IA Writer Review: Is It Worth It?

Summary

This video provides a detailed review of IA Writer, a minimalist writing app designed for distraction-free writing. The host, Brian Collins, explains the app’s features, including markdown formatting, cloud syncing, and typewriter mode, making it ideal for freelance writers. He highlights its focus on simplicity, helping users write and publish articles efficiently on platforms like WordPress and Medium. Priced at $29, IA Writer is affordable compared to competitors like Ulysses. However, it may not be as suitable for long-form or screenwriting projects. The video concludes with recommendations based on the app’s strengths and limitations.

Takeaways

• 📝 IA Writer is a minimalist writing app designed to help users focus on writing without distractions.
• 💻 It was first launched in 2011 on Mac and has since expanded to iOS, Windows, and Android platforms.
• 💰 IA Writer is priced at $29 for Mac/iOS and $29 for PC/Android, but requires a separate purchase for each platform.
• 📑 Competitors include Ulysses and Byword, but IA Writer is more affordable than Ulysses and offers many of the same features.
• ✍️ The app simplifies writing by removing unnecessary formatting options, making it ideal for focused writing tasks.
• 📁 IA Writer has a document library that syncs across Apple devices via iCloud, helping writers manage their work efficiently.
• 🔤 Markdown syntax is essential for formatting in IA Writer, making it easy to create headers, lists, bold text, and hyperlinks.
• 🖥️ The app includes features like focus mode and typewriter mode, which help writers concentrate on a single sentence or paragraph.
• 🔍 IA Writer offers syntax and style-checking tools, highlighting elements like adjectives, verbs, cliches, and filler words to assist with self-editing.
• 🌐 Writers can export and publish directly to platforms like Medium, WordPress, and Ghost, making it convenient for web publishing.

Q & A

What is IA Writer, and who is it designed for?

IA Writer is a minimalist writing app designed for writers who prefer a distraction-free interface, allowing them to focus solely on writing. It's particularly useful for freelance writers and those looking to publish articles efficiently.

When was IA Writer launched, and who created it?

IA Writer was launched in 2011 by a Tokyo-based designer. It initially launched on Mac, followed by iOS, Windows, and Android versions.

How much does IA Writer cost, and does it need to be purchased separately for different platforms?

IA Writer costs $29 for Mac or iOS, and $29 for PC and Android. Users need to purchase the app separately for Mac and iOS if they plan to use it on both platforms.

How does IA Writer compare to competitors like Ulysses and Byword?

IA Writer is more affordable compared to Ulysses, which costs around $5 per month. Byword is slightly cheaper, costing approximately $10-12. IA Writer is worth its price due to its features, focus on minimalism, and ability to help writers concentrate on their tasks.

What are the main features of IA Writer?

IA Writer offers a minimalist interface, a document library that syncs via iCloud, Markdown formatting, typewriter and focus modes, and the ability to publish directly to platforms like Medium, WordPress, and Ghost.

What is Markdown, and why is it important for IA Writer users?

Markdown is a syntax used to format text for the web, allowing users to add headings, bold text, hyperlinks, and lists. It's essential for IA Writer users to learn Markdown as the app relies on this syntax for formatting documents efficiently.

What is the purpose of the focus and typewriter modes in IA Writer?

Focus mode allows users to concentrate on a single sentence or paragraph by blurring out the rest of the text, while typewriter mode keeps the cursor centered on the screen, helping users maintain focus when writing on larger screens.

How does IA Writer assist with self-editing?

IA Writer offers a syntax mode that highlights parts of speech like adjectives, nouns, and verbs, helping writers identify areas to improve. It also provides a style check feature to detect fillers, cliches, and redundancies, making self-editing more efficient.

Can IA Writer be used for long-form writing like books?

IA Writer is better suited for short-form articles, and its document management features may be insufficient for organizing complex long-form projects like books. Writers of long-form works might find apps like Ulysses or Scrivener more helpful.

What are some drawbacks of IA Writer?

IA Writer may not be suitable for screenwriters due to its limited features for scriptwriting. It is also less effective for managing long-form writing projects compared to apps like Ulysses or Scrivener, which offer better document organization.