- Best Apps For Writers On Mac Free
- Best App For Writing Letters On Mac
- Best Apps For Writers On Mac Pro
While Apple Notes checks off most of the boxes, it may not fit into everyone’s needs. This is where the best Notes app alternatives for Mac come into play. Aside from making the task of note-taking pretty straightforward, these third-party apps also double up as a super handy annotation and writing tool. Besides, they allow creating projects in many formats like text, audio, video, and whatnot. Though the App Store has several good options, only a few have walked into our list of the top note-taking apps for Mac. We’ve chosen them based on their effectiveness and how well they work. Dive right in along with me to take a close look at them!
1. Evernote
Despite the cut-throat competition, “Evernote” remains one of the most appreciable note-taking apps both for macOS and iOS. The highlight of this app is the wide range of tools that provide more flexibility.
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The option to make notes in several formats like video, audio, web clippings, sketch ensure you are able to give your thoughts the right shape. With easy-to-format word processor at your disposal, you can write your thoughts elegantly.
You can create an agenda to be discussed in a meeting, write a quick memo and transfer your Evernote notes to Apple notes.
Often forget to do some important tasks? Make a checklist of all the things you have to do. Besides, you will also create presentations to express your thoughts with the desired impact.
Best for long-form writers and novelists. None of the lists for the writing app is complete without the mention of Scrivener, which is a widely renowned tool among novelists. Scrivener provides its users with a tool that is both comprehensive and sophisticated in its structure. Price: Free trial for 30 days, $45 license fee Runs on: Mac, iOS, and Window Best for: Novelists and other long-form writers who want an elaborate, organized interface You’d be hard-pressed to find a list of writing apps that omits Scrivener, and for good reason: it manages to be both streamlined and incredibly sophisticated at the same time.
Price: Free
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2. Microsoft OneNote
“OneNote” is a complete package. The app lets you capture your ideas in a variety of formats and offer you the needed freedom to keep everything in the perfect sync.
You can tag your notes to find them quickly. Make a list of to-dos and keep track of them so that you are able to do your tasks in time.
The collaboration features works immaculately, allowing you to work with your colleagues. For more security, you will also add an extra shield to your projects to keep them private.
Better still, OneNote for Mac is compatible with a ton of international languages including French, German, Greek, Simplified Chinese, Slovak, Spanish and more. So, a language should never become a roadblock to your note-taking.
Price: Free
Download
3. Notebook
Zoho Corporation is well-known for producing powerful apps. And Notebook does have all the qualities to be highly efficient.
While there is a lot to like in this app, I find “Smart Cards” very adorable. What it basically does is automatically format the contents into specific cards like the recipe, video, and link.
The app provides several predefined note covers to let you design your stories elegantly. If you don’t like the readymade options, you can create a custom cover. Moreover, there is also an option to make public notes using shareable links so that anyone can view them.
With the dark-themed night mode, you will enjoy working till late at night. Plus, the reminders won’t let any of your tasks go out of your notice.
Price: Free
Download
4. Bear
Should you want to have a top-notch writing-cum note-taking app for your Mac, give a close look to Bear. I’ve used this app for long and always found pretty neat.
The best thing about it is the simple interface coupled with the easy-to-use tools. Therefore, you can write amazing stories and give your wildest thoughts the ideal shape.
Bear has a good library of more than a dozen themes that make it a lot easier to design stories. Features like tagging, archiving and adding tasks to notes enable to take control of your stuff. Furthermore, you can export your projects in multiple formats such as HTML, PDF, DOCX, MD, JPG, and EPUB.
Lastly, after a free trial of one week, you will have to upgrade to Bear premium’s $1.49 monthly or $14.99 annually plan.
Price: Free
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5. Agenda
If you want to streamline all of your projects and get them ready before the deadline, pick out “Agenda.” One of the notable features of this app is the advanced text editor.
Depending on the specific theme, you can give a befitting look to your notes. It allows you to convert your text into multiple formats like Markdown and HTML. Segregate your files into different categories so that will access them instantly.
The app lets you connect your sticky notes to the events in your personal calendar. As a result, you can plan your meeting perfectly.
Better still, you don’t have to pay any bucks to use all the features of Agenda.
Price: Free
Download
6. Notability
For annotation and crafting rich notes, “Notability” is one of the better options. With a wide range of fonts, sizes, custom colors at your disposal, you can design your stories with complete peace of mind.
