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Essayist: Academic Writing App 4+

Apa, mla, chicago & more, essayist software inc..

• 4.8 • 685 Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

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Description.

Try Essayist for free today! "App of the Day" — Apple "Editors' Choice" — Apple "A-Plus Apps for Students " — Apple "Apps You Need This Week" — Apple Essayist allows you to write APA, MLA, Chicago & Harvard Style essays with ease. From in-text citations and footnotes to references and page setup, Essayist takes care of everything. It greatly simplifies the academic writing process. AUTOMATIC FORMATTING Essayist formats everything for you. Upon starting a new essay it sets up the title section/page, margins, font, line spacing, alignment, page headers/footers, etc. It formats your references, in-text citations, footnotes/endnotes, figures, tables, table of contents and more. UNIVERSAL REFERENCE MANAGER Store and manager references in a universal reference manager backed by iCloud. Search for, add, and store references in one place and use references across multiple essays. Create separate collections (folders) within the reference manager to organize and manage references. Add references quickly and easily using Google Scholar, Essayist’s built-in search, by pasting a URL or manual entry forms. Once added, references are automatically formatted and added to your essay’s references/works cited list. CITATIONS (IN-TEXT CITATIONS, FOOTNOTES, ENDNOTES) Add in-text citations and footnotes/endnotes with ease. Simply click the insert citation button and select the reference you wish to cite. An in-text citation/footnote/endnote is automatically created for you GENERAL FOOTNOTES Add general footnotes to any essay. EQUATIONS Essayist supports equations backed by LaTeX. CITATION STYLES Essayist supports four citation styles: APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian & Harvard. *Supported Versions: APA 7th Edition, MLA 8th & 9th Edition, Turabian 9th Edition, Harvard Snooks Style Manual and Cite Them Right 11th Edition, among various other versions from institutions throughout the UK and Australia* EXPORT Export your work to PDF or Word. MINIMAL INTERFACE A simple interface helps you write without distractions. You know all those buttons in other word processors you never use? We got rid of those. ABSTRACT, APPENDICES & TABLE OF CONTENTS Add an abstract, appendices and a table of contents to your essay. FIGURES & TABLES Easily add figures and tables with all the required information (caption, title, numbering, notes, etc.). REGULAR UPDATES We are working hard to make Essayist the best academic writing app it can be. If you have feature requests or encounter issues, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] MORE - iOS & macOS versions (universal purchase) - Built-in Universal Reference Manager - Pre-defined & customizable paragraph styles (Block Quote, Headings, etc.) - Bold, Italicize & Underline options - Import BibTeX - Multiple reference types (News Article, Magazine, Website, Dictionary, etc. …) - Two paper sizes: US Letter & A4 - Two font choices: Times New Roman & Arial - Word Count & Page Count - Multiple background choices - Spell Check, Auto Completion & Auto Capitalization - Dark mode - Designed for Accessibility FREE TRIAL Essayist features a free trial that enables you to use all features at no cost (including export and sync). PRICING Essayist requires a subscription. Choose between a monthly and a yearly subscription. Both subscription options offer a free trial. READ-ONLY MODE Download Essayist and review essays for free! *Editing functionality is locked without an active subscription. Terms of Use: https://www.iubenda.com/terms-and-conditions/82031685 Privacy Policy: https://www.iubenda.com/privacy-policy/82031685

Version 1.12.0

LATEST macOS VERSION COMPATIBILITY This update ensures compatibility with the latest version of macOS. PROFESSOR OR TEACHER? Email us for class discounts. If you have feature requests or experience an issue, please email us. We usually respond very quickly and it really helps us improve Essayist.

Ratings and Reviews

685 Ratings

Outstanding Application & Support

I've been using Essayist for years as for a while I only had an iPad as my main driver yet had to write papers for school and this was the only applicaiton that allowed me to do so on the iPad while not only maintaining all APA formatting requirements but making it even easier to cite articles with it's Google Scholar search function. I've also had a couple of times where i'd reach out to their customer support and they were prompt in responding with answers or even potential updates and timing. I highly recommend this app to every student at every level as I used it through my MBA and i'm not using it to complete a doctorate.

Developer Response ,

Hi. Thank you very much for your kind review! We wish you all the best for your doctorate :) Till

Just short of perfect, but the glitch is significant

This is an excellent app all things considered. I wish it was around when I was in college. It would be perfect in my mind but for one thing…..exporting. There is an export feature - and it exports, it just does so without carrying over any of the formatting. You can fix it in one of two ways. Get rid of the feature, and do not claim that essayist can export to word or docs with formatting, or make it work. This is an app that costs money. The export feature as it currently functions might as well not be there at all. If you do not need to export, if you are happy to simply do the entire project on essayist it is perfect. Problem is most professors are not using is, so yes…fix the export feature please. It does hurt the value of the product in my mind.

Hi. We are happy to hear you like Essayist! Regarding export: Exporting to Word should work with all formatting intact. I have myself noticed that the preview in Word on iOS can have a glitch and sometimes look like the formatting is off, but once the file is saved and you are in editing mode it’s all there. Please contact us at [email protected] so we can better assist you. Kind regards, Till

This app really is great and I recommend it for anyone writing papers and rely on citing sources. Some items I hope to see in future updates: 1. Auto-capitalize first word after a period. 2. The app does show a word count but it ony shows it for the whole paper. (It ignores word count in citations, which is perfect). I hope it is added where you can select a certain amount of text and it show you how many words are selected. 3. Allow references from other papers you have written to be imported into a new paper. For instance you might have to cite the same textbook in many papers over the course of a class. It would be conveneint to not have to go and locate and add it each time but have it populate from another source since you have alraedy gone through the effort of adding it before. 4. Remove the setting where the reference window is always on top. It is very cumbersome since you can't drag and move it and it is always on top of other windows. Thanks for the great app!

Hi, thank you so much for your review and feedback! We love hearing from our users :) The word count feature is a great suggestion that we will look into adding, and we are currently working on an update that will allow users to add references from other papers. We will also work on an update to change the reference window setting. We can see how this could be cumbersome. As for the autocapitalization issue, Essayist should already auto-capitalize after a period. Could you email us at [email protected] about this issue? Kind regards, Erin.

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The developer, Essayist Software Inc. , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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• Best Essay Writing Apps

38 Essay Writing Apps 2024: Choose the Best Essay Helper App

By: Max Malak

There are hundreds of essay apps available, with purposes ranging from note-taking and planning to checking grammar. To help you choose the best app for your essay, we’ve created a comprehensive list of the 38 best ones.

Criteria for Assessing Essay Apps

1. grammarly – best grammar checking app, 2. jasper – one of the best apps that write essays, 3. stylus ai – your intelligent academic writing companion, 4. studybay – best app that writes essays for you, 5. hemingway – best app to improve writing, 6. focuswriter – best free app for focused writing, 7. cold turkey writer – best app for distraction-free writing, 8. living writer – best app for planning and writing stories, 9. ulysses – best app for writing papers on ipads, macs, and iphones, 10. novlr – best app for writing novels, 11. jotterpad – best easy-to-use writing app, 12. scribus – best writing app for virtual design, 13. trello – best app for tracking meetings and setting goals, 14. hanx writer – best app for a typewriting experience, 15. readable – best app to increase text readability, 16. writer plus – best app for composing lyrics, 17. google docs – best alternative writing app to ms word, 18. bard – best of essay assisting apps, 19. diaro – best app for journaling, 20. hubspot topic generator – best app for generating ideas, 21. coggle – best app for mind-mapping, 22. simplenote – best elegant app for writing notes quickly, 23. byword – best free writing app for iphone and mac users, 24. manuscripts – best app for project and thesis writing, 25. written kitten – best app for reward-based writing, 26. libre office writer – best app for writing office documents, 27. ia writer – best app for brief essays, 28. daily page – best app to create a daily writing habit, 29. brain.fm – best app for selecting songs while writing, 30. scrivener – best all-in-one app, 31. write or die – best app for stimuli-based writing, 32. airstory – best app for managing your projects, 33. ayoa – best app for brainstorming, 34. drafts – best app for editing and sharing, 35. final draft – best app for creating scripts, 36. ginger – best ai-based writing app, 37. prowritingaid – best in-build grammar checker, 38. writco – best app for upgrading your writing skills, our consensus: what’s the best free essay writing app, our consensus: what’s the best paid paper writing app, final thoughts, are there apps that write essays for you for free, how do you check an essay for errors, what is the best way to proofread an essay.

The criteria we used to assess these essay apps included:

• User-Friendly - Whether the essay writing helper is simple to use and navigate across different tools and features
• Writing Metrics - Whether the app has basic features like spell-check, proofreading tools, word count, etc.
• Features - Whether the app lets you write and edit work in Cloud systems like Dropbox and if an offline mode is available
• User Interface - Whether the essay writer app offers a customizable User Interface(UI), language settings, themes, styles, formatting, etc.
• Compatibility - Whether the essay writing apps let you export your work easily and share on other platforms like WordPress
• Ratings - Whether the essay helper app has good ratings and customer feedback. We check the rating on Google Play and the App Store, as well as provide a rating of our own.
• Price Structure - Whether the app download is worth the fee it charges for writing essays

Best Essay Writer Apps

Grammarly is one of the most useful writing applications for improving your writing ability. It can save you from misspellings, punctuation errors, and other writing difficulties in your work automatically.

• It’s compatible with all platforms and devices, including PC, Mac, iOS, and Android.
• It allows you to write in a number of styles and formats, including academic texts.
• Grammarly's free version is a favourite of writers and students on a tight budget.

Disadvantages:

• It’s not useful for long-form writing.
• The user interface is a little crowded.

Jasper is an AI copywriter and essay generator that uses the greatest AI models, including OpenAI's GPT-4.

• It is a powerful tool for producing high-quality content since it incorporates state-of-the-art artificial intelligence algorithms and data inputs.
• Keeping user data safe is a top priority for Jasper, and the platform takes precautions to prevent third-party models from being trained on user data and to keep privacy settings intact.
• Jasper is great at producing some forms of content, but it might not be up to the task of fulfilling all your requirements for highly imaginative or intricate writing.

Stylus AI is a cutting-edge artificial intelligence tool designed to revolutionize the academic writing process for students and researchers alike. This innovative platform serves as a comprehensive writing assistant, capable of providing detailed feedback, co-writing entire pieces, and offering personalized support throughout your academic journey.

• Stylus AI acts as your skilled writing partner, helping you craft well-structured, properly formatted papers tailored to your specific requirements.
• By asking targeted questions, Stylus AI gathers essential information about your assignment and transforms your inputs into cohesive, ready-to-read documents.
• Unlike other AI writing tools, Stylus AI takes your personal style and writer's voice into account, ensuring that the final product authentically represents your ideas.
• Users need to be mindful of academic integrity policies and ensure they're using the tool as an aid rather than a replacement for their own work.

This paper writing app was created in conjunction with leading educators from around the world to help every student achieve their academic goals. If you’re overwhelmed with homework and find yourself asking, “Can’t somebody just do my essay ?” - Studybay is a great solution.

• Studybay provides services from experts who have attended and graduated from some of the world's most prestigious universities and schools. All of them have passed the Studybay exam and have demonstrated their proficiency to our team.
• Serves 3 million students in 100+ countries by bringing together 50,000+ top experts.
• It covers a range of fields of expertise, from English and history to biology and nursing.
• It provides proofreading and plagiarism services .
• It can take a couple of days to receive your essay.

