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are better for casual or hobby writing, while others may be more suited for formatting novels. Additionally, some writing apps work better on computers, while others are designed for mobile devices. This article will recommend the best options depending on your needs.

Best apps for Windows and Mac computers

Scrivener

Scrivener is a word-processing program designed for writers. Its features are ideal for writing long-form documents such as novels and research papers. For example, Scrivener has a "corkboard" feature that allows you to organize your ideas into virtual index cards during the writing process. This can be helpful when planning the structure of your document or when you need to rearrange sections. Scrivener also has a built-in grammar checker to help you correct mistakes. Also included is a dictionary and thesaurus, which can save you time when looking for the perfect word. These features combined make Scrivener a great writing tool for users who want to write better and more efficiently. On the downside, this writing software comes with a steep learning curve because of its many customization options. The good news is that a wealth of resources is available to help you get the most out of Scrivener. Scrivener is a paid program with a slight discount if you’re using it as a student for academic work. It’s also slightly more intuitive on Mac, but its Windows and iOS versions are great, too.

Final Draft (Mac)

If you're looking for a writing app specifically designed for screenwriters, Final Draft is the premium option. It's been around for over 20 years and is the industry standard for screenwriting software. It's packed with features to help you format your script correctly, revise efficiently, and collaborate with others.

Ulysses (Mac)

Ulysses is another great option for writers, especially if you're looking to embark on some long-form writing projects. It's designed to be an all-in-one solution for brainstorming, writing, editing, and publishing your work. Additionally, it has a beautiful design that makes writing a joy.

Microsoft Word

When it comes to word processors, Microsoft Word is still the go-to text editor because its features and functionality are simply unmatched. For example, the desktop app features a toolbar for quick access to various formatting options for your text. With just a few clicks, you can change the font, size, color, and alignment of your text. In addition, the app's extensive template library ensures that users can find a professionally designed document for any purpose. You can also track your word count throughout. Additionally, for those who need to collaborate with others, Word makes it easy to share documents and make changes in real-time through the Office 365 platform or extensive change-tracking features. Overall, MS Word is fantastic writing software for both short-form and long-form writers. Whether you're composing a quick email or an in-depth tutorial, Word has the features you need to get the job done.

Fade In (Windows)

Fade In offers a variety of features to help you create well-crafted scripts. The software includes tools for writing, revising, and collaborating on scripts and an integrated storyboard feature that can help you visualize your screenplay. Fade In also supports a wide range of industry-standard file formats, making it easy to share your work with others. Whether you're a seasoned screenwriter or just starting out, Fade In can help you create the perfect script and enhance your writing experience.

iA Writer (Windows and Mac)

iA Writer is a popular app that offers an all-in-one solution for writing, editing, and self-publishing. The app has a clean, minimalist interface that makes it easy to focus on your writing. It also comes with a full set of features for editing and publishing, including support for markdown, word counts, and more.

ProWritingAid (Windows and Mac)

At its core, ProWritingAid is a grammar checker, style editor, and writing mentor in one package. By analyzing your text and flagging errors, it helps you to improve readability by identifying and fixing issues with your writing. In addition, ProWritingAid provides detailed explanations of grammar rules and style choices, so you can learn as you edit. ProWritingAid is available as a web app or plugin for Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and WordPress.

Best apps for mobile

Plottr (iOS and Android)

Plottr is a book-writing tool that helps writers and bloggers create and outline their stories on both Android and iOS devices. As a creative writing tool, it's designed to be flexible and easy to use, with a variety of features that make it helpful for both novice and experienced writers. You can add as many scenes and characters as you like, changing the order and details to suit your story. Whether you're creating a fiction story to share on social media or writing a nonfiction novel, Plottr has the tools you need.

Evernote (iOS and Android)

Evernote is a fantastic distraction-free writing app for note-taking and keeping your ideas organized. With Evernote, you can create different notebooks for different projects and even share notebooks with others. It also offers a wide range of sync options, including the ability to sync notebooks and notes between different devices and back up your data to Dropbox or iCloud. The paid version of Evernote also allows you to collaborate with others in real-time, which is great if you're working on a project with multiple people.

Grammarly (iOS and Android)

If you're looking for an app that will help you improve your writing, Grammarly is a great option. With its simple drag-and-drop interface, you can check your grammar as you write and makes suggestions for how to improve your sentence structure. You can also use it to correct passive voice usage and improve sentence structure. With the free version, you can check for grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and misused words. The premium version offers additional features, such as plagiarism detection and vocabulary enhancement suggestions. Grammarly is available as a plugin for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Word, as a desktop app, and there is also a mobile app for iPhones, iPads, Amazon Fire tablets, and Android devices.

Speechify can help you edit like a pro

Everyone needs a little help when it comes to writing. Even the best writers sometimes need a fresh set of eyes (or ears) to catch errors or awkward phrasing. It can be tedious work. Enter Speechify. This revolutionary app uses text to speech (TTS) technology to help you edit your writing. With Speechify, you can hear what you've written and get a better sense of the structure and grammar. This makes it much easier to catch errors and make corrections. The app works with texts in multiple formats, including web pages, HTML files, PDFs, and Microsoft Word. It's also compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, iOS, Android, and Apple's macOS. Why not get started with Speechify right away? It could change the way you edit your writing forever.

FAQ

What app is good for writing a book?

Plottr is a great app for book writing.

What writing apps do famous authors use?

There is no one "famous author" app because different authors have different preferences. Some authors prefer to write by hand, others prefer a word processor like Microsoft Word, and some prefer a more specialized app like Scrivener.

What app can help with writing essays?

Some popular apps include Scrivener, Microsoft Word, FocusWriter, and Pages.