Walling vs Drafts

I use many tools to help structure my thinking from checklists, to note taking apps, to mind maps, and digital whiteboards. Walling is my go to app to get all thoughts out of my mind in an uncluttered and visually appealing way. It’s the easiest way for me to iterate on complex subject matter across all device types and form factors. I never stop thinking and Walling’s ubiquity allows me to capture stream of consciousness thoughts at any time on my iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC. I find the Chrome web clipper extremely valuable as well. Once you’re ready and if appropriate for your workflow, Walling allows you to easily copy/move your content into other apps such as Google Docs for longer form presentation and narrative development. Lastly, Walling’s founder, Elmasry, listens to his end-user community, engages with them, and empathizes when prioritizing feature requests. Highly recommended founder and app.

- CL_

I just started using the app and I love it. I can easily create a compelling visual workspace for my design work. One thing I noticed is that the text formatting doesn’t translate perfectly between mobile and desktop. Why is there no H2 option on mobile? It’s a great feature on the desktop version that makes the visual hierarchy easier to read. When I look at the same wall on my phone, all headings are the same size and it no longer looks neatly organized. Also, line breaks don’t seem to show up on my phone, I used a line break in a paragraph I made in one of my blocks on my laptop, but on my phone the text is just crunched together on one line. Really like the app and hope to see further improvements.

- whitericeman

Walling is a flexible organizational tool that helps you organize information using a brick and wall metaphor. It also has a unique tagging feature that lets you see connections between bricks from a top down perspective while the brick and wall building supports a bottom-up approach. It takes only 10 minutes to get the hang of it and you’ll be able to start building your second brain.

- seamas66

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