And the best part? It is a free novel writing software for Mac. Byword; A top-notch text editor and writing app for Mac is Byword, available on Mac and Apple app store. You can easily use this app anywhere to edit your stories, blog posts, and school projects. Cloud-based Check printing software. Print Check in a few minutes or send as Paperless Digital Checks. Any Printer, Any Check Paper, Anywhere. Support Pre-Printed Checks, Wallet Size, Check on Top, Middle, and Bottom. Best Mind Mapping Software for Mac in 2020 Whether you are planning your next trip, writing a book, or creating a presentation for your next project, mind-mapping can help you organize your jumbled mess of a head into something that looks coherent and executable.
As a child, I used to read a lot of novels. My fascination for reading kept me glued to books all the time. I used to finish up a Sidney Sheldon novel within days of starting. But do you know how much it takes to write a book? There are authors who take years to finish up writing one. It is for the ease of all those authors and budding writers that writing applications have been developed. If you are in search of the best writing apps for Mac, the buddy, you are in the right place!
The history behind writing…
Contents
- So, improve your productivity with the following writing apps for Mac…
Writing began with stone tablets which then moved on to palm leaves and manuscripts. And then when the paper was invented, books started showing up everywhere around the globe. Writing a book with a pen took several months to complete. Typewriters shortened this time by many folds. But with the invention of computers, writing became super-convenient.
In the present generation, writing applications are being developed which will make the life of authors and writers even easier. If you are a tech blogger, the promising writer, author, then a good writing app is a must!
Also Read:Free Video Editing Software For Windows 7
What is the use of a writing app?
Though a general word file covers the basic needs of a writer, yet for a more convenient experience, you can go for a writing app. It creates the right ambiance in the system for the writer to concentrate just on the content of his write-up.
Additional editing tools, backgrounds, correcting tools etc. will help you create a better story or article in lesser time. When you write a book, you add various chapters or sub-sections to it.
Also Read:Fake Receipt Generator With Date
Managing all these documents can turn quite messy; in these times writing apps come to your rescue.
So, improve your productivity with the following writing apps for Mac…
Mac systems are widely used all over the globe and if you are a writer or author, then this app is god’s gift for you. This ultimate writing application can be used for focused writing sessions encouraging immersion with the text.
The app also helps you organize your write-up related documents and daily blog posts. It works on iPhones and iPads and you can also sync up your work with iCloud through this application.
It has got a 14-day free trial and after that, the monthly rental price is Rs 299.
Microsoft Word 2016
Really guys? Do you even need an introduction to this app? Popular across the globe for its simplicity yet abundant features, Microsoft Word 2016 can be used in Mac as well as Windows systems.
Also Read:Free Movie Apps For Android & IOS
Though it is tailor-made for Windows systems, yet it works more than fine in Mac ones. Available at a price of Rs 454, you can find cheaper alternatives of this in this list.
Even the name of the app has got an ‘I’ in it indicating it is made for Apple products. Listed as the best-selling text editor in the Apple store, it is a minimalistic writing application used for focused writing experience.
It is also used by famous author Augusten Burroughs. Though some users complain about its missing settings of preferences, it is this very feature that makes the app help writers focus on their content.
The item is prized at Rs 590.
Just like Microsoft Word is for Windows systems, Apple pages are for Mac systems. But it is not only limited to Mac users. If you have any other PC, then you can download pages and use it through iCloud. And the best part about this writing app for Mac? It is free of cost!
It is certainly one of the best free word processors for Mac. Though it has got an impressive user interface and features, it is not very popular as every user with whom you would like to share or collaborate would have to install Pages in their systems too.
Released back in 2007, it is one of the bestnovel writing software for Mac. It is also supported by systems running on Windows and Linux. You can now easily organize your documents and notes with the help of this content managing app. The app also offers various templates for creating screenplays, fictional, and non-fictional manuscripts.
The split-screen mode and drag-drop feature of virtual index cards make it a top choice for various writers.
TextEdit
The Mac word processing app SimpleText was replaced by TextEdit. It uses the Cocoa text format to read and edit documents in various formats like Rich Text Format, plain text and HTML.
Though it is not a very advanced tool, it can be used for applying various text edits to your content, adding multimedia inputs to it and writing different character encodings. And the best part? It is a free novel writing software for Mac.
