15 Best Windows Apps for Writers: Free and Paid

With the advent of technology comes new and convenient ways of creating things. Similarly, a writing application can be a stepping stone towards becoming a successful writer. Writing can be a time-consuming process and using notebooks all the time seems tedious. Therefore, every writer needs a productive way to write and juggle between the different ongoing projects. Using any of the Windows apps for writers can be extremely helpful in writing efficiently yet effortlessly.

A special app for writing will help you write easier and some even help avoid distractions. Writing can be a tiring and intimidating process because there are so many steps to it: Researching, Analyzing, Outlining, Editing, and so on. So, a writing tool will save time by giving helpful suggestions.

Such tools can be personalized according to your needs, thereby, saving you some heavy thinking. That being said, a writer should not completely depend on these applications because they will never write generate ideas for you.

What is a writing application? What is it used for?

Writing software is more commonly known as “apps” is designed specifically to help writers advance their writing skills. These tools contain different components such as spelling checks, grammar checks, sentence or stylistic suggestions that help elevate the writing.

With these tools, you can write emails, articles, assignments, academic papers, micro-posts for social media and so much more. Each application has different features to offer and this article will list them down so you can choose according to your preference. Although most of the windows apps for writers are available for free, the paid versions will have more advantages to offer.

15 Best Windows Apps for Writers: Free and Paid

1. ProWritingAid

2. Grammarly

3. Scrivener

4. iA Writer

5. Google Docs

6. Final Draft

7. Evernote

8. Focus Writer

9.  LibreOffice

10.  Scribus

11.  MS Word

12.  Readable

13.  Freedom

14.  Hemingway App

15.  Dragon Naturally Speaking

1. ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is one of the tools that come highly recommended for long-term writers. It provides an in-depth analysis report of your writing and the sheer number of reports is astounding. Customizable according to our needs, it is integrated with other applications such as MS Word, Google Docs, Scrivener, and so on to make it convenient for the writer.

Attributes

• Checks Spelling
• Checks Grammar
• Offers side-by-side spelling and grammar suggestions
• Suggests stylistic improvements
• Provides graph to make you understand quickly
• Quizzes, Videos, and Explanations are included as you write
• Helps with Vocabulary

 for:

• Fiction and Non-Fiction Writers
• Content Writers
• Students
• Bloggers
• Business Writers

Price:

ProWritingAid Premium subscription starts at Rs. 4345 per year.

*Free Chrome Extension available

2. Grammarly

Grammarly has a large community and it is a highly advertised tool. This is regarded as one of the best Windows apps for writers. This tool is integrated with many other applications and brands such as MS Word, Google Docs, Gmail, Facebook, Slack, and Outlook.

It is a helpful program because it categorizes its feedback by theme and tone. Moreover, the grammar and spelling checks are elaborate. Their goal is to improve communication and make writing simple.

Attributes

Basic:

• Punctuation
• Spelling
• Grammar

Premium:

• Basic and Advanced Feedback
• Vocabulary
• Clarity and Conciseness
• Plagiarism Checker
• Tone Enhancer

Prices start from $12 or Rs. 892.64 per month.

3. Scrivener

This writing application is the best for long writing projects and long-term writers. It helps take away the intimidation of writing by allowing you to write in any order you want to. In addition to this, any research you do will always be available in the background. Scrivener can be integrated with other apps like Final Draft and MS Word.

Attributes:

• Helps compile all the work and allows you to navigate between different projects in an easy manner
• Allows different components to be put together to create a single piece of work
• The corkboard allows you to make small sticky notes which are connected to the main project
• Provides an outline that comes with a drag and drops feature
• Enables side by side viewing of documents
• AutoSaves and backs up your work

for:

• Biographers
• Novelists
• Journalists
• Screenwriters
• Students

Price: their standard licensing fee is Rs. 3890 while the educational license is Rs. 3306.

Also Read: Best Content Writing Courses in India

 4. iA Writer

It may be one of the simple-looking Windows apps for writers but that is the main purpose of this tool. iA Writer is popularly known for curating a platform where writers are less likely to get distracted and remain focused on the task. Moreover, its full-screen mode makes the menu and taskbar invisible so you won’t be tempted.

The main goal, although has always been to make writers think fast. Apart from the basic features like counting words, it also gives an estimate of how much time it will take one to read the document.