The Hemingway is a free, straightforward tool for authors who wish to create content that is both easy to read and impactful.

• Hemingway acts as a digital proofreader by highlighting overly complicated words, thus helping you write an English essay in a simple, clear, and powerful manner.
• Hemingway, in detail, examines adverbs, passive voice, phrases, and words in your homework and provides suggestions.
• The software uses various colors and accents to assist you in eliminating the excess and keeping sentences brief.
• The desktop version is expensive.
• The colors can be overwhelming to users.

Apps that help you with essays

Focus Writer is a free, open-source writing application that may be used to write, take notes at school, produce texts, and compose essays on any device.

• It also includes real-time word counts, which eliminates the need to run manual word counts whenever you want to see where you are.
• It has a hideaway interface, styles, real-time stats, spell checking, and document tabs, thereby making it a great option if you just need a blank page to focus your work on.
• For authors, college students, and other language enthusiasts, there is also the option of setting milestones.
• It doesn’t provide many formatting options.
• Its minimalistic features may not be preferred by writers.

This essay writing app basically turns your computer into a typewriter, so you cannot do anything other than writing. The full-screen block not only creates a distraction-free atmosphere but also serves as a motivator to use other programs again.

• You can use the progress meter at the top to see how much time or words you have left.
• It offers various options of themes, formatting, and flow.
• It cannot be used in offline mode.

Living Writer is a unique writing application with a number of useful features for both fiction and nonfiction writers. It assists in planning and organizing so that you only focus on the creative process of writing your stories.

• It provides tools for plot points, basic annotations, goals and aims, document sharing, and statistics.
• The app has Dark Mode and Focus Mode, a drag-and-drop feature, and an on-screen sidebar to write down quick notes for enhanced writing.
• It does not provide features that are suitable for academic writing.

Ulysses is a typical writing tool that ensures the user focuses on writing by providing features and settings for a distraction-free space. It’s one of the most intuitive essay writing apps for iPad.

• It includes a markup-based text editor, as well as a library for organizing notes and documents, writing objectives, publishing options, and more.
• Ulysses is ideal for both short and long academic writings.
• It easily transforms texts into PDF and provides the option to publish your work directly on WordPress and Medium.
• It is only compatible with Apple products.
• It is not as outline-friendly as other apps.

Novlr is a web-based writing app created "by authors, for writers." It comes with a word processor, a dashboard for monitoring performance, and exporting options for your book.

• Its cloud-based software will back up your work automatically whenever you're online.
• It works on any device, both online and offline, and will keep you motivated along the writing journey.
• It helps in setting weekly and monthly goals and keeping track of your writing streaks.
• It doesn’t work well for professional and academic writing purposes.

Jotterpad is one of the best essay apps that allows authors to express their creativity by putting their thoughts into words. It makes writing poems, narrative essays , and scripts simple and fun.

• The software contains a variety of typefaces for users to choose from, with the ability to change the typography.
• Users may write and edit their work across multiple clouds like Dropbox and Onedrive. This software also lets you work in offline mode.
• JotterPad is available for both Android and Mac platforms.
• Many features can only be accessed in the paid version of the application.

Scribus is a free, open-source desktop publishing app that helps in designing a visually attractive structure.

• It has all of the advanced capabilities you'll need in order to create reports, journals, banners, flyers, and a variety of other documents.
• It has a number of features, such as the ability to edit an object within various levels of a document, powerful drawing tools, node editing tools, and so on.
• There is no mobile application.

Trello is a powerful tool that can be used for everything from meetings and projects to events and goal-setting. Trello is a top essay planner app for group work, as its features allow any team to easily set up and customize workflows for almost anything. It can be used on a mobile phone, tablet, or PC.

• Lists and cards make up the Trello board, which may be used to organize task assignments, timetables, productivity metrics, calendars, and more.
• It has features that help you keep track of timelines, due dates, team members, etc.
• It is not useful for authors and students who want a distraction-free platform.

Hanx Writer is a writing app released by actor Tom Hanks. After you download it, it turns your device into an old-fashioned typewriter, offering a surprisingly similar experience.

• The app has a blank page and produces the nostalgic click-clack sound you'd expect from a typical typewriter.
• It also comes with basic features like spell check, copy/paste, document exporting, etc.
• Its limited features only provide a typewriting experience.

Readable is a text analysis tool with the main goal of making your work more readable. There isn’t a free version, but you only have to pay $4/month for the lowest-tier plan.

• It includes useful features for writers who need a lot of textual analysis.
• It captures plenty of useful facts, from text composition to reading duration - in addition to pointing out run-on sentences and other factors in your writing.
• It’s not useful for long-form writers.

Writer Plus is a popular choice among writers since it is a great tool for composing notes, novels, lyrics, poetry, essays, and drafts on both a smartphone and a tablet.

• It's a reliable, stable, and high-performance program that uses very little battery, making it one of the best apps for Android.
• Users have the option to save and categorize their work using the app's extensive folder support.
• It offers a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard with many keyboard shortcuts to make writing more convenient.
• Writer Plus lets you write in multiple languages.
• This app doesn’t offer templates or goal-tracking capabilities.

Google Docs is a free writing app for Android and Google users, which is similar to MS Word. The writing feature is speedy, efficient, and user-friendly, making it one of the best essay writing apps.

• It comes with a built-in grammar and spell-checker.
• You can see collaborators’ changes to the document in real-time.
• It has fewer features than its main competitor, MS Word.

Google's Bard is a chatbot equipped with a generative artificial intelligence system that can assist in answering queries and gathering data for writing. All the information gathered with Bard can be easily exported to your Google Docs file.

• It allows users to engage in natural language conversations, making interactions more intuitive and user-friendly.
• Bard is an ongoing project at Google, and the company is always adding new features and updating it with more advanced language models to make it more useful.
• Some users found Bard's replies less fascinating and accurate than its rivals, hence it was met with mixed reviews upon its introduction.

Diaro is an intelligent tool that may be used as a personal journal to keep track of secrets, records, images, wish lists, etc. The app keeps track of all your journals entries, memos, and notes.

• All user data can easily be synced across several devices using this software.
• You can use a PIN, security code, or fingerprint to secure your journal entries.
• Diaro's comprehensive search and filter tools make it simple to arrange diary entries by categories, tags, and places.
• Features are limited to personal journal use, making it unsuitable for professional and academic writing purposes.

This essay writing app is used to produce writing ideas instantly. It generates nouns to help you come up with a topic idea for your next writing endeavor.

• This tool is useful at the beginning of your writing project if you’re stuck on ideas.
• Its features are very limited; you can just generate topics.

Coggle is one of the most effective mind-mapping apps for writing papers; it helps you create a visual representation of the potential links between essay topics.

• Using creative, sophisticated flowcharts and other visualizations, this tool lets you develop your initial ideas into sub-ideas and produce full-fledged articles.
• Coggle allows you to color-code pathways and create extremely attractive drawings with little effort.
• It does not provide basic writing metrics.

Simplenote is free note-taking software that is elegant and effortless to use. It is one of the quickest ways to write down notes. Furthermore, all of your notes are saved, and the search option allows you to locate old notes anytime you need them.

• The software lets you organize your planner with prioritized tags; this helps with rapid searching and categorization of thoughts.
• It backs up and stores everything, ensuring you never lose any important information.
• You cannot include photographs or to-do lists in notes.
• There is just one technique to style text when it comes to text formatting: markdown.

Byword is a free writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone users that automatically publishes your work to Networks like Medium, WordPress, etc.

• Apple users can create documents in Byword and access them on an iPad or iPhone using iCloud and Dropbox.
• Byword helps you edit from any location and on any Apple device.
• It is not suitable for long-form authors. Byword only supports markdown as formatting style.

Manuscripts is a tool for academics that integrates with common word processors like Microsoft Word. It is created mainly for writing projects as well as theses.

• It excels at the reference element of writing citations, acronyms, and so on.
• The built-in spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary tools let you detect items such as numerals in the middle of phrases, layout, complex words, and abbreviations in various forms.
• Not suitable for creative writing like essays, novels, etc.

Written Kitten is a free, easy-to-use website; it motivates people to write by allowing them to set word count goals and rewarding them when they achieve them.

• When you attain that target, Written Kitten even gives you a reward by showing a visual treat of a cat, puppy, or bunny.
• It doesn’t provide an offline mode option.
• It doesn’t have many basic writing metrics to support long-form writing.

Libre Office Writer is a free, sophisticated essay writing application with end-to-end functions. It allows users to produce, review, and update their work at any time.

• The software enhances the appearance of your work while allowing you to concentrate on the substance. The built-in text-to-speech functionality can read your texts aloud.
• The inbuilt file explorer in this software opens files on all devices and serves as a document reader and editor in one.
• It isn’t suitable for creative writing like novels, poems, lyrics, etc.

IA Writer is a non-distracting writing tool that is good for creating brief essays. It features a simple interface and relies on plain text. There are no diversions, as it features a full-screen option that fades out everything except the line you're typing.

• This minimalist style is suitable for achieving the writer's objective of focusing only on writing.
• It’s designed in a way to remove distractions and clutter to make writing easier.
• It’s tough to access your old work, and features are limited.

Daily Page is a beneficial application that gives users a variety of creative prompts to establish a daily writing regimen.

• It sends daily email reminders encouraging you to write.
• Use it to keep track of your writing and feed your creativity.
• Daily Page collaborated with expert writers and editors to develop writing courses that will help you outline your thoughts and convert them into content.
• The application doesn’t have many features that justify the price tag.
• It isn’t suitable for office writing.

This application selects background music using scientifically proven methods that promote focus and attention while writing. Students who are writing or studying music might use the songs to help them stay on track with their studies.

• It chooses songs with the help of artificial intelligence.
• It enhances the capacity to concentrate when writing and increases productivity.
• It can’t be used in offline mode.

Scrivener is a book-writing software application with features similar to a typewriter, ring binder, and scrapbook.

• It includes a variety of tools to help you take your writing projects from concept to a finished manuscript.
• Features include corkboards, pre-set formatting, templates, file importing, metatags, and automated document listing.
• It enables you to keep track of your studies, produce customized materials, and even analyze a text's substance.
• It is a fairly expensive application, especially for a student budget.

The Write or Die application lets users establish goals, receive awards if goals are met, and incur penalties if they aren’t met.

• Penalties include deleting what you’ve already written; this is a motivating push to get you to finish your writing goals for the day.
• It comes in a variety of languages.
• Because it deletes your work if you don’t meet your writing goals, we don’t recommend it for professional writing.

Airstory is a writing tool developed to both produce high-quality content and manage their workflow.

• Airstory has a drug and drop cards feature as a browser that will help you build your ideas and save citations
• It provides a wide range of templates for different purposes
• The interface is not user-friendly

Task management, mind mapping, and other brainstorming techniques can be used with the cloud-based software platform Ayoa. The Collaborative Whiteboard gives users the ability to mind map concepts, organize activities visually, and obtain an overall view of their work on a single platform.

• Gantt-style charts can be made using the Gantt timeline view function for efficient time management.
• Ayoa has an integration with Google, Evernote, and Dropbox.
• You can’t test the onboarding feature with the trial version.

Drafts is an all-in-one writing automation application that combines a convenient editor, a speedy notepad, and other useful features.

• You are able to share the writing with several individuals at once, and you have the option to reject or accept any modifications that are made.
• It's simple to compare earlier versions and see how they evolved.
• It tends to freeze when sharing large files.
• The simplify feature sometimes deletes important information.

