Write every day with these 6 apps

If you’re a tech-loving writer who composes on screen but hasn’t explored the wide world of writing apps, you might be missing out on some ways to majorly boost your productivity, motivation, and inspiration.

Think beyond using iPhone Notes to quickly jot down an idea before it escapes you. There are so many quality apps out there that have been optimized for beginners, veterans, screenwriters, freelancers, and more. The best writing apps boast benefits that will get you organized, help you plot projects and track submissions, allow you to export your work in multiple formats, and keep you focused while writing.

Here are six standout apps to help you write every single day:

For the dedicated writer—Mac and iOS: Ulysses ($4.99/mo or $39.99/yr)

Ulysses is the industry standard for writing apps, if you don’t mind subscribing. With a modern and intuitive interface, fast syncing to the cloud and other devices, WordPress integration options for bloggers, and “text transclusion” for piecing together one document out of smaller existing documents, Ulysses is packed with perks. A PC Mag Editor’s Choice pick for 2017, Ulysses is the most aesthetically-pleasing and easiest-to-use app out there for writers who want distraction-free functionality.

For the dedicated writer—Windows: Scrivener ($40)

Essentially Ulysses for Windows users (though not quite as pretty), Scrivener lets you focus on content generation and text organization. A word processor and a project management tool, it’s great strength is that it allows writers to compose in chunks and shuffle the pieces around to find the right order; and Scrivener can even store your research (docs, images, etc. related to a particular writing project). Microsoft Word can’t do that!

For the blocked writer: The Brainstormer (iOS, $1.99)

Spin the wheel to produce writing exercises and get a stagnant project back on track with The Brainstormer, “a powerful weapon against writer’s block.” You can even create your own wheel options based on your existing writing projects—type in a character’s name, an action, and so on to create endless potential scenarios that just might be your next great plot twist. This app also offers World, Character, and Creature Builder options. Stay sharp even when you aren’t writing with this fun little motivational tool.

For the writer who’s just getting started: Writers App (iOS, $.99)

For a tiny investment, you can use Writers App to outline and plan a story idea and see it through to its final draft. Every great piece of writing starts somewhere; you can create a blueprint for your most pressing narrative concept on your mobile device and export it as a .txt file later using this app’s basic functions, or upgrade to the pro version to sync content to the cloud and other devices, add images, and back up your writing.

For the writer who thinks out loud: Dragon Dictation (iOS and Android, free)

Take hands-free notes anywhere that inspiration strikes with Dragon Dictation, a transcription app that translates what you speak into text. You can use this app to update your social media feeds, compose an email or text message, and, yes, record a brilliant story idea on the run. It even has an editing feature, making it more than just a simple dictation app.

For the serious self-editor: iA Writer Pro (iOS, $9.99)

Beyond organization, the diligent writer needs an app to help with the heavy lifting of editing. Writer Pro has a “syntax control” feature that highlights your verbs, adjectives, and so on to help you choose more impactful words that are true to your style. With an emphasis on workflow to keep a writing project organized through research, draft, and editing stages, no other app works as hard to assist with honing and polishing your writing.

Have you tried any of these writing apps, and if not, which one are you most curious about? I'd love to hear what you think!

This post first appeared on the blog for the Center for Creative Writing. I am the Center's director, and this is my original content. Want to receive writing tips like this in your email inbox every Sunday morning? Sign up for the Center's email list!