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Zen Alternatives

Zen is described as 'helps you to focus on your writing... It's writing only. It's fullscreen. It's Zen' and is a Word Processor in the news & books category. There are more than 25 alternatives to Zen for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Online / Web-based, Linux and iPhone. The best alternative is FocusWriter, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Zen are iA Writer, WriteMonkey, Rentry.co and OmmWriter.

Zen alternatives are mainly Text Editors but may also be Word Processors or Note-taking Tools. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Zen.
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Zen iconZen
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Zen helps you to focus on your writing... It's writing only. It's fullscreen. It's Zen.

Learn more about Zen
  1. FocusWriter icon

    FocusWriter

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    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    90 alternatives to FocusWriter 

    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...

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    Features
    1.  Distraction-freeFocusWriter has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
    2.  PortableFocusWriter can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
    Screenshot
    Themes
  2. iA Writer icon

    iA Writer

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    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    105 alternatives to iA Writer 

    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.

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    Features
    1.  Distraction-freeiA Writer has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
    2.  Support for MarkDowniA Writer supports MarkDown for document formatting.
    3.  Support for LaTeXiA Writer supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
    4.  Syntax HighlightingiA Writer supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
    5.  Works OfflineiA Writer can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
    6.  Dark ModeiA Writer supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
  4. WriteMonkey icon

    WriteMonkey

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    • Windows
    94 alternatives to WriteMonkey 

    Writemonkey is a Windows zenware writing application with an extremely stripped down user interface, leaving you alone with your thoughts and your words.

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    Features
    1.  Pomodoro TimerPractice the Pomodoro Technique in WriteMonkey to stay focused and productive.
    2.  Distraction-freeWriteMonkey has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
    3.  Support for MarkDownWriteMonkey supports MarkDown for document formatting.
    4.  PortableWriteMonkey can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
    The interface, full screen.
    The interface, windowed.
  5. Rentry.co icon

    Rentry.co

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    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Console
    • Terminal
    177 alternatives to Rentry.co 

    Rentry.co is a markdown pastebin and publishing service with preview, custom urls and editing. Fast, simple and free.

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    Features
    1.  Support for MarkDownRentry.co supports MarkDown for document formatting.
    2.  Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
    3.  Command line interfaceRentry.co either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
    4.  LightweightRentry.co consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    Live markdown syntax highlighting
    Screenshot
  6. OmmWriter icon

    OmmWriter

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    • Mac
    • Windows
    47 alternatives to OmmWriter 

    Ommwriter is a simple text processor that firmly believes in making writing a pleasure once again, reinvindicating the close relationship between writer and paper. The more intimate the relation, the smoother the flow of inspiration.

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    Features
    1.  Distraction-freeOmmWriter has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
      Screenshot
    • Q10 icon

      Q10

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      • Windows
      38 alternatives to Q10 

      Q10 is a simple but powerful text editor designed and built with writers in mind.

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      Features
      1.  PortableQ10 can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
      2.  Distraction-freeQ10 has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
      Discontinued

      Last version dates from 2011.

      Screenshot
      Screenshot
    • 750 Words icon

      750 Words

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      23 alternatives to 750 Words 

      750 Words is an online plain text editor with autosave and fullscreen edit options, 750 Words also lets you track your progress and earn points for achievements. Login with Google, Yahoo or Facebook Connect.

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      Features
      1.  Lightweight750 Words consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
      2.  Distraction-free750 Words has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
      Screenshot
    • Byword icon

      Byword

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      • Mac
      • iPhone
      • iPad
      155 alternatives to Byword 

      Byword is designed to make writing more enjoyable with Markdown on your Mac, iPhone and iPad.

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      Features
      1.  Support for MarkDownByword supports MarkDown for document formatting.
      2.  Works OfflineByword can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
      Screenshot
      Screenshot
    • Dark Room icon

      Dark Room

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      36 alternatives to Dark Room 

      Dark Room is a full screen, distraction free, writing environment. Unlike standard word processors that focus on features, Dark Room is just about you and your text.

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      Features
      1.  Distraction-freeDark Room has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
      Screenshot
    • SSuite NoteBook Editor icon

      SSuite NoteBook Editor

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      • Windows
      170 alternatives to SSuite NoteBook Editor 

      SSuite NoteBook Editor is a free portable text editor that has all the functionality to start you on writing that important novel, short-story or article, with enough bells and whistles to help out. It also includes all the necessary editing short-cut keys for power users and...

       SSuite NoteBook Editor has no features, suggest some!
      A full featured and very fast portable text editor for people on the go.
    Showing 10 of 39 alternatives
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