Online Tools for Writers is a collection of the best free to use tools for writers. Our goal is simple. To provide writers around the globe with a list of tools that are easy to use, while also being powerful to satisfy your every writing need.
Have you ever wanted to search for something online, but didn’t know what the best websites were? This happens to me all the time. I am helping out a client with their blog and want to share some of my favorite tools for writers. I thought it would be helpful to create a list of tools that I like and use frequently.
Being a writer these days is tough. It seems like there are so many people who want to write for a living and although it is a great kind of work, sometimes financially it doesn’t pay as much as it should. Whatever type of writing you do, we all need tools that we can use to make the process easier and the quality of our work better. The following paragraphs will introduce you to some free tools offered by Google, Microsoft and other websites that will help you make your life as a writer easier and probably more profitable as well.
No matter what you write – copy for an ad, a blog post, a story, or a novel – you need tools to help you get it done faster and with higher quality. Which tools? I don’t know – the right ones. But what I do know is that analyzing tools like Google Analytics and using other free services can help you as long as they fit your needs.
Free Writing Software ????
If you haven’t found the right writing tools yet, consider one of these free writing software options. There are so many word processors these days, so we’ve provided the pros and cons for each one to help you decide.
1. Google Docs (iOS/Mac/Online)
Google Docs is simple and doesn’t offer a ton of bells and whistles. Nonetheless, for writers who are easily distracted, the simplicity might be the key to focusing.
| Pros ???? | Cons ???? |
| • The automatic save function is a lifesaver for writers who often forget to save their work. Never lose another word of your work with Google Docs! | • There are no complex organization or planning functions. This might not work for writers looking to easily organize their ideas, characters, or plot. |
| • You can access your writing from anywhere because all documents are saved to the cloud. | • This might not be the best option for writers without a steady internet connection. |
2. yWriter (Windows)
If organizing is important to you, you’ll love yWriter. This free writing software allows you to organize your plot and character development with ease!
| Pros ???? | Cons ???? |
| • Organization features! Your writing can be organized by scenes, rather than lengthy chapters. yWriter offers the ability to drag and drop scenes to rearrange your writing any way you want. | • yWriter is only available for Windows right now, but a Mac OS version is on its way! |
| • Lots of stats data. Use this feature to keep track of your writing goals and progress. | • Some of the additional features can be distracting for writers who struggle to stay focused. |
3. FocusWriter (Windows, Mac OS, Linux)
FocusWriter is the ideal tool for easily distracted writers. Sometimes, technology can be awfully distracting. Having too many features in your writing program can be too much clutter to focus on writing!
| Pros ???? | Cons ???? |
| • A clean, distraction-free interface that lets you focus on what matters: your words! | • No additional features. |
| • Available for many operating systems. | • Not ideal for writers who need organization or for those who often research while writing. |
Free Writing Apps ????
If you like to draft on your phone or tablet, here are some writing apps you can use. Reach your word count goals even faster with these free writing apps!
1. Werdsmith (iOS)
Experience an on-the-go writing studio with Werdsmith. This app features an interesting interface that allows you to store your writing ideas.
| Pros ???? | Cons ???? |
| • Easy-to-access writing on the go! Write while you commute (by public transport) or while waiting in between meetings. No writing while driving, of course. | • The app is very simple. There aren’t any organization features. This means, for those who need organization, this app isn’t for you. |
| • Store your ideas and drafts in the cloud so you never lose any content! | • This is only available on iOS, unfortunately. |
2. Notes App (iOS)
The iOS Notes app is on most iOS devices, it’s easily available for a quick writing session anywhere, anytime… unless you have Android devices.
| Pros ???? | Cons ???? |
| • For iPhone/Mac users, this might be one of the easiest-to-access apps for drafting away from home! | • Only available on iOS. |
| • You can separate projects into different folders to stay organized. | • Limited features for tagging or labeling projects. |
| • You can easily co-write with other writers by sharing a note! | |
| • Your drafts seamlessly sync to your other iOS devices when linked. |
3. Evernote (iOS/Android)
Evernote is a well-known note-taking app that has a ton of useful organization features. Many of the plans or features are paid, but it has a decent free plan that allows you to draft notes, scenes, or chapters on your mobile devices.
| Pros ???? | Cons ???? |
| • Evernote pairs well with other apps and services, such as Google Drive and Microsoft Outlook. | • Most of Evernote’s useful features require a paid subscription, and the app can be pushy about upgrading to a paid plan. |
| • Your content is backed up to the cloud. Don’t worry about forgetting to save! | • The app isn’t designed specifically for writers, so it might not be as intuitive to certain creative needs, such as word counts and goal tracking. |
Free Editing Tools for Writing ✅
Let technology do the hard work for you by using a free online editing tool to get your writing in its best shape! Don’t waste precious writing time on the little details! With free editing tools for writing like Grammarly and the Hemingway App, you can fix your editing problems in no time at all.
1. Grammarly (Web App)
If your grammar is holding you back, try Grammarly for a quick fix to any piece of writing. Grammarly is available on the web and as a downloadable app for phones and other devices.
| Pros ???? | Cons ???? |
| • Grammarly points out and offers solutions for all grammar and spelling errors. | • If you are including intentional errors, then the tool might be less helpful at providing useful suggestions. |
| • Offers in-depth explanations for grammar rules, so you can learn as you go. | • The free plan has limited features and resources, which can be a pain if you need additional help with your writing. |
2. Hemingway App (Web App)
The Hemingway App is similar to Grammarly in the grain that they will help you improve your writing. However, this tool focuses more on sentence structure and readability, rather than grammar and spelling.
| Pros ???? | Cons ???? |
| • You can use this app to improve your readability and how you present your material to your audience. | • This tool is only available on the web and can’t be implemented into your web browser or mobile devices, like Grammarly. |
| • Your writing will be more concise and clearer because the Hemingway App points out unnecessarily wordy phrases and confusing sentences. | • Hemingway is notoriously concise with his writing. If you are writing creatively and like to use lengthier, more complex sentences, then this app may not offer the best corrections. |
Conclusions
If you are a writer, then you are familiar with this problem. The dreaded Book or Idea Block. You can try to get around that by reading other people’s work, but something is always better than nothing. Plus if you are looking for inspiration for specific plot lines, you can make use of tools created specifically for writers. Online Content Sites