You will be able to import PDFs, DOCs, PPTs, images, GIFs to your projects and fine-tune them with more flexibility. Easily convert your stories into PDF to share them with your friends and colleagues.
Make the most of the super handy tools to annotate photos elegantly. Thanks to the automatic iCloud syncing, your tasks automatically sync across your devices.
Additionally, Notability works with multiple cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, and OneDrive.
Price: $9.99
Download
7. Simplenote
There are very few note apps for Mac that look as familiar as Simplenote. Its user interface is pretty clean, and you hardly have to spend any time to master the tools.
One of my favorite feature of this app is focus mode. Times when you want to write with maximum concentration, this feature comes into play really well.
You can use pins and tags to organize your notes. And with Markdown, you will ideally format your projects. To ensure your eyes don’t burn while working in the night, the app comes with the dark mode.
Price: Free
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8. GoodNotes
I have picked out GoodNotes for a couple of main reasons. First, it makes annotating docs really fun. And if you are fond of giving your docs a creative look, this one can be your thing.
You can highlight or strikeout the text in your PDF documents. Easily move, scale and ideally customize the object color. There is also an option to add the bookmarks to your docs.
Courtesy the fast iCloud sync, you will find your notes on all of your devices. You can share your notes with others and also print them. The compatibility with a number of languages like English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese and more make it an evergreen tool.
Price: $7.99
Download
9. Quip
“Quip” is a lot more than just a simple note app for macOS. To be more precise, this is what you should use to collaborate with your teammates. Thanks to the chat and messaging integration, it helps you work with your colleagues in a fun way.
You can use the app to note down your thoughts faster, create to-do lists, and edit your docs. It also lets you make comprehensive spreadsheets.
Another notable feature of this app is that it allows you to import your address book from several services like Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, Microsoft Outlook, Google, and iCloud.
You will create insightful charts by using the data from spreadsheets and Salesforce records. The smart slides would not just make your presentation more impressive but also save your time.
Price: Free
Download
10. BoostNote
If you are a developer, “BoostNote” should be your preferred option. The reason why I say it because the app has the support for code syntax highlighting in over a hundred languages such as Javascript, Python, HTML, CSS and more.
This open source markdown editor offers several tools that allow devs to take notes faster. The formatting features have semi-live previews so that you can quickly check your writing.
Besides, the text is automatically formatted as you type, which speeds up your task and also saves plenty of time. That’s not all, BoostNote works offline as well so that you can work anytime and anywhere.
Price: Free
Download
11. Unclutter
“Unclutter” is really smart! It’s designed to be a multitasker and lets you organize your clipboard data, files, and notes. If you aren’t able to take control of them, give it a chance to sort out the mess.
You can keep an eye on your clipboard history and manage it with ease. Store all of your files at once place and access them quickly. And yes, make sticky notes to never forget to do essential things.
The easy editing tools allow you to make changes conveniently. Due mainly to the quick search feature, you will instantly find a list. Besides, the app can be set up with Dropbox to sync data across the devices.
Price: $13.99
Download
That’s pretty much it! So, this sums up our roundup of the top note apps for Mac.
What’s your favorite?
Now that you have known our favorite note apps, tell us about the ones that can walk into your personal roundup. We’d really appreciate your collection and the valuable feedback.
Take a glance at the following posts as well:
The founder of iGeeksBlog, Dhvanesh, is an Apple aficionado, who cannot stand even a slight innuendo about Apple products. He dons the cap of editor-in-chief to make sure that articles match the quality standard before they are published.
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/dhvanesh/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/dhvanesh/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/dhvanesh/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/dhvanesh/
I don't consider myself a techie by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have a smartphone, and, to my surprise, I've found that it's a pretty useful little tool for the aspiring author. You know that annoying catchphrase, 'There's an app for that?' Well, it applies to the writing process, too. There are several writing apps that are not only helpful, but downright indispensable. Good news if you're a perpetually procrastinating, chronically disorganized creative type. (Hey, when you've got your sights set on writing the next great American novel, sometimes organization seems overrated.)
That's why I've compiled this list of apps for writers that are actually useful. The last thing you need is one more app that you never use clogging up your home screen. (I'm looking at you, Game Center.) It may seem counterintuitive to put your writing aids on your phone when chances are it's your biggest distraction, but actually, the writing apps will act as social media deterrents. You're going to feel pretty guilty tapping on that Facebook app when Pomodoro is right next to it.
