Drafts vs Clear Todos

This app helps one get a lot done on the iPad (or iPhone) that wouldn't be possible otherwise---even the free version. Paying a subscription has been worth it too. You just have to try it to see how it might be useful to you personally and if that justifies the price. I do less with the tag and workspace features than I perhaps could because I tend to use Bear for reference. Fortunately, there are users who know how to script and have come up with actions to make Drafts play well with Bear. Ditto other apps, including email. In the end, Drafts is kind of like a work environment in which one can begin all work with text. It's also good for cleaning up text from other sources. I have loved this app through several versions. One reason, I suspect, is because it continues to test the boundaries of what is possible in iOS. And one can actually customize one's work environment a bit. In other words, the app takes both the operating system and the user seriously. The subscription model has also led to a viable business plan, it seems, whereas I've seen other solid apps go neglected or get killed off for lack of ongoing funding and attention in a constantly changing computing environment and app market.

- Mark Stoneman

I’ve been using drafts since version 4 came out. It changed the way I work, and I love using it to enter and manipulate text. I’ve been playing around with Drafts 5 and the app is amazing. There’s so much power in the free app, and the pro subscriptions adds some great options for power users. Thing is, I’m not a power user, but I’m more than willing to pay for the features I use. My biggest issue is that I dislike and avoid app subscriptions. I like that when I pay for an app, even if the company disappears tomorrow, I can continue to use the app for years to come. I’m also not thrilled that dark mode is behind the subscription wall, I’d pay a few dollars to have a dark mode, I find it much easier on my eyes, but can’t justify the subscription just for dark mode, since it’s the only tool I would use from the subscription. Fortunately, I can continue using drafts 4 with its dark mode. Sure, I’ll miss out on all the new features in the free app, but that’s how much I dislike day mode. Just writing this review is burning my eyes. But my issues say nothing about the app itself which is wonderful. Definitely give the free mode a spin, and if you like scripting and having full control and aren’t opposed to renting apps, the sub is a great value. But for me it’s less than ideal as it’s currently set up. Hopefully down the line, the developer will consider making dark mode an optional in app purchase for those that don’t or can’t subscribe.

- budexxon

I never thought I needed an app like this, then I hear them talk about it all the time on Mac Power Users and Automators podcast so I thought I would give it a try. It seems overwhelming at first with all of the options but once you configure a few actions you’ll never go back. There is enough free to the app that you could use it without the IAP - I wouldn’t recommend it though, the customizable nature of the app is unlocked when you subscribe. Also, this dude is an indie dev so there isn’t multi unicorn level of funding keeping this product alive - you’re literally making this viable for him, so hit subscribe - you’ll thank me later. Also, the quick dictate function on the watch is a GAME CHANGER. Tap the complication, tap the microphone and record your thought. Then when you have time to process, open the app on your iPhone/Mac and manipulate the text with the actions. It literally lets you dump what you’re thinking into an app with the least amount of friction. The best part is the text isn’t stuck in this app, which is the whole point. Give it a go!

- Kguy18

Used for years on iPhone happy to rediscover it on Android. Simple, fast, and without confusing overhead. It is more basic gestures wise than to older iPhone app. Hopefully it regains the lost gestures/features like sounds and more. I miss the pinch open to insert an item. Now you have to add then drag and drop. Used to be able to pinch to collapse and close to go back. Several other gestures are lacking.

- Jack

Been using this app for years and literally couldn’t live without it. As a teacher I constantly have separate lists of things to do and this allows me to keep everything organized and prevents me from having a million sticky notes all over the place that I forget to take with me. The only thing I wish this app had was the ability to send lists to someone, especially if they have the same app. For instance, I use this most for grocery lists and would love to be able to share the list with whoever is shopping with me so we can work on the list together. Would be reallyyyyy cool if you could find a way to work on the same list together (when I swipe something, it does the same thing on their list etc).

- M1cr0wav3

I have been using this app for years and love it. It is simple to use when you want to make quick notes and lists, but it also provides options and settings that allow you to do more organization of lists if you want. I recently got a new iPhone and was no longer able to sync between devices. After doing everything I could to work out the problem myself, I contacted Clear via email. They responded within 24 hours with the perfect solution to my problem. I could not be more impressed in a time when good customer service is hard to come by. Thanks, Clear!!

- Msrwhite