Distraction-Free Writing
FocusWriter, iA Writer, Cold Turkey Writer, Typora — apps that get out of the way.
Distraction-free editors fill the screen, hide the chrome, and (sometimes) refuse to let you out until you hit a word goal. For the heavier "block the rest of the OS" approach see writing-distraction-blocking. For markdown editors more generally see writing-markdown-editors.
Free / OSS
- ★ FocusWriter — GPL; free OSS; cross-platform (Win / Mac / Linux); themes, daily goals, typewriter sounds, full-screen. The default free pick.
- Pure Writer — free; Android-first; minimal markdown editor.
- Just-Words — free; browser-based; "open tab, write, done."
- Apostrophe (formerly UberWriter) — GPL; free OSS; GNOME / Linux; markdown + focus mode.
Paid (single-purpose)
- ★ Cold Turkey Writer — paid; $15 one-time; Win / Mac; ★ for "no escape until you hit your word / time goal." Locks the entire OS until done. The most aggressive option.
- OmmWriter — paid; $8+ pay-what-you-want; Mac / Win / iOS; ambient soundscapes, typewriter sounds, soft palettes.
- Calmly Writer — paid (one-time) or free web version; minimal markdown; unique "focus on current paragraph" mode.
- ZenWriter — paid; $15; Win-only; one of the originals.
- Typewriter — paid one-time; mac; vintage-typewriter feel.
Cross-platform writing apps with focus modes
- ★ iA Writer — paid one-time per platform; "focus mode" + syntax highlighting for parts of speech. See writing-longform-apps.
- ★ Typora — paid $15 one-time; cross-platform; live-preview markdown with a distraction-free feel. The most popular paid markdown editor.
- Mark Text — MIT; free OSS; explicit Typora alternative. See writing-markdown-editors.
- Drafts — Apple-only; "writing mode" hides everything.
- Bear — Apple-only; minimalist by default.
- Ghostwriter — GPL; free OSS; Win / Linux; Hemingway-mode + focus.
Browser-based
- 750words.com — paid + free 30-day trial; gamified daily journaling; streaks.
- Calmly Writer Online — free; instant write-anywhere.
- Just-Words / WriteRoom-online clones — free; one-tab, no account.
Mobile
- iA Writer — Apple + Android.
- Pure Writer — Android.
- Werdsmith — Apple; free + paid.
- JotterPad — paid + free; Android-leaning; supports markdown + Fountain (screenwriting).
Pick this if…
- Free, cross-platform default: FocusWriter.
- "Lock me out until done": Cold Turkey Writer.
- Markdown live-preview, distraction-free: Typora (paid) or Mark Text (free).
- Apple ecosystem, opinionated: iA Writer (paid) or Bear / Drafts.
- Daily-pages habit: 750words.com.