A top-notch text editor and writing app for Mac is Byword, available on Mac and Apple app store. You can easily use this app anywhere to edit your stories, blog posts, and school projects.
There are various features like on-the-tip keyboard shortcuts and syntax highlighting that help the user achieve better productivity.
Also Read:Check out 10 Best Free Malware Removal
Sync up your work in iCloud or Dropbox so that you can work on them from any device, anywhere, anytime.
The finest in the industry, it has been used by various authors and movie script writers in the entertainment industry. All have given rave reviews about this app. Tailor-made for the entertainment industry, it offers more than 100 templates for drafting screenplays and stage plays.
You can also collaborate with a partner for real-time writing, outline act, scenes and sequences easily. Apart from these, there are several other text editing features that make it one of the best word processor for Mac.
It also works on Windows systems.
Write!
Yet another free writing app for Mac is Write! Though currently, only its Windows version is available, its Linux and iOS versions are on their way for release. If you get quite distracted while writing your blog or story or even school essay, then use this tool for a distraction-free writing session.
Features like automatic spell-check, tunable autocomplete (completes your word before you end), multiple keyboard shortcuts, support for Markdown, Wiki, and Textile syntax, unlimited undo etc. make authors prefer this over the others.
Storyist
An advanced writing app for Mac preferred by various novelists and screenplay writers is Storyist. Talk about focused writing environment, more organized writing, easy access to all documents…Storyist covers them all.
It supports Mac systems and also works on iPhones and iPads.
With the help of this app, you can now create stunningly formatted manuscripts and screenplays and get a customized high-level view of the story with the help of index cards.
Experience a distraction-free writing session with app Whiteroom which creates a full-screen writing environment. It was developed as an alternative to Microsoft Word to provide a more convenient writing environment. It has got spell check and auto-save feature in addition to basic features of Word.
More the features more the distractions; that is why Whiteroom has stuck to the basics.
Writing a movie script or screenplay? Go for one of the best writing apps for Mac named Slugline. It is a simple and elegant writing application for Mac and iOS systems. Its outline navigator helps you write sections and sub-sections of the write-up in a more organized way.
Just like other writing apps in the list, you can sync up your documents in iCloud and Dropbox and then work on them on other devices too.
The dark mode of the app helps you work in low light conditions. You can also pair a keyboard to your iPad and then write using it.
- Tinyword:
Work on multiple document types like DOC, DOCX, PDF, HTML, RTF etc. and create amazing stories with the help of Tinyword. Featuring multiple editing tools like inserting tables, symbols, footnotes, hyperlinks, page numbers etc., it is highly preferred by budding writers and authors.
You can also protect your content with a password and also put editing restrictions on your content.
Focus on your story or write-up with the help of this amazing writing app for Mac. With quick note feature, easy to use interface, advanced markup editor with knowledge of over 20 programming languages, multiple work themes, cross-note links, focus mode, hashtags, smart data recognition, multi-device sync…and many more,
it is certainly one of the most feature-rich writing apps for Mac.
We hope the above writing apps for Mac help you create your dream story or screenplay in time. If you want a better work space, do take a look at free time tracker apps for Mac and Calendar apps for Mac.
Just the way above-mentioned tools will help you improve your writing productivity, these apps will help you achieve more work in less time.
Writing is a big part of your life. Even if you’re not a professional writer, chances are you’ll spend thousands of hours in your life writing documents, proposals, memos, contracts, and other important documents.
The more efficient you are with your writing, the better results you’ll get, and the more time you can spend with family, friends, or on other work.
We all have just 24 hours in a day, and it just makes sense to learn how to maximize your time. To do that, you need the right tools.
Luckily, these days there are many options for writing software to help you write more efficiently. Writing well is quite a challenge, and we can all benefit from tools that make writing more manageable and productive.
The last thing you need is painfully awkward tools that take up your valuable time with unnecessary navigation and awkward interface.
Best Writing Software
So here we present some of the best writing software for writers so that you can write effectively, efficiently, and happily.
1. Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is one of the oldest word processors out there, and it is still widely used for writing books.