Final Draft is an app for your devices that allows users to create, modify, and read screenplays. Easy-to-use tools make it possible to write new scripts or modify old ones.

• Use the SmartType function to avoid typing common phrases repeatedly.
• Instant formatting to industry standards.
• The maximum number of people working together at a time is 1.

The AI-based writing tools from Ginger Software enable quicker and more efficient communication. Based on context, it corrects all mistakes and operates at the sentence level rather than simply locally. Artificial intelligence in it proposes original ways to deliver the idea you want to get through.

• It generates a comprehensive report that can be used to monitor development and growth.
• A translation feature that supports 60+ languages is built into the app.
• You may improve as a writer and get insight from your errors by using the learning center feature.
• No tone detector.
• It is solely set up to offer English corrections.

You will receive comprehensive comments on your writing as well as an advanced grammar checking style when you use ProWritingAid. The one-of-a-kind concepts, articles, quizzes, and videos that are included in the program make writing and editing into activities that may really be enjoyed by the user.

• ProWritingAid offers an opportunity to purchase a lifetime membership.
• The product is compatible with Scrivener, as well as the native software for Windows and Mac, and also Word, Google Docs, Chrome extensions, and an online editor.
• Plagiarism detection software is sold separately.

Writco is a social reading and writing platform that supports several languages and links readers and authors from all around the world. On this platform, you are able to share your writing talents with people all over the world. You are able to read, write, share, and publish your writings in over forty different genres and eighteen different languages.

• You have the opportunity to compete in a variety of writing competitions and may win rewards.
• You can get feedback from other users on quality of your writing style.
• Contains in-app purchases and advertisements.

From our experience, the best free essay writer app is Grammarly since it is quick and precise. It is easily available and compatible with all devices. The free version is relatively powerful in doing spell-check, grammar-check, and other features that make essay writing easier.

Another contender in writing apps is StudybayAI , which takes a unique approach by incorporating ChatGPT technology. This allows users to have conversational interactions with an AI assistant to help with writing tasks. Users can describe what they want to write and StudybayAI will provide suggestions, ideas, outlines, and even full drafts. This AI sets itself apart with advanced capabilities while retaining an intuitive chat-based interface. It aims to make writing easier for students, academics, business professionals, and anyone wanting writing support from an AI writing companion.

As per our evaluation, the best paid paper writing apps are Hemingway, Studybay, and Trello.

Each of these apps has different purposes; if you’re looking for a proofreading app, Hemingway is your best bet. For a collaborative writing experience, we strongly recommend Trello; it has phenomenal organizational capabilities, which are necessary for group assignments. And if you need homework help, Studybay provides expert essay writing assistance on a huge variety of subjects.

As you can see from the list above, there are numerous essay writing applications to choose from. Although they may not all have the same interface, features, or compatibility, each of these essay applications has something unique to offer. We hope that our list of applications above will assist you in selecting the optimal essay writing app.

Hopkyns, Sarah & Nicoll, Timothy. (2021). Transforming Essay Writing Through App-Smashing. Journal of English for Academic and Specific Purposes. 20. 67-85.

Top 5 best apps to boost your academic writing skills . TechCommuters. (2023). https://www.techcommuters.com/best-apps-to-boost-your-academic-writing-skills/

Waldmann, J. (2023). Top grammar apps to help you improve your writing . Insider Guides. https://insiderguides.com.au/top-grammar-apps-help-improve-writing/

User ratings:

User ratings is 4.6 stars.

4.6 /5 ( 129 Votes)

Product Manager

Here at Studybay, I work as a Head of Affiliates in the marketing department. I studied Liberal Arts and took related classes at Tokyo Sophia University. I believe that challenges are what make my job fun and exciting. That's why I like completing complex, complicated, and even weird tasks and then sharing my experience with colleagues.

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We are very interested to know your opinion

Great list! I've been using Grammarly for a while now, and it's been a lifesaver. The grammar and spell-checking features are spot-on, and it has improved the quality of my essays. I'll definitely check out some of the other apps to write my essays mentioned here. Thanks for sharing!

As a language enthusiast and writer, Jotterpad caught my attention. The ability to express creativity and write poems and narrative essays with this app sounds wonderful. I don't mind investing in the paid version for additional features. Thanks for introducing me to it, and I can't wait to give it a try!

Hemingway was my favorite app for essays😩 I like the UI, but the desktop version is sooooo expensive. Overall, it's fantastic..

I can't imagine my college life without Evernote! It's perfect for organizing my notes and keeping track of assignments. I love the ease of use and the fact that I can access my notes from anywhere. Definitely one of the best apps out there!

Michele Graves

As a college student, I'm always on the lookout for useful essay apps. I've used Evernote before for note-taking, but I didn't know it had additional features for planning and organizing. I'll have to explore its Premium options.

I've been using Google Docs for a while now, but I'm open to trying other alternatives, especially offline essay apps, as I travel a lot. This list gives me plenty of options to consider!

I love the idea of using Hanx Writer for a nostalgic typewriter experience… It sounds like a fun way to get creative with my text. I'll give this app a shot with an english essay and see how it feels🙃

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I've been using Essayist for years as for a while I only had an iPad as my main driver yet had to write papers for school and this was the only applicaiton that allowed me to do so on the iPad while not only maintaining all APA formatting requirements but making it even easier to cite articles with it's Google Scholar search function. I've also had a couple of times where i'd reach out to their customer support and they were prompt in responding with answers or even potential updates and timing. I highly recommend this app to every student at every level as I used it through my MBA and i'm now using it to complete a doctorate.

AMAZING tool for college students!

I am so glad I found this app because it has come in very handy in writing my essays for college. Essayist is very easy to use and supports many citation styles for all my essay writing needs. Has not let me down yet, thank you!!

It's worth it's weight in gold at least 10X over. I really don't know what I would do without this app. I use it for every single assignment and it's such a time saver and helps make sure everything is correct. I absolutely love it and recommend it to every single person I know in school.

Marvelous, Superb, and a Joy to Use

Essayist is an app designed with simplicity in mind. The team behind this application has eliminated the burden of the “essay criteria.” In its stead, we have a clear and perfectly structured canvas on which to begin writing without distractions. Upon purchase - which is worth every penny, you're prompted to choose your citation of choice. Your paper format and structure are based on this selection. Adding a works cited or bibliography is as simple as pressing a button. The app allows for chapters of books/magazines/ journals, websites, films, etc., and the user-friendly OS will enable you to seamlessly integrate those references as in-text citations, all with the press of a button. This app is a flagship creation of a solution to a long-standing problem. A problem that can perhaps be phrased as, “How can I have all the formatting and citations already done for me so that I can focus on just writing”? Essayist does just that.

Yearly・Save 40%

Still have questions, what is essayist, who is essayist for, how does essayist work, how much does essayist cost, can i use essayist on all my devices, which operating system do i need, is essayist available for android/windows, what citation styles does essayist support, can i generate references in essayist, does essayist have a user guide, subscribe to our newsletter, information.

9 Powerful Writing Apps for Any Type of Writing Project

When you’re starting a new writing project, it’s sometimes helpful to rethink the writing apps in your toolbox.

Even if you’re a pen-on-paper writer for the first draft, you’ll have to translate your writing to a digital format at some point in the process. Here are a few writing apps to help you, broken out by the type of project you might be working on.

3 Great Online Writing Apps

1 Grammarly

Grammarly is a writing assistant. We provide clear, constructive writing suggestions that work where you work, enabling better understanding between people. Our products can help you with grammar, spelling, punctuation, conciseness, clarity, readability, and more.

Where to use it: grammarly.com

2 Evernote Web

Evernote is a platform that allows you to take all kinds of notes. It’s also a great place to start writing if you’d like a clean, easily-accessible interface. Using Evernote also can help you stay organized so you can juggle and locate multiple writing projects at once.

Where to use it: evernote.com

3 Google Docs

Google Docs is an online word processor that lets you create and format documents and work with other people. As a writing app, it’s helpful when you’d like to collaborate with someone else on a writing project, like an editor or co-author.

Where to use it: docs.google.com

Draft is an online writing app that combines collaboration and editing features. Its version control features are helpful for keeping track of your changes, and it can work with other online writing apps.

Where to use it: draftin.com

Here’s a tip: Did you know Grammarly’s Google Chrome extension works with the four writing apps listed below? Try it out and let us know what you think!

The convenient way to improve your writing. Grammarly helps you wherever you write. Try Grammarly

2 Helpful Blogging Apps

Medium allows you to share your stories and ideas with the world. It is both the home of several well-known publications and a great place to publish your writing if you’re interested in making your perspectives and experiences available to a wider audience.

Where to use it: medium.com

2 WordPress.com

WordPress.com helps you start a blog or build a website in seconds without any technical knowledge. The software it’s based on (confusingly named WordPress.org), powers 32% of the Internet, so it’s a very popular blogging platform. With WordPress, you can create custom blogs easily and share them on a custom website of your choosing.

Where to use it: wordpress.com

Here’s a tip: Did you know Grammarly’s Google Chrome extension works with both of these blogging apps? Try it out and let us know what you think!

Want to hone your vocabulary? Grammarly can help with that. Get Grammarly

4 Distraction-Free Writing Apps

For some projects, you need a space to type out the first draft, without the temptation of social media, notifications, and other online distractors. There are several writing apps that offer you the ability to write in peace, but here are a few of our favorites.

1 Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is one of the most widely-known word processors. But did you know that it can also be used for focused writing? Using “ focus mode ,” you can hide Word’s toolbars, allowing for minimal distractions.

Where to use it: Desktop app for Mac

Here’s a tip: Did you know that Grammarly works with Microsoft Office on Windows devices? You can learn more about how to add Grammarly to Microsoft Office here .

2 WriteRoom

WriteRoom is a distraction-free environment for Mac. It promotes a full-screen environment that allows Mac users to “focus on writing.”

3 iA Writer

iA Writer removes distractions, giving you a calm, focused writing space. Their focused writing environment is available on desktop and mobile devices.

Where to use it: Desktop and mobile writing apps

4 Grammarly Desktop Apps for Mac and Windows

Grammarly’s desktop applications for Mac and Windows allow you to write what you mean, without distraction. You can either view helpful writing suggestions on everything from punctuation to tone, or you can hide them and keep typing your draft.

Where to use it: Desktop apps for Mac and Windows

Best Essay Writing Apps: Exploring the Top Choices

Did you know that the average person spends about 23 days per year on their phones? With the prevalence of mobile devices, integrating essay-writing apps into your routine allows you to make the most of your time and boost productivity. So, if you're a student seeking to enhance your composition skills, search no more! This article serves as your ultimate resource for exploring exceptional apps for essay writing that will simplify your academic life.

Our essay service experts will present a curated assortment of user-friendly apps that can assist you with grammar, spelling, plagiarism detection, and even citation generation. You will encounter well-known examples such as Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and EssayPro and discover how mobile apps enable you to work on your essays from anywhere.

Criteria for Assessing Essay Apps

Here are the criteria we used to evaluate best app for essay writing:

• User-Friendly: Is the app easy to navigate and use with different tools?
• Writing Metrics: Does the app have essential features like spell-check, proofreading tools, and word count?
• Features: Can you write and edit in Cloud systems like Dropbox? Is there an offline mode? Or can you place ‘ write my essay ’ orders quickly?
• User Interface: Does the app offer customizable UI, language settings, themes, styles, and formatting?
• Compatibility: Can you easily export your work and share it on platforms like WordPress?
• Ratings: What are the app's ratings on Google Play and the App Store? What's our own rating?
• Price Structure: Is the app download worth the fee it charges for writing?

