Writing isn’t always the easiest thing. Thankfully, there are all types of apps out there to help you stay organized and focused. Whether you are writing for a living or just making a grocery list, these free writer apps will help you complete your project with ease.
1. ProWritingAid
ProWriting Aid is an online editor, writing coach, and style guide, all rolled into one. It highlights a range of potential pitfalls in your writing that your grammar checker misses, like overused words, transitions, vague and abstract words, and more.
The free ProWritingAid online editing tool allows you to upload your documents and access more than 20 in-depth writing reports, which will help you improve the strength and clarity of your texts quickly and easily.
Take a quick tour here:
ProWritingAid also has more software integrations than any other editing software, including MS Word, GoogleDocs, Scrivener, Open Office, or Chrome so that you can edit wherever you write.
2. Freemind
Brainstorming is an incredibly important part of the writing process. Freemind allows you to diagram out your thoughts in a number of different formats.
Freemind's mind-mapping tools help you visualize workflows and add organization to complex ideas. It's definitely easier to keep organized than a wall full of sticky notes.
3. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is an amazing word processor option for people who are looking for a free alternative to Word.
LibreOffice has a number of great features, including a clean and sophisticated word processing layout and support for a vast number of file formats. You can create everything from a simple memo to a complete book using the online editor, which makes it a great choice for people looking for a word processor for all types of projects.
4. Scribus
Do you need to create beautiful layouts for your words? If so, Scribus may be for you!
Scribus is a free, open source platform that allows you to create rich, professional layouts for everything from one-pagers to magazines. While it takes a bit of learning to get started, Scribus is both easier to use and cheaper (since it's free!) than tools like Adobe InDesign.
5. FocusWriter
Distraction is Enemy #1 to many writers. Facebook never looks as enticing as when you're on a tight deadline or trying to meet a goal. If this sounds like you, FocusWriter is here to help.
FocusWriter minimizes your work into a clean, distraction-free word processor interface, so you can simply write without worrying about the clutter on your computer screen. FocusWriter isn't the best tool for going through your second or third draft, but it's great for getting through that first run so you can do the in-depth editing elsewhere later.
6. Evernote
Evernote is an amazing "second brain" which allows you to flexibly take notes and capture ideas in a variety of areas.
You can do just about everything in Evernote, from creating to-do lists and checklists to drawing out specific notes to capturing receipts for tracking business expenses. Evernote offers up to 60 MB of space on its free plan, which is plenty if you're just using plain text notes. If you'd like to add more graphic or larger files, you can upgrade your storage for small fees.
7. Hubspot's Blog Topic Generator
Even the best writers run into blocks sometimes. Hubspot's Blog Topic Generator can help you when it feels impossible to come up with new content.
Simply input three nouns into the generator and get a week's worth of topics in seconds! Now, THAT was easy!
8. Canva
As writers, we don't just have to worry about the words we put on the page (or the word processing document). Many of us have to create images for our work, whether that's a cover photo for a blog post or a graphic to promote your book on social media. Canva is an amazing, powerful free tool to help create beautiful images.
Canva's drag and drop templates can help you create everything from a Pinterest graphic to a book cover. If you're hesitant to learn Photoshop, Canva is an amazing alternative to help you create rich, high-quality graphics.
9. Diaro
Your life is precious, and if you’re the documenting type, you want to remember every moment good or bad. Diaro is an advanced diary application, but it can be used for keeping a journal or simply writing notes.
Use Diaro to help you keep your thoughts and memories organized and well documented. Attach photos or locations to your entries and share with others via email and social networking sites. With Diaro, you never have to worry about others stumbling across your deepest darkest secrets, because your diary will be password protected.
10. Todoist
The best writers are able to organize and prioritize their work. Todoist is a task management application that helps you create to-do lists and custom schedules so you can work more effectively.
With Todoist, you can create recurring tasks (e.g. "Write every day at 7 pm!") to help yourself set and achieve goals. Never worry about forgetting an important task again!
Let Writing Apps Ease Your Life
Writing is hard. WIthout the right app, writing is harder than it needs to be. Simplify your life and kickstart your success with these writing apps.
What writing apps do you use? Anything we've missed? Tell us in the comments!
ProWritingAid is a grammar checker, style editor, and writing mentor in one package. Try it free today!
