Boost Your Productivity with These Awesome Apps!
Let’s be honest: getting sidetracked while working happens to the best of us. You know the scenario – desperately trying to write an article, only to find yourself spiraling down a rabbit hole, ending up watching a Vice documentary about cartels. Enter the savior: distraction-free writing apps.
In our hyper-connected world, it’s easier than ever to get off track. One moment, you’re checking emails, searching for something online, or updating the family with the latest restaurant food pics or gym selfies. Five hours later, you realize you’ve been wasting time on videos of porch pirates getting caught and William Osman escaping death by a hairline once again. (Side note: his channel may be discontinued, but it’s still epic.)
Why Distractions are a Productivity Killer
Here’s where things get problematic. If you get paid to write (hello, content creators!), these distractions start costing you actual money. It becomes even more frustrating when it takes forever to get back on track. And let’s not even talk about coding – one distraction, and your train of thought is completely derailed.
Now, trying to explain this to a five-year-old? Forget about it. There’s no app for that 🤯.
The Solution: Distraction-Free Text Editors
What’s needed is a distraction-free text editor that boosts concentration and ramps up productivity. Thankfully, among the hundreds of text editors out there, a special category exists just for this purpose: beautiful, minimalistic editors. They offer full-screen modes, free of unnecessary clutter. If you haven’t tried one yet, you’re seriously missing out.
Top Distraction-Free Writing Apps
I did some research and found a bunch of awesome distraction-free writing apps. I’ve linked them all, but I won’t go into depth on every single one. This is a blog post, not a novel, after all…
- Typora: My absolute favorite. Typora is a clean, minimalistic writer available for Linux, Windows, and MacOS. Its minimalism stands out because it feels like you’re writing on actual paper. Plus, it offers focus and typewriter modes. You’ll fall in love with its simplicity.
- iA Writer: Known for its streamlined design and powerful features, iA Writer helps you focus on the content. It’s available on macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android, making it a versatile choice for any writer.
- FocusWriter: This app immerses you in a full-screen writing environment, hiding away all other distractions. It’s highly customizable, allowing you to set timers, alarms, and daily goals.
- WriteMonkey: This Windows-only option strips away all the unnecessary features, leaving you with a blank screen to fill with your thoughts. It’s perfect for those who crave simplicity.
- Calmly Writer: As the name suggests, Calmly Writer is designed to help you stay calm and focused. It’s available as a web app and offers a distraction-free interface with a minimalist design.
PLEASE NOTE: the following applications are ordered ALPHABETICALLY and not by rank.
| 1) Abricotine | 12) Mark Text |
| 2) Apostrophe | 13) PyRoom |
| 3) Calmly Writer | 14) Quilter |
| 4) FocusWriter | 15) TextRoom |
| 5) Freedom | 16) Typora |
| 6) ghostwriter | 17) Ulysses |
| 7) iA Writer | 18) Write |
| 8) JDarkRoom | 19) Write or Die |
| 9) koalawriter | 20) Zen Writer |
| 10) Laverna | 21) ZenPen |
| 11) Left |
Warning: Some of these apps might no longer be maintained, so use them at your own risk. I’m not liable for any content found through these links.
Verdict : Typora wins…
Typora takes the cake for its clean, minimalistic interface that works across Linux, Windows, and macOS. It feels like writing on actual paper, which is a big plus for those who love a tactile experience. Plus, its focus and typewriter modes are game-changers for maintaining concentration.
Runner-up: FocusWriter
I would be wrapping this article up by now, but I don’t want to leave out folks unwilling to spend money on yet another application. Don’t fret; let me introduce you to FocusWriter.
Final Thoughts
Distractions are the bane of productivity, especially for writers. Finding the right tools to minimize these distractions can significantly enhance your writing process. Try out these apps and see which one works best for you. Happy writing!
Update: May 2024
I have since switched to Obsidian! Write-up coming soon…