Read on for a list of writing apps that will help with everything from the dreaded writer's block to synonym searches.
Best Apps For Writers On Mac Free
MindNode
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $10
What it does: This brilliant little app literally lets you map out your thoughts. Obviously this isn't just limited to the thoughts you have about your novel, but it is uniquely suited for those. The map starts out with your central thought (or plot premise) and then branches out from there, with different characters, plot points, or settings having different branches. You can also color code, highlight, and customize the branches.
Why writers need it: It's amazing how much more sense your ideas make when you can actually see them in front of you. I can't tell you how many times I've lost the perfect phrase in the jumble of other thoughts careening around in my head. This app will let you organize all those brilliant ideas in an easy-to-follow, intuitively laid out format. This is a must-have app for the visual thinker.
Story Tracker
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $9
What it does: Keeps track of your submitted stories, novels, poems, scripts, articles, blog posts... you get the idea. Not only does the app record when you submitted a piece, it can also be tagged with sent/response due/response dates, income earned, and other important details.
Why writers need it: Especially if you're a freelancer, keeping track of what pieces you submitted when, to whom, and for how much, can get overwhelming fast. And if you're submitting a manuscript to several different agents or publishers, it's pretty embarrassing to query the same person twice.
The Brainstormer
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $2
What it does: Cures writers block. OK, maybe it won't cure it, but these exercises will definitely help get your creative juices flowing again. Plus it's fun to use, you just spin the wheel to randomly combine a plot, a subject, and a setting or style. Either use the included wheels, or edit the wheels to build entirely new scenarios (like with your own characters and settings).
Why writers need it:Writer's block can be crippling. A really bad case can throw you off your game for weeks, and this app can help. Even if you don't use the exact scenario the wheel chooses, it may get your brain going on a whole new brilliant story line. The mind is a mysterious thing, and sometimes we need all the help we can get because...
Pomodoro Timer
Available for: iOS and Android
What it'll cost you: $2
What it does: I don't know about you, but I am seriously lacking in time management skills, so whatever might help me with that, I try. Pomodoro is the most effective 'focus-booster' I've found. Basically, you allot 25 minutes for a certain task — let's use writing as an example. You set the Pomodoro timer to 25 minutes, write 'til the timer goes off, take a short 3-5 minute break, and then get back to work. Every four 'Pomodori' you get a longer, 15-30 minute breather.
Why writers need it: I'm not sure if there's something scientific behind it, maybe it all goes back to Pavlov, but for some reason this works. If you use it correctly and faithfully, it will boost your writing productivity.
Agent Obvious
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: Nothing!
What it does: Gives you a little tough love and insight into the publishing world via literary agent Laurie Abkemeier, who spent six years as an editor at a major publishing house before turning agent. She dishes on everything from contract negotiations to crafting an effective query. And she's funny. For example: 'Editors and agents check email after hours and on weekends, but we don’t want to find anything there.'
Why writers need it: The publishing industry is a complicated, competitive beast, and any insight is helpful. The app is based off of Abkemeier's popular Twitter feed. She gives good advice on a wide variety of topics, and if the end goal here is to get published, any and all inside scoops are welcome.
WordBook
Available for: iOS and Android
What it'll cost you: $3
What it does: This may seem obvious, but a really excellent dictionary and thesaurus is a must-have app for every aspiring writer. Word book has etymological information, a built-in spell checker with pop-up suggestions, a thesaurus and word links connecting words semantically, bookmark and history management, and — get this — a professionally recorded pronunciation for every single entry.
Why writers need it: Misspelled words are the mark of the lazy. If you have any doubt, go to the authority. Plus, the thesaurus is nothing short of magical.
Goodreader
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $5
What it does: This is the best app I've tried for on-the-go editing. All you have to do is save your manuscript as a PDF. Then you can go nuts marking up your draft using sticky notes, highlighting text, inserting edits, or all of the above. It's also super easy to import, sync, and manage your files.
Why writers need it: You can edit anytime and anywhere, on any iOS device. Now rather than sitting on your train, or subway, or bus agonizing about all the editing you need to do, you can get down to business wherever you are.
Index Card
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $3
What it does: Well, the name kind of says it all, but the best part of this nifty app is the user interface. It's literally a little corkboard, specifically designed for touch screens so that you can touch and drag each one of your color-coordinated note cards. You simply tap on a card to write or edit.
