Documents & Writing·Standings
Compare Text Apps by Features and Platforms
Text apps help you write and edit documents; the right choice depends on the platforms you use and the writing features you need.
Compare Markdown support, real-time collaboration, offline access and version history, along with the free-plan and starting-price details. Platform marks show where an app runs.
The signal score is out of 10 and reflects published information about use, a public API, documentation depth, open-source code and a free tier. API, open-source and free-tier marks help you check those details at a glance.
- 24 platforms
- 1 with a public API on this page
- 16 with a free tier
- Checked 7 Oct 2026
- 1 FFocusWritergottcode.org
Free, open-source word processor for Linux, Mac, and Windows with goals and spell-checking.
- 2 S
StackEditstackedit.ioFree, open-source Markdown software in a browser with collaboration, CMS publishing, and exports.
- 3 MMarkTextmarktext.me
Free Markdown editor for desktop that saves work as HTML or PDF.
- 4 N
Novlrnovlr.orgA book-writing app for web and mobile with collaboration, publishing tools, version history, and offline access.
- 5 G
Ghostwriterghostwriter.kde.orgA free desktop Markdown editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows that exports to HTML and Markdown formats.
- 6 N
novelWriternovelwriter.ioFree writing tool with publishing features for desktop computers.
- 7 Z
Zettlrzettlr.comA free note-writing app that works offline on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- 8 FD
Final Draftfinaldraft.comScreenwriting software for Apple, Windows, and web devices with publishing tools.
- 9 D
Dabbledabblewriter.comBook-writing software with collaboration, publishing tools, version history, and offline access.
- 10 WWriteMonkeywritemonkey.com
A free desktop editor for plain text and Markdown, with project tools, search, timers, and PDF export.
- 11 ZW
Zoho Writerzoho.comWeb word processor with a free plan, collaboration, Zia AI help, and broad app and API access.
- 12 S
Scrivenerliteratureandlatte.comPaid writing tool with publishing features for Apple and Windows devices.
- 13 T
Typoratypora.ioMarkdown software for Linux, Apple, and Windows devices with publishing and version history.
- 14 GDGoogle Docsdocs.google.com
An online document editor with shared editing, templates, and Gemini drafting; free plan available.
- 15 WA
Write.aswrite.asSelf-hosted publishing service with a free plan, $6/month annual pricing, and a 14-day trial.
- 16 D
Dillingerdillinger.ioA free web editor for local or cloud files that exports Markdown, HTML, and PDF.
- 17 L
LivingWriterlivingwriter.comWriting tool with shared editing, saved revisions, and publishing features.
- 18 MWMicrosoft Wordmicrosoft.com
Document software for computers, phones, and browsers with offline editing and collaboration.
- 19 BBywordbywordapp.com
Byword is a Markdown app for writing in plain text on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
- 20 M
MWebmweb.imPaid writing tool for Apple devices with note sharing and links to WordPress, Evernote, and more.
- 21 UUlyssesulysses.app
Writing tool with publishing features for Apple devices, sold by annual subscription.
- 22 RS
Reedsy Studioreedsy.comBook layout and publishing software in a browser with collaboration and version history.
- 23 TTextFreetextfree.com
A messaging app for Android, iOS, and web with a free plan and paid options from $9.99/month.
- 24 IW
iA Writeria.netWriting software for Apple and Windows devices with publishing tools and a 7-day trial.
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How to choose
Which platforms does the app need to run on?
Choose an app that supports the devices you write on. Check its platform marks for macOS, Windows, iOS, web, Linux and Android.
Which writing features should I compare?
Compare Markdown support, offline access and version history against how you work. Markdown is a simple way to format text with plain characters; version history lets you revisit earlier drafts.
Can I collaborate on a document in real time?
Check the real-time collaboration detail if you need to work on a document with other people. The comparison marks show whether this feature is listed.
How much does a text app cost?
Check whether an app has a free plan and compare its paid starting price. A free trial is different from an ongoing free plan, so look for the trial note as well.
How can I tell whether a text app is open source?
Use the open-source mark to find apps whose code is available to inspect. If you need to read or change that code, check the app's licence before choosing.
Questions
What should I look for in a text app?
Compare supported platforms, Markdown, collaboration, offline access and version history. Then check the free-plan and paid-price details.
Which text apps work offline?
Check the offline-access comparison for the apps you are considering; availability can differ by app.
Does a free trial mean the app has a free plan?
No. A free trial provides temporary access, while a free plan is an ongoing option. Check both details separately.
What does open source mean for a text app?
Open source means the app's code is available to inspect. Check its licence if you plan to use or change that code.
What is the signal score for a text app?
It is a score out of 10 based on published signals including use, public API, documentation depth, open-source code and a free tier.
Some top positions on this board can be paid placements, standing where they were sold. The facts on each platform are not for sale. How we rank · Disclosure