It’s pretty much the gold standard of writing software because it works well, and it’s the most commonly used Word processor—that means collaborating with co-authors, editors, and other writers is far easier.
Although newer software is available to provide distraction-free writing, you will find that Word can pack quite a punch when it comes to writing your next book.
Word has a lot of features to offer, and with a new suite of productivity features added regularly, this software makes writing more accessible to the average writer.
Furthermore, Word has been around for so long that most people are already familiar with using it. If that’s you, it’ll probably be a lot easier and better to keep using Word than switching to another program, because it takes time to learn new software.
Word is trusty, reliable, and offers a great writing experience (although it certainly wasn’t always that way). It provides a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) kind of formatting which is easy on the eye and works seamlessly.
You can use headers to organize your chapters, use the navigation pane to navigate through them, and create templates which you can use repeatedly.
You can collaborate with co-authors and editors, reorganize your draft in outline view, use it as a brainstorming tool, and even go distraction-free when you want to. You can even format and publish an eBook using a Microsoft Word template for free.
Most editors still prefer Word documents for manuscripts, so it’s a great tool to use for writing because it makes tracking and reviewing changes and comments really easy.
You can buy Microsoft Word on Amazon here.
2. Scrivener
This advanced writing software was created keeping writers in mind. And that is why a lot of writers love working on Scrivener’s distraction-free platform.
It is not only a tool to write but is also an all-in-one formatting and project management software.
Both Mac and PC users can use Scrivener.
You can export your book easily to other digital platforms like Kindle, Kobo, and iBooks, which is handy.
Scrivener also has a collection of templates for both fiction and nonfiction writing.
You can tell that this software is made for writers, as it is easy to create outlines and scenes, drag and drop sections, and you can even develop sub-files so that your manuscript is organized.
It is also super easy to keep track of all your research and notes with a project binder.
For more complicated work you can split the screen, work in outliner views or use the corkboard view and move index cards to plot your storylines.
You can buy Scrivener for $45 for Mac or PC here.
3. Google Docs
Another strong contender is Google Docs.
Essentially Google Docs is a simpler version of Microsoft Word, but it is becoming quite popular as it offers easy collaboration with others such as your editors and other team members.
You can share files and content and communicate via comments too.
However, Google Docs is a simple word processor and does not offer much regarding formatting and outlining.
The best part is that you don’t have to install Google Docs on your computer and everything you do—from writing to making changes—is automatically saved on the servers. This means you can easily access your files from wherever you are. And you don’t have to worry about losing your work.
You can even access previous versions of your work to review all the changes that have been made to your book file.
While Google Docs is simple, it is quite a capable word processor for those writers looking for a free writing software.
However, if you want to use Google Docs as your main writing software, you’ll want to make sure you enable Google Docs use offline so you can still write without internet access.
4. yWriter
Another favorite word processor is yWriter, a free software designed mainly for novelists.
One of the cool features of this software is that it breaks down your novel into chapters and scenes.
This is handy as you can see the word count of your entire novel by chapters and you can rearrange scenes to construct your book.
Most writers love that the book can be broken down into scenes which are usually fun sections of the book to work on.
Another cool feature is that yWriter enables you to organize your project by giving you the space to make notes on all sorts stuff you may need to write a book.
yWriter is free, but it also comes with a few negative aspects. For one, it works only on Windows, although there is a beta version available for iOS.
It also doesn’t come with any templates, and you’ll find that you can’t create eBooks on it.
4. Ulysses
This simple text editor is great for writers who want to concentrate on nothing but writing.
If content is more important to you than formatting or layout, then this customizable app is for you.
While it has a minimalistic and straightforward interface, this app is quite compelling.
You can sync your work amongst all your devices, or you can store your work locally.
Ulysses is best for blogging. If you’re producing work for your WordPress blog, then you can directly publish your work from within Ulysses. This works for Medium too.
However, this app only works on Apple products and can be quite a steep learning curve if you don’t know Markdown. You can check out Ulysses subscription pricing here.
5. Zoho Writer
Zoho Writer is a free online alternative to Microsoft Word.
You’ll be impressed by its sleek, user-friendly interface which provides you a clean white page to write on without any distractions.
Menus are minimalist, and tools are only available when you need them. This way you can write away and not be diverted from your thought processes.
