iA Writer AlternativesTop Note-taking Tools & Text Editors like iA Writer

iA Writer is described as 'The key to good writing is not that magical glass of Bordeaux, the right kind of tobacco or that groovy background music. The key is focus. What you need to write well is a spartan setting that allows you to fully concentrate on your text and nothing but your text' and is a popular Note-taking tool in the news & books category. There are more than 100 alternatives to iA Writer for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone and Web-based apps. The best iA Writer alternative is Joplin, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like iA Writer are Zettlr, Simplenote, Typora and Mark Text.

iA Writer alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Text Editors or Todo List Managers. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of iA Writer.

iA Writer

Paid • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool

The key to good writing is not that magical glass of Bordeaux, the right kind of tobacco or that groovy background music....

More about iA Writer

iA Writer alternatives page was last updated

Joplin
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
AppImageHub
Snapcraft
Google Chrome
Flathub
Cloudron
Homebrew
Chocolatey
Termux
Firefox
31 Joplin alternatives
Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application, which can handle a large number of notes organised into notebooks. The notes are searchable, can be copied, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor.
- - Joplin is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to iA Writer.
- - Joplin is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to iA Writer.
Suggest and vote on features
Joplin Features
1. Support for MarkDownJoplin supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
3. End-to-End EncryptionJoplin has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedJoplin is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Joplin.
6. Works OfflineJoplin can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Ad-freeJoplin doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Joplin.
9. LightweightJoplin consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Local Storage
Android Sync
Tagging
Encrypted Notes
WebDAV Support
Write files in markdown
Multiplatform
Synchronization
Plugin system
Export to HTML
Comments about Joplin as a Alternative to iA Writer
Most users think Joplin is a great iA Writer alternative.
diver_down
FOSS and (most importantly!) works on ALL platforms. Ubuntu, Manjaro, iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS... it will sync effortless between them. Oh, and it's also E2EE which is mandatory for good security practices as far as I'm concerned. Thanks L.C. <3
Positive comment •
1
Zettlr
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
Novel Authoring Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
140 Zettlr alternatives
Zettlr is a one-stop publication workbench that combines many writing features and collects them in one application. It aims at speeding up your workflow and help you write without any interruptions.
Suggest and vote on features
Zettlr Features
1. Support for MarkDownZettlr supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. File TaggingZettlr can organize and highlight your files with tags and labels.
3. Ad-freeZettlr doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Zettlr without registration.
5. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
6. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Zettlr.
7. Syntax HighlightingZettlr supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
8. Privacy focusedZettlr is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
9. No Coding RequiredZettlr can be used without an coding or programming skills.
Zettelkasten note method
Multiple export options
Zotero integration
Note organization
Link files
Built-in themes
Export to LaTeX
Sync with Nextcloud
Tasklists
Interactive tables
Comments about Zettlr as a Alternative to iA Writer
pros, cons and recent comments
Guest
iA Writer is for writing longer texts. Zettlr is for note taking.
Negative comment •
0
Simplenote
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
21 Simplenote alternatives
Made by the company behind WordPress, Simplenote enables users to take notes, lists, and ideas. These notes are stored on the cloud and are accessible across multiple devices.
- - Simplenote is the most popular Web-based alternative to iA Writer.
Suggest and vote on features
Simplenote Features
1. Support for MarkDownSimplenote supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Dark ModeSimplenote supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
3. Full-Text SearchSimplenote lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
4. LightweightSimplenote consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
5. Distraction-freeSimplenote has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
6. File VersioningSimplenote has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
7. No TrackingSimplenote will not track you or use your personal data.
8. Ad-freeSimplenote doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. PortableSimplenote can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Cross-device syncing
Search by tags
Clean design
Simple text editor
Protected by Password
Notes synchronisation
Android Sync
Text Based Format
Tagging
Tag based
Typora
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
Electron / Atom Shell
144 Typora alternatives
Typora gives you a seamless experience as both a reader and a writer. It removes the preview window, mode switcher, syntax symbols of markdown source code, and all other unnecessary distractions. Instead, it provides a real live preview feature to help you concentrate on the...
- - Typora is the most popular commercial alternative to iA Writer.
Suggest and vote on features
Typora Features
1. Support for MarkDownTypora supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
3. Distraction-freeTypora has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
4. WYSIWYG SupportTypora integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
5. LightweightTypora consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
6. Support for LaTeXTypora supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
7. Syntax HighlightingTypora supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
8. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Typora.
9. Code FormattingTypora supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
Write files in markdown
Save as Markdown
Clean design
Simple text editor
Export to PDF
Multiplatform
Nested Folders
Minimalistic
Multiple languages
Built-in themes
Comments about Typora as a Alternative to iA Writer
Almost everyone thinks Typora is a great iA Writer alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Alec Kinnear
Typora is great if you like to write in preview mode. iAWriter is better if you prefer to see Markdown in the edit window and have access to a preview window (old WordPerfect paradigm). Both are excellent apps. Typora is great for Markdown tables.
Top positive comment •
0

Guest
Very nice interface, themes, markdown support is awesome. Exactly what I was looking for. I thought it was impossible to find a quality software of this type on Windows.
Top positive comment •
2

arximughal
It's free and opensource and packed with a lot of useful features. I just love writing in Typora.
Positive comment •
-5