Why writers need it: This app is perfect for recording you ideas on-the-go. When inspiration hits while you're jogging or standing in line at the grocery store, all you have to do is pull up a notecard. Whether you're tweaking a plot point or adding a completely new one, this app makes it easy and keeps everything organized.
Best App For Writing Letters On Mac
Spotify
Available for: iOS and Android
What it'll cost you: Free with ads. Subscription is $9.99/month with no ads, music available on any device at anytime, and no Internet connection needed.
What it does: Gives you access to millions of songs. You can make your own playlists, or browse ready-made playlists by mood, genre, artist, you name it. Plus, you get introduced to all kinds of great new artists and music based on the stuff you already love.
Why writers need it: Duh, music is our muse. I've created playlists by character, scene, setting, genre, and the list goes on. I find that it gets me in the mind of a particular character and helps me get to know them better. Plus, you can use your playlists for other things as well, like rocking out on the treadmill per your New Year's resolution.
Coffitivity
Available for: iOS and Android
What it'll cost you: Nothing!
What it does: Research suggests that it may be more difficult to be productive in a totally noise-free space. This is why some people are in their creative element in the middle of a bustling, chatter-filled Starbucks. Coffitivity offers the soothing background noise of a coffee shop in the comfort of your own home. Plus, the coffee is free at your place.
Why writers need it: Maybe music's not your thing, or maybe you just need to switch it up. Hey, if you're staring hypnotized at your blank computer screen, you're probably willing to give just about anything a try. Who knows, maybe all you needed was the familiar hustle and bustle-sounds of your neighborhood coffee shop to get you in the zone.
Writers App
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $.99
What it does: Writers App is great for getting started on a story. Basically it helps you build a blueprint, from establishing a premise to organizing all the major plot points, while also aiding in developing setting and performing in-depth character analyses.
Best Apps For Writers On Mac Pro
Why writers need it: Sometimes it's hard to get the ball rolling. Having a great idea is one thing, but actually building an entire story around it is another. This will help you get the basics down and keep them organized. Plus you can export the contents as a .txt file. Did I mention that it's pretty cheap?
Lists for Writers
Available for: iOS and Android
What it'll cost you: $3
What it does: Provides inspiration in a quick, user-friendly format. Can't think of the perfect name for you protagonist? Don't know what kind of occupation your knight in shining armor should have? Stuck on the spelling of some obscure South American city? Lists for Writers can help.
Why writers need it: Mainly because it will allow you to research without opening Google. Otherwise known as the world's No. 1 time-suck.
Beautiful Tarot
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $2
What it does: Gives you an alternative inspiration source for character development and plot scenarios. Basically, you give your characters a tarot reading. There are nine spreads available to discover your MC's 'path to understanding.' You simply touch the cards to slide, flip, and arrange them as you wish, and you can also customize the card interpretations by replacing the text with your own. Added bonus: You can email the reading to yourself when you're done.
Why writers need it: Because it's fun — it's a different and unexpected way to get a little deeper into your character and discover her path to enlightenment.
Dragon Dictation/Dragon Remote Microphone
Available for: iOS and Android
What it'll cost you: Nothing!
What it does: Essentially, let's you take hands-free notes. Use Dragon Dictation when inspiration hits while driving, walking down the street, or any other activity where you should have your hands free and your eyes off the screen. This handy little app lets you dictate everything from character development to emails. And, yes, you can update your Twitter Feed, you procrastinator.
Why writers need it: If you have to choose between getting down the idea for the above mentioned great American novel, or keeping your eyes on the road, odds are you're going to sacrifice your driving record before you give up your shot at literary fame. This app eliminates that scenario, and it's free.
iA Writer Pro
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $10
What it does: The 'sentence syntax control' feature sets Writer Pro apart from the rest of the content creation and organization apps. This amazing little miracle-worker highlights your adjectives, nouns, adverbs, verbs, prepositions, or conjunctions, allowing you to control and streamline your writing style. Different views (and colors) for the Write, Edit, and Read functions also help you focus on different aspects of your work during different phases of the writing process.
Why writers need it: Self-editing is a difficult, arduous process, but this app promises to make it easier. Being able to clearly identify and simplify your writing style is a crucial part of being a successful editor.
Images: Fotolia; Erin Enders; Giphy(7)
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