Top Essay Writing Apps

With a plethora of essay apps to choose from, catering to various needs like note-taking, planning, and grammar checking, selecting the perfect essay writer app can be overwhelming. To simplify your decision-making process, we have curated a comprehensive list of the apps that write essays for you.

EssayPro App

Available on Android and iOS , Essaypro an app that writes essays for you, stands out as one of the best apps for essay writing. It simplifies essay creation, organization, and formatting. With access to a vast collection of essay samples, students can easily tackle any assignment, from argumentative to persuasive essays.

Users can save time with this pocket-sized software. Orders can be placed quickly, generating pricing offers in no time. On average, customers spend 22 minutes using the app.

To cater to user requests, Essaypro introduced a dark theme as a new feature. Additionally, users can respond to writer inquiries via the chat tool, ensuring they don't have to pause their activities, even while taking care of their children. For a comprehensive mobile solution to excel in academic tasks, you can confidently choose the EssayPro App.

• The app offers advice on improving current writing and using better editing techniques. It even features a plagiarism detection tool, guiding you on how to avoid plagiarism .
• Users get access to an author's biography, his areas of expertise, and - most crucially - reviews of the writer.
• ‍Users can top up their own accounts, making it easy to subsequently order fresh works.
• ‍100% plagiarism-free papers - Each task is unique.
• ‍Timely delivery - Get your paper as soon as you need it.
• ‍Unlimited revisions - In case you need to add any info or you want us to rewrite some paragraphs - you are free to ask us!‍
• Top quality - We have a team of top-notch writers who will definitely deliver exceptional tasks for you.‍
• 100% money-back guarantee - You can get your money back if you don't like the paper.

Grammarly is an ideal app for catching grammar mistakes in essays. It even detects errors in complex sentences. It works on all systems and devices - PC, Mac, iOS, and Android. While the interface can be crowded, and it may not be as effective for long-form writing, Grammarly remains one of the top options.

• Enables you to work in your preferred writing style, including academic papers.
• Helps you avoid automatic writing mistakes, including misspellings, improper punctuation, and other issues.
• Enhances your writing skills
• Congested user interface and a lack of effectiveness for long-form composing

Streamlining the writing process, this one of the best app for essay writing simplifies the crucial task of editing. Utilizing a range of colors and accents assists in eliminating unnecessary words and achieving sentence conciseness. Available for download on both Mac and Windows desktop platforms, it offers convenient accessibility for users.

• Automatically catches errors like misused words or awkward sentences so you can spend more time perfecting your essay
• Develops pieces that are compelling and simple to read
• Serves as a digital editor and suggests suitable types of tone in writing .
• Pricey desktop and distracting colors for visitors

ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid may assist you in identifying formatting errors, fixing bugs, and correcting punctuation in writing. With the premium edition of this paper writing app, you can improve sentence length and choice of words and eliminate clichés.

Meanwhile, if you're searching for an excellent essay topic for students , make sure to explore our comprehensive list!

• Simple to use UI
• There are several integrations offered
• There are almost twenty writing analysis reports available
• Just a few hundred words may be read at once in the free plan
• Adjusting to the number of functions might take a while

Focus Writer

Focus Writer is among the few free word processors that are compatible with all the leading operating systems. With the help of this paper writing app, you may obtain a wide range of data, such as the number of words and characters. Moreover, the application uses RTF to save its information. Most other word processors can accept this, so you may edit your writing on different platforms as needed.

In the meantime, you might be intrigued to explore an excellent AI detection tool that assists in creating content free from Artificial Intelligence.

• Provides you with key text analytics while you type
• Powerful word processor for those on a budget
• No advanced features are offered

Cold Turkey Writer

Cold Turkey Writer is one of the ideal essay apps since it prevents interruptions. It also provides several layouts, structuring, and flow choices. This essay-writing tool effectively transforms your desktop into a typewriter, leaving you with no option other than to write your essay topics .

• You can track time and word count by using the progression indicator at the top
• Provides an environment without interruptions
• Encourages the usage of other programs once more
• Not available in offline mode

Ulysses is an excellent distraction-free writing app available for iOS users only. It's a perfect choice for both short articles and long research papers. In addition, it allows sharing your work instantly on WordPress and Medium and quickly converts words into PDFs.

• It has a text editor with markup support and a library for arranging notes, writing goals, and publishing choices
• It's among the best user-friendly essay writing applications
• Ulysses can transform your texts into beautiful PDFs, Word documents, ebooks, and even blog posts
• Not as good for outlining as other programs

Scribus is a free, accessible digital production tool that aids in creating aesthetically pleasing structures. It includes a lot of capabilities, like the ability to modify an item at several levels of a document, excellent painting options, node editing techniques, and more.

• Best suited for papers with innovative visuals
• Strong sketching tools 
• Doesn't come as a mobile app

Trello is a versatile and intuitive project management application that allows individuals and teams to effectively organize and collaborate on tasks and projects. It offers a visual and customizable interface that utilizes boards, lists, and cards to streamline project workflows and track progress.

Even if you're on the hunt for summer jobs for college student , Trello can streamline project workflows, making it easier for you to track your progress and manage your summer job applications efficiently.

• The User-friendly interface makes it simple for individuals of all technical abilities to start using the app immediately.
• Trello excels in fostering collaboration within teams. Real-time updates ensure everyone stays informed and aligned on project progress.
• It may not fulfill the needs of more complex projects
• The steep learning curve for larger projects

LivingWriter

LivingWriter is a versatile writing application designed to streamline the writing process for authors and content creators. With a user-friendly interface and a host of features, it aims to enhance the overall writing experience.

• Collaborative writing capabilities.
• Innovative story planning tools.
• Cloud-based accessibility for flexibility.
• Subscription-based model.
• The learning curve for advanced features.

Novlr is a dedicated writing application designed to meet the needs of novelists and long-form writers. It provides a distraction-free environment with features tailored to enhance the novel-writing process.

• Offers a distraction-free writing space.
• Enables seamless work synchronization across devices.
• Provides diverse export formats for easy file transfer.
• Operates on a subscription model.
• Some users may find features limited compared to other platforms.

Readable is among the top essay writing apps designed to enhance the readability and clarity of written content. It incorporates features aimed at improving the overall quality and comprehension of text.

• Enhances content clarity.
• Provides guidance on writing style.
• Easy navigation and use.
• Requires subscription for full access.
• Functionality affected without a stable connection.

Is Writing Not Your Best Quality?

Then Essaypro’s professional writers are the best choice who are available for assistance 24/7

Writer Plus

Writer Plus is a mobile writing app designed for simplicity and convenience, providing essential features for on-the-go writing and note-taking.

• Offers a straightforward and easy-to-use interface.
• Ideal for quick writing and note-taking on mobile devices.
• Allows writing even without an internet connection.
• May lack advanced features compared to more comprehensive writing applications.
• Primarily designed for mobile use, with limited desktop functionality.

ByWord is an AI-powered article-generation tool. It focuses on efficiently generating large volumes of high-quality, SEO-ready content. Users can input a few words, click a button, and within minutes, have a fully formed article with an accompanying image ready for publication on their site. This tool adapts to the changing world of SEO with the help of artificial intelligence and offers a feature to stay unnoticed by any AI detection tool .

• ByWord swiftly creates SEO-ready content.
• A comprehensive tool for efficient long-form content creation.
• Enables rapid publication of fully-formed articles and images.
• May have fewer customization options for a streamlined process.

Coggle is a web-based mind-mapping tool that allows users to create visually engaging diagrams to organize and represent their ideas.

• Facilitates the creation of visually appealing mind maps and diagrams.
• Supports real-time collaboration for team brainstorming and planning.
• Features an intuitive design for easy navigation and diagram creation.
• Some advanced features may be restricted in the free version.
• Requires a stable internet connection for seamless collaboration and saving.

Wrapping Up

Whether you're just starting with academic writing service or already have advanced skills, these college student applications are here to make the process easier and better. From Essaypro's free writing software, where you can even buy an essay , to Grammarly's essay editing apps, there's a tool for everyone. By adding these platforms to your toolkit, you can create high-quality papers more efficiently and with confidence. So, try them out and see which ones work best for you!

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What Are Some Good Essay Writing Apps for Students?

How can i choose the right essay writing app for my needs and academic level, what are the benefits of using an essay-writing app, is there an app that can create essays for students.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Best Writing Apps in 2024

Showing 128 writing apps that match your search.

So, You’re looking to write a book. Well, wavemaker is here to help. It’s much much more than a text editor.

Platforms: Mac, Windows, Chrome, Android, Online, PC

Best for: Outlining, Drafting, Book, Story, and Free

Website: https://wavemaker.cards/

Base price:

Premium price:

★★★ Performance

★★★ Features

★★★★ Accessibility

Also rated 3.7 ★ on Google Play

Create professional print books and eBooks easily with the all-in-one book writing software.

Platforms: Mac, Windows, Chrome, PC

Best for: Drafting, Publishing, Book, and Story

Website: https://www.atticus.io/

★★★★ Performance

★★★★ Features

Writer is a writing application without the fuss and distraction of a traditional word processor. It's perfect for everything from taking notes to writing a novel on your phone or tablet.

Platforms: Android

Best for: Note-taking, Book, Story, Journal, Essay, Blog, Poetry, and Free

Website: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jamesmc...

★★ Accessibility

Also rated 3.8 ★ on Google Play

Learn more about Reedsy Studio .

Scribus is an Open Source program that brings professional page layout with a combination of press-ready output and new approaches to page design.

Platforms: Windows, Mac, PC

Best for: Publishing, Book, Story, and Free

Website: https://www.scribus.net/

Also rated 4.5 ★ on TechRadar

Prompts for Writing

Open to write and follow the prompt suggestions, it's that easy. Good for poetry writing, journal writing, storytelling, narration, cinema, and more. All using a patented artificial intelligence technology.

Platforms: iPhone, iPad

Best for: Brainstorming, Story, Book, and Poetry

Website: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/creative-writing-prompts/id...

Also rated 4.6 ★ on the App Store

Calmly Writer

Traditional word processors include dozens of options for formatting text, distracting you from what really matters: writing. Calmly Writer is an editor designed to focus on what you want to tell, with a simple, unobtrusive and ease-to-use user interface.

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Online, Chrome, PC

Best for: Drafting, Book, Essay, Journal, Poetry, Story, Blog, and Free

Website: https://www.calmlywriter.com/

★★★★★ Performance

★★★★★ Accessibility

Gingko is a new kind of tool, that lets you shape your ideas with lists, outlines and cards, all in the same clean interface.

Platforms: Online

Best for: Outlining, Essay, Book, Story, and Blog

Website: https://gingkowriter.com/

Made by writers, for writers, Novlr is the writing platform that will have you achieving your writing goals.

Best for: Drafting, Book, Story, and Free

Website: https://www.novlr.org/

Also rated 3.0 ★ on Reedsy

NovelPad's online and offline novel writing software helps you organize, write, and edit your novel anywhere, on any device, from start to finish.

Best for: Outlining, Drafting, Editing, Proofreading, Book, and Story

Website: https://novelpad.co/

We’re more than a doc. Or a table. Customize Notion to work the way you do.