Guest
This was exactly what I was looking for, and iA wasn't quite there
Positive comment •
1

Guest
Very simple interface, multiple files types in exporting, themes
Positive comment •
-1

Show more comments ▾
5 of 6 comments
Mark Text
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
93 Mark Text alternatives
Mark Text support CommonMark Spec and GitHub Flavored Markdown Spec. And it is a realtime preview eidtor, what you type is what you see finally.
Suggest and vote on features
Mark Text Features
1. Support for MarkDownMark Text supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. WYSIWYG SupportMark Text integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
3. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
4. Dark ModeMark Text supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Distraction-freeMark Text has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
6. Syntax HighlightingMark Text supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
Real-time inline preview
Write files in markdown
Distraction-free Writing
Text editing
Clean design
Export to HTML
Internal linking
Built-in themes
Tabbed interface
MIT License
Discontinued
MarkText is no longer maintained since July 2022. Last version, 0.17.1, released in March 2022, can be still downloaded from GitHub

Comments about Mark Text as a Alternative to iA Writer
pros, cons and recent comments
Guest
Interface is great, and you can edit the font from the preferences.
Positive comment •
1
FocusWriter
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Word Processor
Windows
Linux
PortableApps.com
88 FocusWriter alternatives
FocusWriter is a fullscreen, distraction-free word processor designed to immerse you as much as possible in your work. The program autosaves your progress, and reloads the last files you had open to make it easy to jump back in during your next writing session, and has many...
Suggest and vote on features
FocusWriter Features
1. Distraction-freeFocusWriter has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
2. LightweightFocusWriter consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. PortableFocusWriter can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Distraction-free Writing
Customizable
Daily progress tracker
Fullscreen support
Skin customization
Auto-saving
Writing statistics
Tabbed interface
Multiple languages
Opinions about FocusWriter as a Alternative to iA Writer
Most users think FocusWriter is a great iA Writer alternative.
Dendron
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Visual Studio Code
186 Dendron alternatives
Dendron is an open-source, local-first, markdown-based, note-taking tool built on top of VSCode. It supports all the usual features you would expect like tagging, backlinks, a graph view, split panes, and so forth.
Suggest and vote on features
Dendron Features
1. Support for MarkDownDendron supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Dendron.
3. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsDendron can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
4. Privacy focusedDendron is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
Local Storage
Block reference
Graph view
VSCode
Backlinks
Quick reference lookup
Publishing
Tagging
Bidirectional links
Built-in themes
Roam Research
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Pomodoro Timer
Online
Android
iPhone
125 Roam Research alternatives
As easy to use as a word document or bulleted list, and as powerful for finding, collecting, and connecting related ideas as a graph database. Collaborate with others in real time, or store all your data locally.
Suggest and vote on features
Roam Research Features
1. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
2. Full-Text SearchRoam Research lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
3. Pomodoro TimerPractice the Pomodoro Technique in Roam Research to stay focused and productive.
4. End-to-End EncryptionRoam Research has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
5. Syntax HighlightingRoam Research supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
6. Works OfflineRoam Research can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Support for MarkDownRoam Research supports MarkDown for document formatting.
8. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Roam Research simultaneously.
9. Kanban BoardRoam Research allows you to organize your workflow by moving cards with drag-and-drop functionality between multiple columns.
Bidirectional links
Block reference
Query Engine
Backlinks
Graph view
Hyperlinks
Outliner
Knowledge Base structuring
Dynamic content
Note organization
QOwnNotes
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
Flathub
PortableApps.com
Qt
181 QOwnNotes alternatives
Plain text notepad with markdown support and todo list manager for Linux, Mac OS X and Windows, that works together with the notes application of ownCloud.
Suggest and vote on features
QOwnNotes Features
1. Support for MarkDownQOwnNotes supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Syntax HighlightingQOwnNotes supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
3. No TrackingQOwnNotes will not track you or use your personal data.
4. Ad-freeQOwnNotes doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Local Storage
Plain text file
Tagging
Nextcloud integration
Synchronization
Configurable
Hostable
Owncloud integration
iCal integration
Tag based
ghostwriter
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
Windows
Linux
125 ghostwriter alternatives
No excuses. No distractions. Just write. ghostwriter is a feature-rich text editor using Markdown syntax which makes it suitable for note-taking, document redaction, simple HTML website creation and much more.
Suggest and vote on features
ghostwriter Features
1. Support for MarkDownghostwriter supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Dark Modeghostwriter supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
3. Lightweightghostwriter consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. Portableghostwriter can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
5. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
6. Spell Checkingghostwriter can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
7. Syntax Highlightingghostwriter supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
Simple text editor
Distraction-free Writing
Stay Focused
Writing statistics
Export to Word
Word counter
Fullscreen support
Support for Large File
Comments about ghostwriter as a Alternative to iA Writer
Almost everyone thinks ghostwriter is a great iA Writer alternative.
NA0341
Fast, lean, open source, many useful features, well integrated with different Markdown parsers - Hemmingway mode. Although for anything beyond just writing I'd suggest something more advanced - like Obsidian.
Positive comment •
0