Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

iA Writer VS FocusWriter

Compare iA Writer VS FocusWriter and see what are their differences

iA Writer logo iA Writer

Minimal Design, Maximum Focus

FocusWriter logo FocusWriter

FocusWriter is a fullscreen, distraction-free word processor designed to immerse you as much as...
  • iA Writer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-27
  • FocusWriter Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-18

iA Writer features and specs

  • Focus Mode
    iA Writer includes a Focus Mode that dims everything except the current sentence or paragraph, helping writers concentrate on their work without distractions.
  • Minimalistic Interface
    The application features a minimalistic design, providing a clean and clutter-free environment that emphasizes content creation over unnecessary features.
  • Markdown Support
    iA Writer supports Markdown formatting, allowing users to easily format text without taking their hands off the keyboard, enhancing writing efficiency.
  • File Export Options
    It offers various export options including Word, PDF, and HTML, making it easy to share documents in different formats.
  • Syntax Highlight
    The app includes syntax highlighting functionality that visually differentiates different parts of speech to enhance understanding of sentence structure.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    iA Writer is available on multiple platforms, including macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android, ensuring a consistent writing experience across devices.
  • Document Library
    It features a built-in document library for easy organization and quick access to all your writing projects.

Possible disadvantages of iA Writer

  • Limited Collaboration Features
    Unlike other writing tools, iA Writer lacks advanced collaboration features, making it less suitable for team projects that require real-time editing.
  • Basic Customization
    The application provides limited customization options for the writing environment, which might not appeal to users who prefer a highly personalized interface.
  • Learning Curve for Markdown
    New users unfamiliar with Markdown may experience a learning curve, which can slow down the initial writing process until they become accustomed to the syntax.
  • Price
    iA Writer is a premium product, and the cost may be a barrier for some users, especially when there are free alternatives available.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    The focus on minimalism means that some advanced features found in other writing applications, like extensive template libraries or robust project management tools, are lacking.
  • Occasional Sync Issues
    Some users have reported occasional synchronization issues between devices, which can disrupt the writing workflow.

FocusWriter features and specs

  • Distraction-Free Interface
    FocusWriter offers a clean, full-screen interface that helps minimize distractions, allowing writers to concentrate solely on their writing.
  • Customizable Themes
    The software provides multiple themes and customization options, enabling users to tailor their writing environment to their preferences.
  • Goal Setting
    FocusWriter includes goal tracking features such as daily word counts and session targets, which can help writers stay motivated and measure their productivity.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    FocusWriter is available on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Minimal Resource Usage
    The application is lightweight and consumes minimal system resources, ensuring smooth performance even on older machines.
  • Auto-Save and Recovery
    FocusWriter offers auto-save and session recovery features, which protect users from losing work due to accidental closures or system crashes.
  • Free and Open-Source
    The software is free to use and open-source, fostering community contributions and allowing users to modify the software if they have the technical skills.

Possible disadvantages of FocusWriter

  • Limited Advanced Features
    FocusWriter lacks some advanced features found in other writing software, such as advanced grammar checking and extensive formatting options.
  • Basic Export Options
    The application offers limited export options primarily to plain text and Rich Text Format (RTF), which may not be suitable for all users.
  • Limited Integration
    FocusWriter does not offer extensive integration with other productivity tools and services, which could be a drawback for users who require seamless workflow management.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might face a learning curve due to the minimalistic interface and lack of in-app tutorials or guides.

Analysis of iA Writer

Overall verdict

  • iA Writer is an excellent choice for those seeking a focused and efficient writing tool. Its simplicity does not detract from its effectiveness, offering just the right amount of features for streamlined writing and editing. With high praise from individuals who prioritize clean and distraction-free text processing, it's widely considered a top-tier writing application.

Why this product is good

  • iA Writer is highly regarded for its minimalist design and distraction-free writing environment. It offers features like Focus Mode, which helps writers concentrate on a specific section, and Markdown support for seamless formatting. It also provides robust cross-platform support, making it easy to sync documents across devices. The clean interface and intuitive layout make it a favorite among writers who prefer simplicity and functionality over cluttered interfaces with excessive features.

Recommended for

  • Writers who enjoy minimalist and focused writing environments
  • Users looking for seamless cross-platform document synchronization
  • Individuals who prefer Markdown integration for formatting
  • People who want a distraction-free interface to boost productivity

Analysis of FocusWriter

Overall verdict

  • FocusWriter is generally considered a good choice for writers who prioritize a clean and focused writing workspace. Its simplicity and customization options make it suitable for those who want a straightforward tool without the distractions of more complex writing software.