Platforms: Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Chrome, PC

Best for: Note-taking, Outlining, Journal, Book, Story, Essay, Poetry, Blog, and Free

Website: https://www.notion.so/product

★★★★★ Features

★★★★★ Value

Also rated 4.0 ★ on TechRadar

OmniOutliner

OmniOutliner is a powerful tool for organizing (and reorganizing) information, so you can see the full picture and structure your information effortlessly.

Platforms: Mac, iPhone, iPad

Best for: Outlining, Essay, and Blog

Website: https://www.omnigroup.com/omnioutliner/

Also rated 3.2 ★ on the App Store

Do you have a story to tell? Unlike conventional word processors, Storyist helps you track your plot, characters, and settings, and keeps all of your writing organized and accessible—so you can focus on telling your story.

Best for: Outlining, Drafting, Book, and Story

Website: https://storyist.com/

Also rated 4.0 ★ on PC Magazine

What makes a good writing app?

Put simply, what makes a writing app good for you will depend on the kind of writer that you are. 

• If you’re an author , you might be interested in a writing app with outlining, planning, and formatting functionalities.
• If you’re a student , you’re probably in the market for a writing app that blocks out distractions while you’re writing.
• If you’re a screenwriter , you’ll want a writing app that’s specifically dedicated to writing screenplays.

Or, if you’re none of the above, worry not: that’s why we built this directory of writing apps. Whatever you need, we’ve gathered the outstanding writing apps of 2024 across multiple categories (drafting, editing, note-taking, etc) and platforms (Android, iOS, online browsers, etc) in one place. Feel free to use the filters to make your quest for the perfect writing app even easier!

So what are the best writing apps of 2024?

We can now put an end to the age-old debate of which writing app is best: Microsoft Word vs. Google Docs ? 

The answer, of course, is neither! Hopefully, this directory will point you towards a much better match that actually fulfills your writing needs. We objectively evaluated each writing app based on four metrics.

• Performance: How seamlessly does the writing app do what it’s purported to do? How good is the user experience, from top to bottom?
• Features: How many bells and whistles are built into the app to augment its use?
• Accessibility: Is it widely available on many different operating platforms (e.g. iOS, Windows, mobile, desktop, etc)?
• Value: Is it worth the cost that it would take to download it?

Here are some general recommendations to give you a headstart.

The best writing app for authors

If you’ve been searching for an all-in-one outlining, writing, formatting, and typesetting tool, look no further than Reedsy Studio . Used by over 50,000 authors every month, it’s publishing’s most trusted companion to take them from a first draft to a professionally exported manuscript.

💰 Price:  Free

🚉 Runs on: Web

The best writing app for note-takers

Evernote is the king of written organization. In addition to its free organizational templates, Evernote also gives you impressive tagging capabilities, an omnipresent Web Clipper, and the ability to share notes with collaborators, so that you’ll never forget anything again.

💰 Price:   Free basic plan, $4.99/month for premium

🚉 Runs on: Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android

The best writing app for screenwriters

Along with standard scriptwriting features, Final Draft enables you to measure character traits using its inclusivity analysis feature, and tweak your “beat board” until you find your perfect arrangement. And when you’re ready to bring in editors, you can all work simultaneously in real time.

💰 Price: Free trial for 30 days, $249.99 license fee

🚉 Runs on: Mac, iOS, and Windows

I’ve found the perfect writing app. What next?

Congratulations! Now the fun part begins: actually writing the project that you’ve got in mind.

For authors, this means that you have a long and exciting road ahead. In addition to a writing app, we recommend that you arm yourself with some writing knowledge before you embark on it: whether it’s an understanding of story structure or careful thought put into your character creation, all of it can help you realize your goal of a novel.

If you don’t know where to start, check out the list of free resources below. Good luck, and happy writing!

Free online materials

• How to Plan a Novel
• How to Write a Book
• Story Structure: 7 Types All Writers Should Know
• How to Create a Character Profile
• 500+ Creative Writing Classes
• Plot Generator
• Character Name Generator
• Book TItle Generator
• The Best Literary Agents Seeking Submissions

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Best free writing app of 2024

Bring your words to life with the best free writing apps

Best overall

Best for markup, best word alternative, best word processor, best for mac, best online, how we test.

The best free writing software makes it simple and easy to better manage and organize all your ideas, outlines, and projects. 

1. Best overall 2. Best for markup 3. Best Word alternative 4. Best word processor 5. Best for Mac 6. Best online 7. FAQs 8. How we test

Like the best free word processors , writing apps help you get your thoughts on the page without breaking the bank (or your train of thought). But we’ve also made sure they’ll make it easier to save, share, and sync all your documents and keep them safe, whether you need a desktop writing app for work, school, or play. 

If you struggle to stay focused, we’ve tested some of the best free writing apps come with distraction-free layouts or gamification challenges to keep you in the zone. We’ve also reviewed those built for professional document creation, with advanced business features such as speech-to-text transcription and online collaboration tools. 

Our picks cover the best apps for writing on the web, Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS - so you’re always ready whenever and wherever creativity strikes. 

Scrivener: best writing software for authors Scrivener is packed with all the features a novelist needs, helping you track plot threads, store notes on characters and locations, structure your work and (most importantly) get some serious work done. It's not a free writing app like the tools below, but it's well worth the investment if your budget will allow it.

The best free writing app of 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

1. FocusWriter

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

FocusWriter helps writers combat one of their biggest challenges: distractions. One of the best free writing software tools out there, it's specifically designed to let you just concentrate on your writing. 

The stripped-back interface is deliciously sparse - ideal for when you just need to get your head down and write - and not dissimilar to a moderately powerful version of Notepad, featuring support for TXT, basic, RTF, and ODT files. 

Even the toolbar is hidden until you actually need it. Just swoop your cursor to the top on the screen to reveal a barren menu, from basic formatting to themes and timers.

Features are light within the software, but FocusWriter isn’t made for heavy editing sessions. It’s designed to make the act of writing flow seamlessly onto the page. 

Elsewhere, the writing app boasts the ability to add themes and your own background images, which can help you stay motivated. 

The Daily Progress tool is a sweet extra, adding Duolingo-style gamification that lets you track your daily writing streak. For when it’s oh-so-easy to slip onto social media when you can’t find the perfect word, it’s a nice way to keep you within the app. 

Available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, the writing software also comes as a portable download, no installation required. So, you can pop it on a USB stick and plug it into any computer you’re working on. 

Read our full FocusWriter review .

• ^ Back to the top

2. WriteMonkey

WriteMonkey is another piece of free writing software that cuts down on the clutter to deliver uninterrupted writing sessions. 

The free word processor, cleverly described as zenware, is unbelievably pared back compared to more traditional writing apps. 

There’s very little in the way of distracting ‘screen furniture’, which means you’re better positioned to concentrate on the writing process. And absolutely nothing else. 

But don’t let that stripped-back approach fool you. As one of the best free writing apps, WriteMonkey is still rich with the sort of core features that matter to writers. 

However, most options are hidden in a context menu (so you’ll need to right-click to view it). It also only supports TXT files, which may limit those looking to read, write, or edit across multiple formats. It is, at least, a portable download, letting you take it wherever you need.

If you’ve enjoyed Markdown, the simplified text-editing language that lets you format, annotate, classify, and link as you type, then great. WriteMonkey’s inner workings will instantly chime. 

First-timers should spend a little time with this free writing software, to uncover that intuitive simplicity. 

Read our full WriteMonkey review .

3. LibreOffice Writer

Writer, the open-source, free writing software, serves almost all general writing needs.

LibreOffice is a near-perfect example of free office software - a familiar, feature-rich take on the office suite. What the veteran software package lacks in Microsoft polish (its interface is undeniably old-fashioned, for starters), it makes up for in its price-point: free. For that, you get access to six tools: Calc, Impress, Draw, Base, Math, and Writer. 

Earning it a slot on our list of best free writing apps is the fact that LibreOffice Writer packs the full editing toolbox. 

This isn’t just a note-taking app for staving off distractions when you’re deep in the zone; it’s for when you’re in pure writer-mode. 

If you’re at all proficient with Microsoft Word, you won’t have any problems using the Writer software. Layouts and functions are almost identical, and there’s support for DOC and DOCX file types, making it efficient to switch out of the Microsoft garden.

This free writing app is ideal if you’re hunting for a tool that almost perfectly replicates the Word experience without the cost. 

Read our full LibreOffice review .

4. Microsoft Word

When it comes to word processors, Microsoft Word is probably the baseline against which all others are compared. It’s the one most of us use at school, home, and work. It’s familiar, comfortable - and it’s available free on the web and mobile devices. 

That may not be the best way to write your masterpiece (unless you’ve hooked up a Bluetooth keyboard). But it’s a great way to jot down ideas on-the-go. When we tested the browser-based version we found it could be a bit slow at first, and we were typing faster than the words appeared on screen. This settles down (mostly) after a minute or so. 

Microsoft’s free writing apps on Android and iPhone had no such issues. Using these was velvety smooth. We especially appreciated the option to switch between mobile view and desktop view, so we could gauge how the document would appear in full-screen. 

As with Google Docs, you’ll need to sign up with a Microsoft account. And, like Google, that also lets you use free versions of PowerPoint, Excel, and the like. While Word offers one of the best free writing app experiences, there’s no denying that the paid-for upgrade is superior, offering more tools, and a true desktop app. 

Read our full Microsoft Word review .

Author promises to make it easier to ‘think, write, and cite’. It’s a promise capably delivered, with a clean interface and bags of writing features designed to make it easy to go from first draft to final copy. 

If you're an Apple user in search of the best free writing apps on macOS, this one demands your attention. 

Concept Maps is one of the best features. It’s a great mind-mapping tool to visualize and lay down all your thoughts while they’re fresh in your head without constraint. You can worry about whipping them into shape later. 

Students and report writers will appreciate Author’s ‘fast citing’ tools - speeding up assignment-writing by correctly adding and formatting citations, references, and contents. 

A paid-for upgrade of the writing software that offers exporting options is available. However, unless you need automatic formatting on export, you can stick with the free version. 

6. Google Docs

Google Docs is a great free writing platform for any writer. It’s an extremely clean, quick word processor available in the browser, on desktop, and phone and tablet apps. So, you can take notes wherever inspiration strikes. 

Docs is more or less Google’s spin on Microsoft Word. The interface is a bit more simple than the professional office software - although it’s no less powerful. 

You’ll find heaps of writing tools, including a pretty accurate speech-to-text transcription tool (just enunciate and don’t talk too fast). Keyboard shortcuts are very well-supported. 

For best results, you’ll need an internet connection, though documents can be used offline. They’ll be synced, and in our experience, that happens swiftly behind the scenes. 

To take advantage of the free writing app, you’ll need a Google account, which may be a deal-breaker for some - but that also opens up the rest of the Google-stuff in the Google-sphere, such as Sheets, Slides, and . With a free account, you get 15GB of storage, which should be more than enough for word documents. A Google One subscription upgrades your storage space, amongst other things. 

Additionally, Google Docs is great if you want to collaborate with one or more other writers. Just be warned to stay in Google Docs for that, because exporting the data into Word or other writing applications can result formatting errors.

Read our full Google Docs review .

What's the difference between a writing app and an AI writer?

AI writers vs writing apps - what's the real difference?

Artificial intelligence is growing in a big way - and when it comes to writing, it's ChatGPT that's been snatching all the headlines of late, with its ability to generate short- and long-form content based on user prompts.

Generally, an AI writer will write your content for you, based on its current learning (although often without 'understanding' the context). A writing app simply lets you write your way, in your own voice. 

