Finding the best writing apps for iOS can be challenging. Arguably the best word processor in existence, Microsoft Word, was designed with Windows in mind.
Still, developers have answered the call and diehard Apple fans can still find several high-quality writing apps to help them write down their ideas.
Whether you need a full-scale word processor or a simple notetaking app, there are several great options for iOS users.
1. Byword
If you are writing on mobile or tablet, Byword is one of the best markdown editors out there. It isn’t flashy, it won’t cure cancer, but it will help you write down words. By default, it supports TXT, TEXT, MD, MMD, MARKDOWN, MARKDN, MDOWN, MKDN, MARKD, and Fountain file formats.
Another added bonus of Byword is that you can export your finished products as PDFs and HTML documents.
2. Editorial
Editorial comes with a little more functionality than Byword. What makes Editorial a great app is the fact that it has features like a built-in multi-tab web browser, Dropbox integration, and more.
It also comes with inline preview for taskpaper, markdown, and foundation documents.
3. 1Writer
1Writer is one of the best notetaking apps for iOS. It can easily be downloaded from the App Store for either iPhone or iPad.
The app can be used to write down ideas, for research, or to revise past ideas.
If you are looking for a great, free word processor, iA Writer Pro is the right app for you.
This app provides you with all the tools and features you expect from a word processor without the price.
By default, it is compatible with both the iPad and iPhone.
5. Pages
Pages is Apple’s response to Microsoft Word. Like any app developed by a major company, Pages works as you would expect to.
It is also completely compatible with iOS because it was designed specifically for it.
Pages is great because it comes with every feature you will need as a writer.
If you require a more professional-grade word processor, Pages is exactly what you need.
6. Ulysses
What more could you expect from a program that was named after one of the greatest novels ever written?
This word processor is compatible with most devices that run on iOS.
Ulysses is considered to be one of the best writing apps on the App Store and is used by many professional writers who work on iOS.
Why is Ulysses so good? It boasts a simple, yet effective design, is easy to use, has workflow options, a slew of export options, and syncs across the various iOS devices.
7. Werdsmith
Werdsmith is another great option for aspiring writers who use iOS. This free app is compatible with both the iPhone and iPad.
What makes Werdsmith great is the fact that it is loaded with features, has a great UI, Dropbox integration, and it can even be used on the iPod touch.
8. Bear
Bear is another example of a barebones, markdown notetaking app. It won’t blow you away with features, but it does what it does well.
This notetaking app is best used for taking notes and writing prose. You can also input your notes into Bear, making it a great app to use to study while you are transiting to and from school.
Bear is very easy to use and a great option if you want a free notetaking app.
Alright, you may be thinking, why are you suggesting Microsoft Word for iOS? One simple reason, because it exists.
If you are comfortable with Microsoft Word and all of its features, why change? Microsoft has created an iOS version of their flagship word processor and it works flawlessly.
A lot of iOS users make use of Pages because they think it is the go-to word processor for iOS. But, if Microsoft Word is available, why not use arguably the best word processor on the market?
10. Grammarly
Sometimes Grammar is hard. Even the best writers will tell you this. Grammarly isn’t an official writing app like the other ones previously listed.
Grammarly is a free grammar-checking app that is available on iOS. The free version will help you make basic corrections and improve your grammar, while the paid version comes with even more features.
With Grammarly, you will never struggle with spelling, syntax, and sentence structure.
No one has perfect spelling. We all misspell words and rely on that wavy red line to tell us when we make mistakes.
The official Dicitonary.com app is a great choice for writers who want to bolster their vocabulary, check the meanings of new words, and help find synonyms for words that they use too much.
What makes this app even better is that it is free and it comes in a lite version.
No mention of Scrivener? You list a lot of great tools, most of which I’ve used… but Scrivener is at the very top of that list, for me.
Autocrit is another app similar to grammarly. It points out grammatical and structural errors, but also identifies clichés and overused words.
One of my favorite tools is Siri. I’m not sure she would be considered an app, but you can ask her anything and she does the search for you while you’re typing.
Thanks for sharing!
I hadn’t realised there were so many alternatives! In my experience, one thing to bear in mind when choosing an iOS writing app is where else you might need to pick up the same document to continue writing. With Word and Pages, it’s easy to continue on a Mac or PC. In my opinion, Pages is slightly easier to use on iOS than Word, but I still use Word all the time on my iPad as Word is what I use for most of my work when on my home PC. With Microsoft OneDrive, it’s really easy to pick up where I left off, either way around.