Why this product is good

  • FocusWriter is a popular choice for writers who seek a distraction-free writing environment. It offers a minimalist interface that helps users concentrate on writing by hiding toolbars and menus until they are needed. It is also highly customizable, allowing users to change themes, fonts, and background images to suit their preferences. Moreover, FocusWriter includes features such as daily goals, timers, and basic statistics, which can help motivate and track writing progress.

Recommended for

    FocusWriter is particularly recommended for writers, authors, bloggers, and anyone who needs a distraction-free environment to focus on their writing tasks. It is ideal for users who prefer a lightweight, simple application and do not require advanced formatting or publishing features.

iA Writer videos

SCOM0863 - iA Writer - Preview

More videos:

  • Review - What's The Apps: iA Writer

FocusWriter videos

Focuswriter Review

More videos:

  • Review - FocusWriter - App Reviews
  • Review - Writing Software - FocusWriter

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to iA Writer and FocusWriter)
Text Editors
57 57%
43% 43
Markdown Editor
54 54%
46% 46
Writing Tools
58 58%
42% 42
Writing
65 65%
35% 35

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare iA Writer and FocusWriter

iA Writer Reviews

7 minimalist alternatives to CherryTree
Get focused. iA Writer offers a unique writing experience that lets you concentrate and clarify your message. Used by half a million people worldwide, its powerful interface is crafted to cut out noise, let you focus on what you want to say, and help you structure and trim your text. Available for Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android.
Source: papereditor.app
11 Best Scrivener Alternatives
The interface is easy to use, minimalistic, and helps you keep your writing goals on track. If you’re not technically sound and want a simple tool without any distracting features based on your own skills, you can go with iA Writer over Scrivener.

FocusWriter Reviews

11 Best Scrivener Alternatives
Scrivener may be more complicated than FocusWriter, but if you want simplicity or minimalism, FocusWriter is worth considering. There are no elaborate formatting options or research notes to tinker around with so all you do is write.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, FocusWriter should be more popular than iA Writer. It has been mentiond 25 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

iA Writer mentions (6)

  • Bear alternatives on PC
    You might check out iA Writer. https://ia.net/ If I didn't have a Mac with access to Bear, that's probably what I'd be using. Source: about 2 years ago
  • I didn't realize the community has grown so much..
    Obsidian ai (a forked version of this theme is my main, I haven't released it publicly because the ui is a clone of my favourite app iaWriter https://ia.net/, and I don't think that's ethically right to share). Source: over 2 years ago
  • Tools for structuring research notes and productivity/creativity
    Ia.net: looks good to build a personal wiki with hyperlinks (which is something I def want) but I fear this can get messy after a while and can loose overview easily. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • How to find and remove all finished tasks [x] at once in a single txt document?
    Thanks, it works! Could you share a link to learn more about patterns and how to use them. Unfortunately I couldn't find any info on ia.net. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • iA Writer's new site is up—where's the new update?
    I went to ia.net today to see if they had updated to a new site yet, and they had! Source: about 3 years ago
View more

FocusWriter mentions (25)

  • EnsĹŤ: write now, edit later
    Reminds me of the (dead) RoughDraft mac app by 43 Folders(?). There is also FocusWriter - opensource and multi-platform. https://gottcode.org/focuswriter/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • A collection of useful Mac Apps
    FocusWriter - Price: Free Distraction-free writing app for Mac that allows you to focus on your writing. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • What do you people write on?
    You can get it here: https://gottcode.org/focuswriter/. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Is there an app to keep track of all the details when writing a story?
    Also, if you're kinda of an indie author, try Bibisco or Focuswriter. Source: about 2 years ago
  • is there a computer that can only run word a processor
    If you have a spare laptop, I recommend just disabling the Internet altogether. But before then, install a program called FocusWriter - it goes full screen. Or instead of the spare computer idea, maybe create a new user account on your computer maybe called Writing, install FocusWriter and have it launch on startup, and disable that account's Internet. Source: about 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing iA Writer and FocusWriter, you can also consider the following products

Scrivener - Scrivener is a content-generation tool for composing and structuring documents.

Typora - A minimal Markdown reading & writing app.

Byword - The easy way to write Markdown and rich text on your Mac and iDevices

WriteMonkey - Software for full screen distraction free creative writing. No whistles and bells, just empty screen, you and your words. WriteMonkey is light, fast, and perfectly handy for those who enjoy the simplicity of a typewriter but live in modern times.

WriteRoom - For Mac users to write without distractions. WriteRoom is a full screen writing environment.

Ulysses.app - A powerful writing tool for Mac, iPad, and iPhone

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