Some platforms, such as Canva , have even integrated AI into its Canva Docs and Canva PDF Editor services. However. its Magic Write tool acts as a writing assistant, serving up suggestions and ideas, leaving real writers to work their magic on the content. Though usually hiding in the back-end, you can also find AI integrated in other ways across other the best PDF editor apps (and even the best free PDF editor apps, too).

As always with AI-generated content, whether it's the written word or an artwork masterpiece, human involvement is usually necessary and always desirable. Even if you're using the best AI writers out there, editing and proofreading is essential to give the content accuracy and emotional resonance.

How to choose the best free writing app for you

When deciding which free writing app is best, start by figuring out what sort of writing you want to do. 

Do you need a handy tool for quick scribbles and jotting down ideas here and there, or are you using the writing software to write and edit an epic novel? Tools like FocusWriter and Write Monkey are great for getting thoughts on the page without friction.

It’s also worth considering if you need a writing app with a distraction-free design, so you can concentrate on what really matters to you. Again, FocusWriter performs admirably here, but as a result, you lose core typography and editing functions. Unlike LibreOffice, this isn’t the best Microsoft Office alternative if you need those tools. In that scenario, it may be worth considering looking at some of the best free office software , which includes MS Word-style apps, alongside other tools similar to Excel, PowerPoint, and so on. 

Access is an important factor when using your writing software. A tool like Scribus needs to be downloaded to your machine. Lightweight apps like FocusWriter, however, offer a portable download that can be downloaded to a USB and carried with you. 

Check what file formats your chosen writing app supports, too. While some let you create and edit the common DOC and DOCX files, others only allow TXT or RTF documents.

But most of all, it’s important to choose the best free writing app for your unique creative flow. 

Testing the best free writing apps and software, we assess how easy it is to get your words down on the page with the least amount of friction. Portable writing apps rank high, because they let you use the program on whatever computer or laptop you’re using. 

We also look at performance for its intended audience. For distraction-free writing apps, do they really foster focus? For word processor-style software, does it offer good formatting and editing options? 

Most importantly, we expect to see free writing apps that are genuinely cost-free - no-one wants to stumble across hidden fees and charges in the contracts. 

We've listed the best laptops for writers .

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Steve is TechRadar Pro’s B2B Editor for Creative & Hardware. He explores the apps and devices for individuals and organizations that thrive on design and innovation. A former journalist at Web User magazine, he's covered software and hardware news, reviews, features, and guides. He's previously worked on content for Microsoft, Sony, and countless SaaS & product design firms. Once upon a time, he wrote commercials and movie trailers. Relentless champion of the Oxford comma.

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7 Best Essay Writing Apps For Students And Academics

In a rush? One of the best essay writing apps is Grammarly . Learn how these apps can help you with research paper writing!

To write a strong essay, you must follow a logical order when you organize your writing . If you omit this feature, your reader will become confused. Fortunately, there are numerous essay writing applications that can help you stay focused and organized. The best essay writing app for students should help you with grammar, proofreading, and writing style.

As you try to ease your writing load, you need to find applications that can help you with analytics, argumentative, narrative, expository, and critical writing. Whether you are looking for an essay writing app for PC, Mac, iPhone, or iPad, there are plenty of options out there. Take a look at the best essay writing apps, and find the right one to meet your needs.

1. ProWritingAid

2. grammarly, 3. hemingway, 4. ulysses, 5. evernote, 6. focus writer , 7. freemind, how we evaluated the applications, why trust our opinions, final word on the best essay writing apps, how does a writer app or writing software compare to a professional essay writing service, is there an automated tool that writes essays for you, can a brainstorming tool really help your writing process, essay writing resources.

Pricing: $79.00 per year or $20.00 per month. 

ProWritingAid  is a cloud-based editing tool for essay writing, copywriting, and blogging. This software can help you identify proofreading issues, eliminate mistakes, and correct punctuation in essays.

You have access to both a free version and a paid version. You can try the premium version for 14 days to decide whether you want access to the premium features. Premium features include optimizing word choice, avoiding cliches, and fixing sentence length issues.

ProWritingAid helps you improve your readability and writing style while also picking up grammar issues You can use ProWritingAid in Microsoft Word, Scrivener, Google Docs, and Chrome. Free users can only run 500 words at a time through the program.

• The interface is easy to use.
• There are numerous integrations available.
• You can access more than two dozen writing analysis reports.
• The free version is limited to only a few hundred words at a time.
• It can also take a long time to get used to the myriad features available.

ProWritingAid is a powerful, accurate grammar checker and style editor. It's suitable for non-fiction and fiction writers and doesn't require a monthly subscription. Save 20% per month or year.

Pricing: $139.95 billed annually or $25 per member per month. You may be able to negotiate a lower rate if you need multiple users for your business.

Grammarly is one of the strongest essay-writing apps available today. Grammarly helps you correct spelling mistakes, fix stylistic issues, and catches punctuation.

Grammarly has a free version and a premium version available. The free version can help you correct basic grammar , spelling, and punctuation issues. It can also help you optimize long sentences. 

The premium version gives you access to word choice issues, stylistic corrections, and even a plagiarism checker. The premium version can also automatically fix many of these mistakes, helping you save time during the editing process. There is no premium trial available. Grammarly is available as a browser extension and as a separate window into which you can upload documents. 

• Free version relatively powerful
• Contains built-in plagiarism checker
• Works everywhere
• Less suitable for longer essays
• Plagiarism checker is premium only

We tested dozens of grammar checkers, and Grammarly is the best tool on the market today. It'll help you write and edit your work much faster. Grammarly provides a powerful AI writing assistant and plagiarism checker.

Pricing: The web application is free, but the desktop version is $20.

Hemingway is known as a tool that can help you improve your readability score, but it is also a comprehensive proofreading tool.

Hemingway can point out sentences that are too complex for readers, helping you streamline your thoughts. As a virtual proofreader, it can make your sentences clear, concise, and bold.

As you write your essay , the editor will mark sentences that are deemed too complex. Then, you can let Hemingway go to work, picking up passive voice , comma splices, and even run-on sentences. By keeping your sentences short, you hold the attention of the reader. 

• Easy to use
• Ideal for copyediting
• No plagiarism checker
• No specific tools or checks for essays

Pricing: $4.99 per month of $39.99 for the year, following a 14-day free trial.

Ulysses  has been dubbed as the top writing app for Apple products such as Mac, iPad, and iPhone; however, the program is not compatible outside of Apple products. What sets Ulysses apart is that it can sync your files directly to the iCloud. Even if the original file is destroyed, you will not lose your work.

Ulysses uses something called markdown language. This helps you apply styles to your writing without having to worry about a formatting menu.

You can also take advantage of “focus mode,” which helps you streamline your writing to a single line and reduces on-screen distractions. Then, when you finish, you can export your files in a variety of formats to make it easier to finalize your work.

• You will store all of your writing in one place, eliminating the annoying back and forth between multiple folders and files.
• You can store older images of your files, reverting to them if you do not like your work.
• You can use the distraction-free interface to improve your productivity.
• The customer support team is exceptional.
• Ulysses is not available for Windows or Android.
• You do not have access to any pre-designed templates.

Pricing:  Evernote has a free tier, a plus tier at $34.99 per year, and a premium tier at $69.99 per year.

Evernote  is another application that can help with essay writing. The program is a cross-platform, note-taking application that is ideal for processing hand-written notes, such as the outline of a potential essay, or articles from the web, which can be helpful for a research paper. 

Evernote can store just about everything you would ever need, ranging from a simple typed note to an article you came across. That way, you never have to worry about losing your essay ideas. 

While Evernote is most popular among Mac users, it works on multiple devices. Evernote is available for Windows and Mac users, giving people offline access. Evernote also has a convenient Android and iPhone app. 

• Great for research
• Powerful note-taking features
• Fast, reliable sync
• Less enjoyable to write with
• Large libraries get clunky
• Not purpose-built for essays

Pricing: Free, but donations to the maker are encouraged.

Focus Writer  is a free word processor that is available across all major operating systems. This word processor is largely seen as an alternative to Microsoft Word.

Because Microsoft products can be expensive, a lot of students cannot afford them. Therefore, Focus Writer is growing in popularity. 

This tool will give you access to a wide variety of statistics including word count and character count. Furthermore, the program stores its files in an RTF format. This is read by most other word processors, so you can open your essays on other platforms when required.

• The tool is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Android products.
• It gives you access to important text statistics as you write.
• It is a strong word processor for students and writers on a tight budget.
• The program does not give you access to advanced proofreading or editing features.

Pricing: Free

FreeMind is a mind-mapping program that helps users create structured diagrams. If you have recently finished conducting your research and need to organize it before you start biting, this is the perfect program to help you.

You can also use this program to keep track of projects, tasks, and time. It is possible for you to brainstorm an essay, using different colors to show which parts of the essay you are referring to. Then, you can use these color-coding features to keep track of your essay as you write. 

Furthermore, the program comes with advanced DES encryption to help you protect your work. You can protect your work from accidental loss as you finish your project.

• The program is completely free to use.
• The diagram process is versatile for those writing essays in a variety of fields.
• There is DES encryption that protects your work from being lost.
• The diagram process can be challenging for people to use for the first time.
• It does not have a very flashy visual appearance, lacking numerous advanced features.

Because there are so many essay writing applications available, we used a variety of criteria to evaluate each program. Our testing criteria include: 

• The availability of each application across multiple platforms
• The ease of use of each individual application
• The variety of features available
• The price of the program in comparison to the features offered
• The security of each program

After testing the individual features of each program, we developed a ranking system designed for students, essayists, and research paper writers. 

There are several reasons why you should trust our opinions regarding essay writing applications. These include:

• We have written essays for a variety of reasons across multiple platforms.
• We have thoroughly tested all of these applications.
• We have paid close attention to the reviews, ratings, criticisms, and features of each individual application.

Even though everyone has slightly different needs when it comes to essay writing applications for academic papers, we are confident that one or more of these applications will meet your needs. 

Whether you are in high school, college, or working on your Ph.D., there are essay writing apps that can help you along the way. If you compare the benefits and drawbacks of each tool, you can find the right application to help you with your essays and research papers.

FAQs About The Best Essay Writing Apps

A professional service could be a stronger option than an automatic writing tool, but professional services will be more expensive.

Yes, there are tools that can write custom essays and short stories for you, but these programs often produce incoherent babble that will not improve your writing skills or make a good impression on your reader.

Yes. If you want to write a quality paper, you need to use a high-quality brainstorming process to get all of your ideas on the page. A strong writing software program can help you with that.

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Alex Birkett

11 Apps That Write Essays for You (and Improve Quality)

Last Updated on February 28, 2023 by Alex Birkett

Writing essays is a time-consuming task.

It requires research, structuring, formatting, and plenty of editing. As such, it’s no wonder that students often seek out help from external sources.

One of the most popular solutions in recent years are essay writing apps.

But what exactly are they? And do they work as advertised? Let’s dive into the details.

What Are Essay Writing Apps?

Essay writing apps are digital tools that help you to write better essays.

They typically come with features like spellcheckers, grammar checkers, and idea generators to help spur your writing process forward.

Some also offer pre-written content that you can use as a starting point for your own essay.

The idea is that these tools save you time and energy so you can focus on crafting great ideas instead of getting bogged down with tedious tasks like proofreading or finding research materials.

Do Essay Writing Apps Really Work?