Attributes:

• Focus Mode, where everything is dimmed except the sentence you are writing
• Typewriter Scrolling
• Checker for filler and redundant words
• Dark Mode
• Available in several languages
• Highlights Syntax
• Provides the previous preview of documents
• Easily imported to MS Word, PDF, or any Custom Template

Price: After a 14-day free trial, you can purchase it for $29.99 or Rs. 2230.85

5. Google Docs

A widely used writing application, Google Docs is at the top when it comes to convenience. With this, you can type any type of content. As long as you use the same email id, Google Docs is available on any device. It is one of the most effortless Windows apps for writers. You can even access the previous changes or previous versions of the document and restore it at any time. Moreover, it is free.

Attributes:

• Supports multiple people working on the same document
• Chatting systems are available inside the documents
• Comments and suggestions box available
• Documents can be exported in the form of MS Word, PDF, Text, HTM, and ODT Format
• Sharable with anyone; you control who sees your documents
• Can convert any existing document into Google Docs version

6. Final Draft

Final Draft is among the leading windows apps for writers. It was founded way back in 1990 to provide writers with the best screenwriting tool. Additionally, it provides free educational resources and interviews with renowned screenwriters. It is one of my most used software when it comes to television and film productions.

for:

• Screenwriters
• Producers
• Directors
• Industry Executives

Attributes:

• Night Mode
• Focus Mode
• Helps keep up with the necessary changes you require
• Can import any PDF file for editing in the Final Draft App
• Images can be used
• The SmartType feature helps customize your words to save time
• Alternate Dialogue, a component where you can reserve many versions of your lines
• Automatic Backup and Save is available
• More than 300 templates are offered for screenplays, stage plays, comics, graphic novels and storytelling purposes

New Features:

• New Outlining Element
• ScriptNotes

Companies like Netflix, BBC, WarnerBros, and ABC are known to be avid takers of this writing application.

Price: Full license with a special offer- Rs. 14, 877

Regular Price: Rs. 18, 596

7. Evernote

This Windows App for writers is set out to make you remember important things. Defined as “an extension of your brain”, their goal is to make sure writers stay on top of their ideas and learn how to remain productive and manage time efficiently.

Attributes:

• Note making
• Create and Assign tasks
• Save Web Pages
• Use Highlights and Arrows
• Connects your Google Calendar so that you stay on schedule
• Offers easy searching with the help of its search bar and provides tags or keywords
• Accessible on any device

This writing tool is one of the cheapest windows apps for writers. While that being said, it is best suited for people who want to learn how to be productive while writing and save time while they work. It is also suitable for those who have a lot of tasks and find it hard to keep up. This application works with Google, Drive, Slack, Outlook, Gmail, and so on.

Price: Personal Subscription- Rs. 249 per month

Professional Subscription- Rs. 319 per month

*Free version available as well

8. Focus Writer

Another Windows App for writers is great for writing without any distractions. Focus Writer is exactly as the name suggests. It can hide other apps and help keep track of your progress. You can also decide how the text looks on the screen by changing the fonts.

Attributes:

• Typewriter Sound Effects
• Customizable Themes
• Spelling Checker
• Can hold up to multiple documents
• Available in more than 20 languages
• Let’s you set daily goals
• AutoSave Option available
• Suitable for all Operating Systems
• Contains alarms and timers
• Gives live feedback

Although this is a great application, it is not suitable for people who want to go back and edit their work. However, this app is completely free and can be downloaded with just a click.

9. LibreOffice

Back in the day, this was more commonly known as OpenOffice. In retrospect, the replenished version of this is more efficient in its manner. The documents produced via this software look professional and neat, whether it is a letter, a brochure, or a report. It also enables you to make presentations, drawings, and diagrams.

Attributes:

• Polished presentation of Content
• Well structured Content
• Suggests different styles
• Available in many languages
• Focuses on making the content look clean while all you focus on the writing aspect

By giving your content a more professional look, this software helps elevate your productivity. The amazing thing about this tool is that it is completely free.

10. Scribus

Launched in 2001, Scribus is a premier Windows App for writers used by both beginners and professionals. It is highly user-friendly and used mainly for shorter works or projects.

Attributes:

• Can make vector drawings
• Supports large no. of import and export
• Can be used across various platforms
• Easily exported in the form of PDF
• Contains professional tools
• Serves as a great template for getting the exact print you want
• Contains layered documents and multiple pages
• Has an abundance of more than 200 colors
• A great writing application for publishing magazines

Moreover, this tool is free of cost.

