15 Writing iOS Apps Pages vs Bear vs Evernote ... and 12 more
Edited by Chris Stipe, Maria Quinney
While writing isn't always the easiest to do, having the right tools can help any writer to be more creative, productive and focused on their work, which is why we are here to bring you the top 15 Writing iOS apps that are must haves for any aspiring writer.
With so many various apps out there today to help in assisting writers to improve their skills, we wanted to make sure we selected the apps that will be the best fit for you - and the majority of them are free apps too!
Here are those top 15 Writing iOS apps to help you become more efficient and productive.
Method 1: Pages
If you're looking for a jack of all trades app, then you should really consider checking out Apple's Pages app. Whether you're writing your next big story or doing something less intensive like a resume or letter, the app's word processing capabilities will handle it all the same. Not only that, but there are over 60 templates to choose from and always be able to sync content across all your Apple devices.
- 1ProductivityType:
- 2Features:
- Use the on-screen keyboard or wireless keyboard with Bluetooth to write and edit your documents.
- Create endnotes and footnotes and view word counts with paragraph, page, and character counts.
- Automatically sync your documents and gain access to them across all your Apple devices by turning on iCloud.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- App is free on iOS devices.
- 4
Method 2: Bear
Are you looking for a fast app to help make your writing easier to do? Maybe looking for an app to replace Apple Notes? Then check out the Bear app now. It's perfect for everything from doing quick code snippets, to essay writing, to even note taking. And with its built-in focus mode to help you concentrate better, and advanced Markdown and other markup options are an online writer's best friend.
- 1ProductivityType:
- 2Features:
- Use Cross-Note Links to build a body of work, quickly reference other notes, and more.
- Multiple export options including HTML, PDF, DOCX, MD, JPG, and more.
- Quickly find and organize notes how you like by using hashtags.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- App is free on iOS devices. Pro subscription service (unlocks all features) is available at a monthly cost of $1.49 USD or $14.99 USD annually.
- 4
Method 3: Evernote
Evernote is another fantastic app if you are looking for an app for collaboration, organizing, note taking and list making. Not only can you find items quickly with the built-in search feature, but you can collaborate easily with others with the built-in chat feature. On top of that, you can organize your documents, notes, photos and more into various notebooks that can be shared and synced across multiple devices. It's no wonder that Evernote happens to be one of the favorites when it comes to note taking apps - why not try it today!
- 1ProductivityType:
- Get organized with ease: collect, capture and write ideas as searchable to-do lists, notes, notebooks, and checklists.
- Take notes in a variety of different formats including sketches, texts, photos, video, audio, PDFs and more.
- Sync anywhere and across all your devices automatically. Start working on a task/note on one device and continue/finish it off on another.
- App is free on iOS devices.
Method 4: Microsoft Word
Looking to get some Windows on your iOS device? Then consider trying Microsoft Word for iOS now. Suitable for any office environment, Word makes up one-third of the applications in the Office suite. While you can read and view documents in a revamped interface, to create and edit documents you will need an Office 365 subscription. And, there is at least a 30-day free trial that lets you get started using the app and see if it's a right fit for you.
- 1ProductivityType:
- 2Features:
- When you edit a document, your content and formatting are maintained across all your devices - PC, Mac, tablet, and phone.
- View email attachments and access Word documents from OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, OneDrive for Business, or SharePoint.
- Get tasks done faster, with multitasking. Run Word for iPad side by side with other apps (requires iOS 9).
- 3Cost/Fees.
- App is free to download on iOS devices. Comes with a 30-day free trial and then requires an Office 365 subscription.
- 4
Method 5: Hanx Writer
If you are looking for a nostalgic type app, like in the days of when people hammered away on the keys of an old-fashioned typewriter, then check out the Hanx Writer app. Doubling as a keyboard replacement and document creator, the Hanx Writer app was created by Tom Hanks - yes the famous Tom Hanks from movies like Forrest Gump. Equipped with the sounds of an old-fashioned typewriter, you can create, edit, print and share your documents. And best of all - the app is free with in-app purchases.
- 1UtilitiesType:
- 2Features:
- Explore the complete Hanx Writer typewriter collection like the Hanx Prime Select and the Hanx 707, where each machine is unique in its own way.
- Type up text messages, emails, notes and more in most third-party apps that use a keyboard.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- App is free on iOS devices.
- 4
Method 6: Werdsmith
Looking to turn your iOS device into a portable writing studio? Gain the ability to write anytime, any place you are by using the Werdsmith app. With thousands of writers that rely on the app to capture their ideas and work on their novels, stories, and articles, why not join them too? I know I have, in writing this article.
- 1ProductivityType:
- 2Features:
- With five custom themes and tons of formatting options, you can make Werdsmith truly yours.
- Set writing rituals and word goals to motivate you, and see how much you write every day.
- All your work is backed up in the cloud, protected by your Touch ID and saved in Werdsmith History.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- App is free on iOS devices.
- 4
Method 7: Write
If you are looking for one of the best markdown editing apps, that happens to be designed specifically for the iPad and iPhone, then check out the Write app. Not only does this app have a minimal and very clean UI but it also comes with many features including iCloud sync and automated Dropbox, themes, night mode, a rich text markdown, a quick note-taking feature, passcode lock and more.
- 1ProductivityType:
- 2Features:
- Full background support for uploading notes to Dropbox. Notes will continue uploading to Dropbox even if you close the app.
- Every time you open the Write app, it opens right into a new blank note, so that you can quickly jot down things on your mind.
- Quick look provides you with a unique quick look inspired way to peek at contents of any file without opening it.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- App is free to download.
- 4Download/Install.
- Write can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store for iPads or from the iTunes App Store for iPhones.