Zoho Writer offers various formatting options, and you can collaborate with your teammates in real time.
You can even work with your existing Microsoft Word documents as you can import them straight into Zoho Writer with a handy plug-in.
6. LibreOffice
Script Writing Software Free Mac
LibreOffice is a convenient alternative to Microsoft Office. It is a free and an open-source office suite.
So when you sign up for LibreOffice, you get a great word processor and also access to spreadsheet, presentation, drawing and math-formula software.
LibreOffice supports older file formats and a typical old-school layout which is great for writers.
7. Fast Pencil
Best Free Novel Writing Software For Mac
Fast Pencil is an all-in-one solution for creating, distributing and selling your book.
Fast Pencil is a great platform with many tools. The Writing tool looks like a typical word processor and lets you break down your book into chapters.
You can collaborate and assign it to other writers and editors, and easily connect with your friends and followers on Twitter and Facebook.
It provides you with many templates to work with, and you can create PDF previews to see what your final book will look like.
Fast Pencil allows you to publish in multiple formats and you can quickly promote your books, track sales and calculate royalties.
Fast Pencil is free, although you have to pay for more extensive features.
8. Focus Writer
Another free word processor, Focus Writer emphasizes distraction-free writing with a simple interface that cuts away all unnecessary toolbars or windows.
However, it is customizable. You can set a writing background to inspire you, set writing goals and use tools like spellcheck, tabbed documents, and themes.
Focus Writer is free, lightweight, and portable and works on most operating systems.
9. Pages
Pages is Apple’s alternative to Microsoft Word.
It offers a variety of beautiful templates to choose from, and like Word, you can customize fonts and text styles, and add graphics.
It has a simple design and syncs with all devices within iCloud.
Pages also offer built-in tools to collaborate with others.
It’s excellent for creating eBooks, and when you are done, you can easily share your work in iBooks.
Pages comes free for Mac users, and it’s only available for Mac users, which is its main downside. Unless your editor happens to also use a Mac, you’re going to need to use different software to collaborate.
10. Writer
Writer is only available on Android and offers a simple distraction-free writing experience.
It has a clean, modest interface to write on and you can view simple stats like word count and estimated reading time. It also supports Markdown like Ulysses.
Tips for Minimizing Software and File Problems
Here are some tips to minimize costly mistakes and problems while writing your book using a word processor:
Save your file often. Getting up to pee? Save! Going to take a phone call? Save! Gonna check your email? Save! Wait, on second thought, don’t even check your email. Go back to writing.
Music Writing Software For Mac
Always back up your manuscripts. Trust me, always back up. If you lose a manuscript, that’s not just months or years of work you’ve lost – it’s potentially a whole lot of money as well.
I recommend at least two backups for all your completed manuscripts and works in progress. My favorite backups are a portable USB flash drive (you can get a 64GB one for about $30 on Amazon which should be big enough to hold every book you can write in your lifetime) and Dropbox (you get at least 10GB of storage for free and you can pay for an extra 100GB).
I especially like having both a physical and a digital cloud-based backup so that just in case one fails, you always have the other.
Master Your Writing Software
The best writing software for you is the one that you have mastered. Regardless of which software you choose to use, make sure you take the time to learn how the software works, what it can do, and what it can’t do.
If you’re ever stuck on how to do something, use Google to find tips on using your software better. For example, I’ve seen writers replace extra spaces throughout an entire book one at a time, when it would be so much faster to simply use the Find and Replace feature.
You shouldn’t waste your time doing manual writing or editing tasks that your software can easily and quickly do for you, but that means you have to put in the effort to learn your software well.
Best Free Novel Writing Software For Mac
The best writing software in the world won’t help much if you don’t know how to use it!
Best Free Music Writing Software For Mac
If you’re not sure how to use your software as efficiently as possible, join our Facebook group for writers and ask the community for help. You’ll be amazed how much you can learn when you ask the right people.
Keep on writing!
Which tools or software help you to be a more productive writer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
Tom Corson-Knowles is the founder of TCK Publishing, and the bestselling author of 27 books including Secrets of the Six-Figure author. He is also the host of the Publishing Profits Podcast show where we interview successful authors and publishing industry experts to share their tips for creating a successful writing career.