11. MS Word

MS Word has become a household name over the years and is still widely used by many writers. It is one of the most convenient and easy-to-use Windows Apps for writers. It contains a host of features too detailed to list down here. So, we have included the best ones below.

Attributes:

• Helps translate documents into your non-native language
• Allows you to insert 3D models in presents and reports
• Enables you to read articles in the taskbar so that you can concentrate on your content
• Checks grammar and spelling via the Editor
• Editor Overview pane provides advanced suggestions
• Offers resume and form templates
• Enables you to read documents from multiple devices
• The mobile feature allows you to read documents, PDFs, and email attachments

Price: Rs. 11,999 but you can save money if you buy Microsoft 365 which comes at just Rs. 6,199 per year.

12. Readable

Readable is not just an easy tool to use but it also aims at making readers understand the content easily. They want writing that is clear and simple, therefore, the tools are present to enhance your writing skills.

Attributes:

• Checks the readability of your writing
• Checks Spelling
• Checks Grammar
• Helps avoid passive voice and cliches
• Enhances the readability of your writing
• Works on all forms of writing like emails, spreadsheets, URLs, and PDFs
• Helps scan websites to offer you better alternatives
• Offers Keyword Density
• Even the tone of your writing
• Provides detailed reports on your text

Readable has an elaborate system of determining the readability of your writing. It helps you prepare your content so that it grabs and holds the attention of the reader within 7 seconds.

Price: 7-day free trial and then charged at $4 or Rs. 297.55 per month.

13. Freedom

With a community of 20,00,000 writers, Freedom is a great part of Windows apps for writers who want to learn how to write productively. Their motto is to keep you focused while writing. It helps turn off all the distracting elements like pings, headlines, and emails. They want to help their users be better at their professions.

Attributes:

• Blocks the websites and apps that are distracting
• Allows you to choose the duration of blocks
• Enables you to choose when you wish to start the blocks
• Helps make technology an advantage rather than a distraction
• Available on all devices

Freedom is known to be featured with renowned names like The New York Times, NPR, and The Guardian.

Price: Freedom Premium starts at $2.50 or Rs. 185.97 per month.

14. Hemingway App

Apart from being named after one of the most well-known authors, this app helps make your writing easy to read by putting things more simply. All you have to do is copy and paste your content and let the app judge your readability. According to how you use your sentences, it will grade your writing.

Attributes:

• Emphasizes the complicated and long sentences
• Spots common mistakes
• A helpful color Co-Ordinator enables you to differentiate and understand the different errors
• Indicates passive voice
• Gives you vocabulary hints
• A helpful toolbar helps format your content

A helpful element of this app is that is it highly suggestible and fast. It is also free of cost.

15. Dragon Naturally Speaking

Dragon Naturally Speaking otherwise known as Nuance, is a speech recognition application. As you speak, the words will be typed on the screen. It enables you to create documents without the use of the keyboard.

Attributes:

• Time-Saving as it takes longer to type
• Safe way to learn dictation
• Integrated with Office 365
• Available on mobile devices

Price: $300 or Rs. 22,315

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are the most used Windows Apps for writers?

Microsoft Word is the most used software on Windows to write a multitude of content such as assignments, academic papers, articles, and whatnot. MS Word can handle all the basic needs of a writer. Other than this, Google Docs is also widely used by many writers and companies.

2. Which apps are free for downloading?

Most apps in their basic versions are free of cost and free to download. Even if you don’t use the paid version, most programs like Grammarly are free to download.

3. What Application do professionals use to write?

Scrivener is best for professionals as it’s an app made for writers by writers themselves. However, Google Docs or MS Word is also just as much used by professionals like Stephen King.

4. Is Google Docs a good app to write a book on?

Yes, it is free of cost and all you need is internet access. Moreover, with this, you can write on any device as the changes are automatically saved. It is cheap, efficient, and contains all the features that a Word document has.

5. Can Windows Apps for writers help improve writing skills?

Depends on the application. If it comes with spelling and grammar checkers like Grammarly and ProWritingAid then yes, these can help improve your writing skills.

Conclusion

It can be quite overwhelming or intimidating to choose a writing software that suits your needs and helps you improve your writing skills. However, once you find your app, you will be able to attract more readers and feel confident about your writing. The list above will surely help you find a starting point for using apps as a means to write. Remember that you can always try free trails before you purchase or subscribe so that you don’t end up getting something that is not helpful.