Method 8: Suru
If you need an easy-to-use app that helps you organize all of your various tasks and projects so that you can stay more productive, then check out the simple and beautiful app Suru. The Suru app allows you to create beautiful outlines, mind maps and task or To-Do lists with perfectly organized text and photos all in the palm of your hand.
- 1ProductivityType:
- 2Features:
- Create and edit organized task lists broken down into sub-tasks.
- Brainstorm new ideas and projects from anywhere, never forget your next big idea!
- Send a copy of your lists and ideas to other Suru users directly to their device.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- App is free on iOS devices.
- 4
Method 9: Write 2 Lite
Want the ultimate writing, note taking and markdown editing app? Then the Write 2 Lite app is the ideal choice for you as the app utilizes all of its great features to provide you with the best experience while typing on your iPhone and iPad.
- 1ProductivityType:
- 2Features:
- Synchronize your text (.txt) & markdown files between your iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Mac, PC, or any devices via Dropbox (automatically/manually).
- Download, edit, and backup plain text and markdown files from your Dropbox.
- Optimize the auto-capitalization, auto-correction, check spelling, undo, redo, cut, copy, paste and replace features from the iOS.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- App is free to download on iOS devices.
- 4
Method 10: Penultimate
Do you use your iPad to do the majority of your writing? Want the freedom of not having to use the keyboard? Then check out Penultimate, the best digital handwriting on iPad. Penultimate combines distraction-free, natural handwriting and sketching with the power of Evernote's sync and search. Take a class or meeting notes, journal your thoughts, or outline your next big idea in the office or on the go. From the first stroke, Penultimate makes the experience of pen and paper more productive.
- 1ProductivityType:
- 2Features:
- Choose from a number of paper styles or import an image to create personalized paper.
- Penultimate's Drift feature will move the page along with you, automatically adjusting to the pace you are working at.
- Save and browse your work in notebooks and insert, delete, duplicate, and reorganize pages any way you like within them.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- App is free to download but only compatible with iPads.
- 4
Method 11: iA Writer
Looking for an app for excellent document creation? Then iA Write is the must have app for you to take a look at. You can highlight unnecessary words, look for repetitiveness and locate weak verbs using its Syntax Control. You will also get a distraction-free writing experience as inactive sentences are faded and with seamless syncing with iCloud, and Dropbox sync, you will always have access to your documents across all of your iOS devices.
- 1ProductivityType:
- 2Features:
- Keeps your documents safe and at hand on whatever device you are using when inspiration strikes with seamless Dropbox and iCloud sync.
- Swipe to the right for your library and have easy access to all of your texts in one place.
- Focus Mode and Syntax Control improve your writing style by honing your concentration: One sentence at a time, or by highlighting different parts of speech.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- iA Writer is $3.99 USD on iOS devices. iA Writer Classic is available on iOS devices for $4.99 USD.
- 4Download/Install.
- iA Writer can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store for iOS devices. iA Writer Classic can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store for iOS devices.
Method 12: Byword
If you are looking a very handy way to keep your focus on your writing, instead of the app you are using, then consider using Byword as it is a clean and simple to use application. The most interesting part about the Byword app is that not only does the app allow you to focus on your text, but specifically targets the bit of text that you're working on causing it to show up in a darker type than the rest. As long as you're in full-screen mode of course.
- 1ProductivityType:
- 2Features:
- Sync text documents across all your Mac, iPhone, iPad devices.
- The most complete Markdown support including footnotes, tables and cross-references.
- Publish to Medium, WordPress, Tumblr, Blogger and Evernote.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- App is available on iOS devices for $5.99 USD.
- 4
Method 13: 1Writer
In need of a powerful, efficient, and streamlined text editor app? 1Writer is that simple but efficient and powerful app you need to start using today. Not only does the 1Writer app combine all the basic text editing features you would expect but it also includes all the advanced features you will ever need. Use 1Writer to write, research, revise, and share your ideas with maximum efficiency.
- 1ProductivityType:
- 2Features:
- Preview the formatted results with Markdown syntax highlighting while you write and a full, rich-text preview when you're done.
- Extended keyboard provides you with a convenient row of buttons for navigation, formatting, special characters (customizable--pick the characters you use the most).
- Personalize the app with 20 different fonts to choose from and a dark theme for more comfortable writing and reading at night.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- App is available on iOS devices for $4.99 USD.
- 4
Method 14: Notability
Are you looking for a powerful, yet wonderfully simple note-taking and PDF annotation app? Do you prefer handwriting or sketching over the on-screen keyboard? Then consider trying out the Notability app. It is uniquely designed for each device to provide the best note taking experience at school, at home, and at work. And with iCloud, your notes are always up to date.
- 1ProductivityType:
- 2Features:
- Notability includes full-featured typing with a wide range of fonts, sizes, and colors.
- Fine-tuned for Apple Pencil and iPad Pro to give you the most responsive, precise writing experience yet.
- Share your notes via email, AirDrop, printer, Twitter, Dropbox, Google Drive, Box and more.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- App is available on iOS devices for $9.99 USD.
- 4
Method 15: Ulysses Mobile
If you are looking for that one-stop writing environment on your iOS device, then the Ulysses Mobile app is the app you need. Whether you're a novelist, a journalist, a student or a blogger - if you love to write and write a lot, Ulysses gives you a uniquely streamlined toolset, covering every phase of the writing process:
- 1ProductivityType:
- 2Features:
- Ulysses transforms your text into beautiful PDFs, web pages, ebooks and Word documents.
- A powerful, yet simple text editor that makes writing and editing documents with ease.
- Ulysses runs on all devices, from iPad Pro to iPhone 4S.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- App is available on iOS devices for $24.99 USD.
- 4
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
