Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

iA Writer VS StackEdit

Compare iA Writer VS StackEdit and see what are their differences

iA Writer logo iA Writer

Minimal Design, Maximum Focus

StackEdit logo StackEdit

Full-featured, open-source Markdown editor based on PageDown, the Markdown library used by Stack Overflow and the other Stack Exchange sites.
  • iA Writer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-27
  • StackEdit Landing page
    Landing page //
    2024-12-08

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.

StackEdit features and specs

  • Markdown Support
    StackEdit offers robust support for Markdown, allowing for efficient and straightforward text formatting and editing.
  • Offline Access
    Users can work on their documents offline, making it convenient for use in areas with limited or no internet connectivity.
  • Synchronization
    StackEdit can be synchronized with various cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox, enabling easy access and backup.
  • Collaboration
    The platform supports real-time collaboration, which is useful for teams working on a document simultaneously.
  • Integrated Editor
    It includes a feature-rich Markdown editor with a live preview, which helps users see the formatted version of their text as they type.

Possible disadvantages of StackEdit

  • Learning Curve
    Users unfamiliar with Markdown may find it initially challenging to use all of StackEdit's features effectively.
  • Limited Export Options
    While it does support exporting to HTML, PDF, and a few other formats, the export options may be limited compared to other markdown editors.
  • Performance
    Some users might experience performance issues with large documents or when using the application for extended periods.
  • Requires Signup for Full Features
    To access all features, such as cloud synchronization and import/export options, users need to sign up for an account.
  • Dependency on Internet for Sync
    While offline editing is a plus, syncing documents still requires an internet connection, which may be inconvenient for some users.

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 StackEdit

Overall verdict

  • StackEdit is generally considered a good tool for those who need a reliable markdown editor with advanced features, especially for users who value cloud integration and offline functionality.

Why this product is good

  • StackEdit is a versatile, in-browser markdown editor that offers a variety of features, such as real-time collaboration, seamless synchronization with cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox, and offline editing capabilities. It supports a wide range of markdown variations and extensions, making it suitable for different types of documentation and note-taking needs.

Recommended for

    StackEdit is highly recommended for writers, bloggers, developers, and students who frequently work with markdown files and need a powerful editor that can integrate with cloud storage services while providing collaboration features.

iA Writer videos

SCOM0863 - iA Writer - Preview

More videos:

  • Review - What's The Apps: iA Writer

StackEdit videos

StackEdit - Write Markdown on Google Drive

More videos:

  • Review - StackEdit éditeur puissant de Markdown en ligne 💪

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to iA Writer and StackEdit)
Text Editors
43 43%
57% 57
Markdown Editor
39 39%
61% 61
Writing Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Markdown Viewer
0 0%
100% 100

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 StackEdit

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.

StackEdit Reviews

We have no reviews of StackEdit yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, StackEdit should be more popular than iA Writer. It has been mentiond 51 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

StackEdit mentions (51)

  • If it is worth keeping, save it in Markdown
    Https://daringfireball.net/projects/markdown/syntax#philosophy "Markdown-formatted document should be publishable as-is, as plain text, without looking like it’s been marked up with tags or formatting instructions." Any text editor (Notepad, TextPad, (neo)vi(m), Emacs, TextMate, Apostrophe, GhostWriter, Typora, etc.) will do. Markdown-specific editors have either a real-time preview or the ability to edit as... - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • 100+ Must-Have Web Development Resources
    StackEdit: An open-source, free Markdown editor based on PageDown. - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • Markdown as Fast as Possible
    Alternatively, you can use an online markdown editor like StackEdit or HackMD. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Good Notes App?
    Use https://stackedit.io/ in the browser :). Source: over 1 year ago
  • Vrite Editor: Open-Source WYSIWYG Markdown Editor
    Markdown is awesome! But, when writing 1000 words+ articles, I quickly feel the need for a better experience. For years, I’ve used StackEdit — an open-source, in-browser Markdown editor — for editing all kinds of long-format Markdown text. That said, given my recent experience with WYSIWYG editors, I thought I could do something better. - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing iA Writer and StackEdit, 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.

Markdown by DaringFireball - Text-to-HTML conversion tool/syntax for web writers, by John Gruber

FocusWriter - FocusWriter is a fullscreen, distraction-free word processor designed to immerse you as much as...

MarkdownPad - MarkdownPad is a full-featured Markdown editor for Windows. Features:

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

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