The short answer is yes – but with some caveats.

While these apps can certainly be helpful in terms of providing assistance with proofreading and idea generation, they won’t be able to write entire essays for you from scratch like some people may believe.

Moreover, while some apps offer pre-written content that could be useful as a starting point for your essay, it’s important to remember that this isn’t an excuse to plagiarize or copy other people’s work without crediting them properly; if caught doing so, it could have serious consequences for your academic career.

What Are the Best Essay Writing Apps Available?

The best essay writing apps will have some of the following abilities:

• They generate net new content
• They help you format and ideate the structure of your essay
• They improve your writing style
• They have grammar, spelling, plagiarism, and style detection
• They can help you research factual information about the topic
• They’re “multi-purpose tools” that allow for custom functionalities
• They’re affordable.

I’ll judge the following of the best essay apps below on the above characteristics.

Editor’s note: I’m going to use some affiliate links when possible to try to earn some revenue from my content. These don’t change the opinions espoused in the content nor the style in which they are written. If I think a product sucks, I’m not going to say otherwise. This is just a bonus and a way to fund the whole operation. Anyway, enjoy the article!

11 Apps That Write Essays for You

• ProWritingAid
• Hypotenuse AI

Jasper  is an AI-powered essay writing app that helps you organize, write, and format your essays faster.

It’s functionally an all-purpose AI text generator , with a Google Docs / MS Word style editor you can use in conjunction with custom commands.

You can also hook it up with Grammarly to find spelling mistakes, punctuation mistakes, run on sentences, and other grammatical mistakes in real time.

They’ve got a few different modes (as part of their broader Boss Mode plan):

Focus mode is for pure writing, a simple word processor (but with an AI assistant attached). The focus writer is where I spend a lot of my time in this tool.

Chat mode is just like ChatGPT (more on that later)

SEO mode hooks up with Surfer SEO  to give you keyword suggestions in addition to your regular spell checking and generative essay writer functionality.

And power mode unlocks all of their use case templates, recipes, and commands.

Overall, Jasper is hands down the most powerful AI writing software. Premium features like SEO mode, Chat mode, and Power mode are only available on their Boss Mode plan, so I’d opt for that one.

It does seem to struggle with research papers and reference materials, so make sure you’ve got your citations on lock before you start writing. They also lack a web clipper tool, but their browser extension tool does give you the ability to write content everywhere.

They also have drawing tools and art generation capabilities , by the way.

Price : Starts at $24/mo. Boss Mode plan begins at $49/month

G2 Score:  4.8/5

Frase is a web-based writing tool that uses AI to help writers create high-quality essays quickly.

They’ve got a whole suite of SEO tools , including a content brief and content research tool, content optimization software, and generative AI  tools to help you write content.

Their content brief and research tool is of particular interest here.

Most of the best essay writing app options on this list focus only on text generation or rewriting; few focus on actually helping you format your piece in the first place, which is often where the hard work is.

Then, for their AI writing tool, they feature a ton of helpful templates, including “explain why,” “bullets to paragraphs,” and a metaphor / analogy tool:

Price:  Only $14.99/mo ($12 per month when paid annually).

ChatGPT  was launched in 2022 by OpenAI (the creators of GPT-3, which powers most of the writing software on this list).

It has brought generative AI to the mainstream, and it’s already one of the best writing apps for all purposes.

It acts as a chat interface, so it’s much more intuitive than many of the dedicated AI writing software out there.

Basically, you can ask it or prompt it to write…anything. I’ve used it to generate creative stories, write love poems, make me ideas for essays, improve my writing skills, and build outlines for SEO-focused content.

Let’s walk through a use case. I took a history class in college called “US history from 1945 to the present.” I’ll ask ChatGPT to create me some topic ideas:

Pretty good! I like the cold war idea, so I’ll ask it to create an outline for me:

Okay, maybe I’d want to change up a few pieces of this, but let’s go with it. Here’s the full essay:

Crazy! And that’s just a first pass. I could further tweak the outputs with better instructions.

This stuff is getting scary good.

Price:  Free

G2 Score:  NA

4. Writesonic

Writesonic  is a YC-backed startup that makes generative AI tools capable of writing essays.

I’m a big fan of this product.

They’ve got a ton of ready-made templates to get you started out (including a few that are great for writing essays). They’ve also got a few templates that can help you improve your writing style or even rewrite content so its better formatted.

Finally, they’ve got a Google Docs style editor for long form writers so you can use commands and write alongside the AI.

G2 Score: 4.8/5

Copy AI  is another AI copywriting tool  built on top of GPT-3.

It primarily writes essays through use case templates. A few that are popular for the writing process include:

• Essay intro
• Essay outline
• Explain like I’m 5
• Sentence rewriter
• Analogy generator

For example, look at this need little essay writer app that lets you build an outline for your essay:

The sentence rewriter and analogy generator are two examples that can help you improve your writing style.

Copy AI doesn’t have the same flexibility and power that Jasper and ChatGPT have, but it’s much easier to use. The templates are well set up and foolproof. And they have many that actually help you format text and design the scope of your piece, not just write it.

Overall, I’m a big fan of this tool.

Price:  Free for up to 2000 words and then $49/mo for unlimited word counts.

6. ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid  is a cool professional writing software that uses AI to generate content.

It’s great for academic papers and academic writing. Unlike many other essay writing services, this one incorporates grammar checking, spell check, style checking, plagiarism checking, and word count into the content they produce.

They’ve built custom solutions for higher education, teachers, non-native English speakers, and creatives.

I like this one because it lets users create content from scratch, but it’s also got features to improve your writing (this is powerful for college students especially).

Got some handwritten notes that you want to whip up into a good essay? This one is great at processing hand written notes and producing great content.

Pro Writing Aid works via browser, but they’ve got integrations that allow for offline access and desktop software as well – such as a Scrivener integration and an MS Word integration.

Overall, a great product with a free app that allows for up to 500 words.

Price: Completely free for up to 500 words, and then $10 per month for unlimited use.

G2 Score: 4.5/5

7. Speedwrite

Speedwrite  is one of the most popular writing applications out there. It helps you write essays from scratch as well as rephrasing your existing content.

How’s it work? Basically, through “predictions.” You just enter text and hit the “predict” button (they call their text generations “predictions”). This then takes your content and paraphrases it using their artificial intelligence.

This makes it useful for everything from writing notes to polishing up existing texts.

They’ve got tons of users (roughly 500k+). They claim to have written millions of lines of text, and all of this is fresh, original content with good style and grammar.

While Speedwrite has some downsides (it’s not great with structured diagrams or starting with a blank page), it’s still popular. Anyway, there are a ton of great Speedwrite alternatives  you can check out.

One cool thing is you can use this tool completely free.

Here’s an example of a “prediction” based on the above text.

Price:  Free and the only $19.99 per month

Lex is a new AI writer that I’ve just started trying out. I love it so far.

It’s different from the others. It’s aimed at writers. Many of the other tools help non-writers produce content. This one is no-frills, just a Google Docs / Microsoft Word style editor and an auto complete functionality.

And to be honest: the outputs are pretty darn good. I only write the first two sentences here and then let Lex finish it:

Lex can also be used on both ios devices as well as android devices (instructions in the app).

As far as I know, the tool is free, but I’m sure they’ll introduce a standard pricing model soon. You have to get on a waitlist to get access.

Price : Free

G2 Score: NA

Rytr  is a similar tool to Jasper, Copy AI, and Writesonic. It was also built on GPT-3 technology, so it’s got many of the same outputs and templates as these tools.

The biggest difference with Rytr is its price. They’re one of the most affordable apps that write essays for you, starting at just $9/mo (plus a free plan).

This is a great starter app.

Price: free, and then $9/mo

G2 Score: 4.7/5

10. Hypotenuse AI

Hypotenuse AI  started out as an ecommerce-focused AI tool, but it has since expanded.

Like other tools on this list, they’ve got one of the best essay writing capabilities out there.

The reason I’m adding them to this list, though, is their content detective feature. This allows you to research content with citations. Most tools suffer from factual inaccuracies, which is obviously a huge problem when it comes to academic writing.

Hypotenuse is working to solve that, and for that, I applaud them.

Price: Starts at $24/mo

G2 Score: 4.4/5

11. Word AI

Word AI  is a sweet tool built for two things: content rewriting, and scale.

You can essentially do like 1000 rewrites based on your initial content. This is helpful for SEO folks hoping to do link building and guest posting at scale.

For the essay writers among us? It’s great for coming up with clear copy and rewriting your piece to enrich your text, split sentences, and improve the clarity of your writing.

I will say, transparently, this is not one of my favorite tools out there. I think it’s a little clunky for most use cases and it’s best for spinning up a ton of content for SEO.

However, I wanted to include it on the list because it’s one of the best at content production at scale.

Price:  $57/month

G2 Score: 3.9/5

At the end of the day, essay writing apps can be incredibly useful resources if used correctly by students or writers who need assistance crafting their stories or arguments more effectively and efficiently than ever before.

However, it’s important to remember that these tools don’t replace actual human effort – they’re meant to supplement it – so make sure not to rely too heavily on them or allow them to take away from the creativity in your own work!

In that way, “apps that write essays for you” is sort of a myth. You’ll still need to provide the human intelligence 🙂

With all this in mind, don’t forget to do your own research into which app is right for you before committing – good luck!

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The 10 Best Writing Apps of 2024

Useful tools for novelists, playwrights, editors, and other wordy types

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If you're serious about writing, consider getting serious about your writing tools. These writing apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS , and Android put your words into the right format, adding polish and professionalism to your creations.

Best Word Processor for All Genres: Microsoft Word

Hundreds of templates make creating any document simple and fast.

Easily add charts, graphs, and images.

Built-in translation tools.

Overwhelming interface.

Full app is expensive.

Only one person can edit shared documents at a time.

No writing tool list is complete without Microsoft Word. This word processor is the best option for all genres, complete with hundreds of templates to choose from, endless formatting tools, and a robust online support system. From a poem to an e-book to a novel, Word can help you do it all. You can even create your own Word templates .

Word is available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. You can start with a free trial of Microsoft 365, which includes other Microsoft applications as well. If you choose to purchase, packages range from $69.99 a year to a one-time payment of $149.99. If those prices are too high for you, you can also use Word for free .

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Best Tool for Long-Form Content: Scrivener

Keyboard shortcuts make writing a breeze.

Templates are ready-made to jumpstart your creativity.

Easy to manage and rearrange pages and chapters.

Has a learning curve.

Spelling and grammar check are not enabled by default.

Intended for users who have an intermediate understanding of word processing.

Do you write long-form works like novels or non-fiction books? If so, you need a tool that performs some of the low-level tasks for you. Scrivener offers ready-made templates that eliminate the need to spend time on tedious formatting tasks.

This application also includes features for storing details about your characters and other critical background information, writing sections and placing them in your manuscript later, and viewing a detailed outline built from synopses that you write for each chapter. If you don't like the flow, you can move chapters around. When you're ready to publish, Scrivener makes it simple to compile and export a completed manuscript.

Scrivener is available for macOS, Windows, and iOS. You can try it free for 30 days. After the trial, a standard license costs $59.99 or $50.99 for students.

Best Screenwriting Application: Final Draft

It has everything professional screenwriters need to meet industry standards.

Powerful story mapping tools.

Integrates with Storyboard Pro.

May not be great for beginners due to the hefty price and steep learning curve.

You must sign in to the platform each time you use it.

No support for real-time collaboration.

Final Draft is used by 95 percent of film and television productions. Why? There are hundreds of templates to choose from and Final Draft automatically paginates and formats your script to the industry standard, allowing you to focus on writing.

With advanced tools, the program allows you to easily brainstorm and collaborate as well as plan set pieces or store character research with customized visualizations.

Final Draft offers a free 30-day trial. After that, the cost is $199.99. The program works with both macOS and Windows and also offers a mobile app for iOS devices.

Best Organizational Companion: Evernote

Add photos, audio snippets, and more.

Robust collaboration tools.

Search for text in PDFs, images, scanned documents, and handwritten notes.

Only 60 MB of monthly upload space is available for free.

May include more features than you need for simple note taking.

Free version limits you to two devices.

To electronically capture ideas on the fly, use a text-based note app on your device. For an enhanced organizational experience, we recommend Evernote. It enables you to collect many types of input, including whiteboard photos, website screenshots, different document formats, audio recordings, and your handwriting. You can separate items into different notebooks for multiple projects.

Evernote is free to download for both Android and iOS devices, or you can use it online. Users can upgrade to Evernote Premium for $7.99 per month or Evernote Business for $14.99 per user per month.

Best Application for Distracted Writers: FocusWriter

The tool is easy start using as soon as it downloads.

Free with no catches.

Simple, intuitive interface.

There are no editing functions outside of cut and paste.

Need another word processor for editing purposes.

No mobile version.

Given all the distractions in the world and especially online, it's easy to get off track during your writing time. FocusWriter allows you to focus and get your work done. The interface is basic, with all the tools hidden beyond a screen until you need them, so it's just you and the document in front of you. Hidden timers and alarms alert you when it's time to stop.

Best Writing Software for Bloggers: Google Docs

Changes to your documents save automatically, so no more lost work.

View the history of edits and track changes.

Collaborate in real time.

The Google Docs app for mobile devices is slower than the desktop version.

Limited options for adding charts and other visuals.

Fewer formatting features than premium word processors.

One of the best things about Google Docs is how easy the program makes it to collaborate with others. No more "version shuffle" as you send drafts and revisions back and forth in email.

When you share a document with your blog editor, they can insert suggestions, comments, and changes right there. Then, when it's time to implement the changes, accept the revisions and close comments about issues you resolved. You can even use Google to work on Microsoft Word documents.

Google Docs is a free online tool that's also available as an app for Android and iOS devices.

Best Writing App for Novelists: Werdsmith

Keeps track of your writing goals and tells you how close you are to reaching them.

Lots of helpful templates and formatting options.

Publish your writing to the web from the app.

Must purchase a membership to use the novel and screenplay features.

Text formatting tools could be more intuitive.

Not worth the price if you don't regularly use all the features.

Werdsmith is a portable writing studio, complete with instant formatting for novels and screenplays. You can even use it to publish your online writing portfolio. Werdsmith features a clean design, it's easy to use, and it's the perfect place for keeping your notes and finished work. The goals and stats function helps keep you motivated.

Werdsmith is free to download and use for iOS devices. In-app purchases are offered through a membership for $4.99 per month. Members receive four new themes, novel and screenplay writing tools, hundreds of writing prompts, and more.

Best App for Journalists: Dictation

It's designed for one thing: dictation. This simplicity makes it an easy tool to use on the go.

Accurate transcriptions.

Helps prevents strain on your joints and back.

Without the pro version, you'll see an ad after each dictation you create.

Doesn't integrate with word processing apps, so it can be tedious to use.

No word counter.

For journalists who interview individuals for news stories and features, a good dictation tool is a must-have. Dictation is a speech-to-text app that translates voice to text for mobile devices. It can also be used to dictate any voice while on the go. It's perfect for capturing your brilliant ideas as well.

Dictation is free to download for iOS devices. Dictation Pro, which costs $44.99 per year, removes ads and allows you unlimited app usage.

Best Application for Editors: TextEdit

When the full-scale capabilities of a word processing program are unnecessary, TextEdit fills in the gap.

HTML and JavaScript support.

Save files in various formats (.DOCX, ODF, and others).

Only available for macOS devices.

No third-party plugins.

Formatting issues when you copy-and-paste.

This simple tool is perfect for editing documents, including Word files, on the fly and converting them into other formats seamlessly. Need to change a Rich Text Format (RTF) document to another format quickly? TextEdit is the perfect app for that. You can also easily create and edit HTML documents for the web.

TextEdit comes standard with macOS.

Best App for Song Writers: Lyric Notepad

Record yourself performing and attach the file to your song.

Counts syllables and tracks rhyme schemes to help you maintain your flow.

Inexpensive pro version.

The interface is a bit clunky.

No way to back up your lyrics to the cloud.

No search tool.

For poets, rappers, songwriters, and lyricists, inspiration can strike at any moment. That's why it's important to have a tool available at your fingertips. Lyric Notepad goes beyond typical word processing tasks to track rhyme and syllable schemes, help you find new words, and record your lyrics, all in one app. The built-in notepad allows you to add notes about your songs as you write and the metronome helps you easily keep time.

Lyric Notepad is free to download for both iOS and Android devices.

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Kickstart Your Common App Essay Draft Today

College season is in full swing. Get going on your Common App Essay! 

Get your free download now

Clear, concise steps to move you from brainstorming to drafting 

Exercises that guide you through story-telling techniques 

Reflection questions to help you determine if you've chosen the right topic 

What You'll Get:

A six-part scaffold for moving from brainstorming to drafting  Specific anecdotes and techniques collected from years of working with high school students writing Common App essays  Links to resources, including real-world Common App examples  Plenty of motivation and guidance from me, a writer, Ivy League professor, and professional college essay tutor  Opportunity to sign up for 1:1 sessions or join the Common App Essay Boot Camp online classes 

Joss Lake,  Fiction Prof. at  Columbia University,  Professional Writing Tutor 

Hi, I'm Joss! I teach fiction at Columbia University, where I work with both undergrads and grad students. I also have been working 1:1 since 2017 with high-achieving students on all forms of writing, including Common App essays, fiction, job/grant applications, class assignments, and ACT/SAT prep. I bring a sense of humor and a deep love of writing to my work. 

Stop procrastinating with a seamless step-by-step guide to Common App essay writing. 

Your future self will thank you! 

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How to Write About Your High School Study Abroad Experience on College Applications

September 12, 2024

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High school study abroad is a truly transformative experience. Students return home with broadened world perspectives, demonstratable language progress, and, often, new or reinvigorated passions for their future academic or career path.  

As a high school summer abroad alumni, your study abroad experience offers unique content for your college application that can set you apart from other applicants. Here are some tips to enhance your college admissions essay and land your application in the "acceptance" pile! 

What Do Colleges Look for? 

First, let's talk about what college admissions officers look for when diving into stacks of applications. While the process isn't totally transparent and can differ from university to university, here are the general qualities of a good candidate: 

• Academic excellence 
• Personal growth 
• Unique experiences 

Maturity 

Adaptability .

• Cultural awareness 
• Defined goals 

Add to that one singular question of significant importance— What makes you a particularly good fit for their specific university?  

When crafting your college admissions essay, these are the points you want to hit. Think about it differently than a question/answer format; rather, weave these qualities into an exciting and personal narrative. That doesn't sound easy, but rest assured that your study abroad experience will likely encompass all these points and will surely be interesting.  

That's what makes it the perfect college admissions essay topic! 

Does Study Abroad Look Good in College Applications? 

Absolutely! Let's take another look at the points above and how the program outcomes of a study abroad experience meets them. 

Academic Excellence 

CIEE high school summer abroad has its own competitive admissions process that includes personal essays, teacher recommendations, and accepts only students in good academic standing. Each cohort comprises top-performing high schoolers from around the country. 

Personal Growth 

It is rare that a person will live abroad in their lifetime, and even rarer to have done it as a teenager! Living in another country leads to tremendous personal growth that can be defined in measurable results such as language learning and "soft" skills like independence, confidence, cultural awareness, or a global perspective. Living abroad is also associated with a clearer sense of self , which has all kinds of benefits, including career success and enhanced ability to deal with stress. 

Unique Experiences 

Again, the simple fact that you lived in another country is a unique experience. So is being proficient in a second language, having a host family abroad, going to classes in another country, volunteering and serving a foreign population, making friends with people from a totally different culture, navigating culture shock, and all the other amazing things you accomplished while studying abroad. 

Even though you might not think of yourself as a child, you lived abroad on your own while under 18! That requires a tremendous level of maturity. Tie that fact to the challenges you navigated, and you will demonstrate your maturity quickly. 

Living abroad requires navigating new environments, overcoming language barriers, and adjusting to different cultural norms. These experiences enhance your flexibility, problem-solving skills, and ability to thrive in diverse situations. 

Cultural Awareness 

Colleges love diversity; it makes for a rich campus life, promotes inclusive thinking, prepares students for a globalized world, and reflects our diverse American population. Diversity is connected directly to cultural awareness. When you studied abroad in high school, you built cultural awareness by immersing yourself in new cultural practices, perspectives, and social norms, helping you to become more empathetic, open-minded, and globally conscious. 

Defined Goals 

High school study abroad exposes students to new fields of interest, global issues, and potential career paths they may not have considered. This experience also enhances critical thinking and self-awareness, which allows you to better understand your passions and strengths. 

11 Questions to Ask Yourself to Find Your Unique Story 

Now it's time to get the creative juices flowing. A helpful writing tip is to brainstorm on some reflective questions.  

To craft a compelling essay about your study abroad experience, start with these: 

• What motivated you to study abroad during high school? 
• How did your experience abroad change your perspective on the world and your role in it? 
• What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? 
• How did the experience impact your academic interests and career goals? 
• What cultural differences did you encounter, and how did you adapt? 
• What stories do you tell over and over when people ask you about your time abroad? 
• What was the peak moment of your experience? 
• What was the most challenging moment? 
• Who did you meet that made the most significant impact? 
• What connections do you maintain? 
• How does your high school study abroad story connect to this particular university? 

By answering these questions, you can identify the unique aspects of your experience that will make your essay engaging and memorable. 

To help you get more ideas about how to write about your experience, tune in to our Out of Your Comfort Zone podcast and hear from other CIEE high school study abroad alumni! 

Connect Your Study Abroad Story to Your University 

To make your essay even more impactful, tie your study abroad experience to the specific university you are applying to. Research the university's programs, values, and opportunities, and explain how your experience aligns with them: 

• Does the university have an outstanding language program?  
• Do they have a partner university in the country where you studied abroad?  
• Do they have a research lab in the field you want to focus on due to passions you discovered or strengthened during your study abroad?  
• Do they have faculty or a large student population from the country where you studied abroad? 

Some Final College Application Essay Tips

Be Authentic

Write honestly about your experiences and emotions. Authenticity resonates more with admissions officers than a polished but impersonal essay. 

Show, Don't Tell

Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points rather than making general statements. 

Seek Feedback

Have teachers, mentors, or friends review your essay to provide constructive feedback. Have a friend from your high school study abroad experience read your story too! 

Stay Within the Word Limit

Adhere to the essay length requirements set by the college to demonstrate your ability to follow instructions. 

Studying abroad in high school demonstrates to colleges that you are proactive, open-minded, and capable of thriving in diverse environments. This experience will be the key to enhancing your college application and shaping your future in profound ways. 

Good luck! 

Thinking about studying abroad again after your senior year? Check out our study abroad options for high school graduates .

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