iA Writer Alternative: Focused Writing Apps

iA Writer defined the minimal writing app category. Its clean interface and focus mode inspired a generation of writing tools. But it's not perfect for everyone. Here's what to consider in an alternative.

Minimal + Habit Tracking

Hearth combines iA Writer's focused approach with streaks, goals, and reminders to help you write consistently.

Start free trial

What Makes iA Writer Special

Iconic minimal design with custom typography
Focus mode that highlights current sentence
Syntax highlighting for Markdown
One-time purchase (no subscription)
Native apps for Mac, iOS, Windows, Android
File-based storage with Markdown files

Why Writers Seek Alternatives

No habit features: No streaks, goals, or progress tracking. iA Writer is just an editor.
Limited organization: File-based means you manage folders outside the app. No project structure.
No cloud sync built in: Relies on iCloud or Dropbox. You manage the sync.
No web version: Need a device with the app installed to access your work.
Separate purchases: Buy separately for each platform (Mac, iOS, Windows, Android).

iA Writer vs. Hearth

Writing Focus

iA Writer: Exceptional minimal design. Focus mode highlights current sentence or paragraph.

Hearth: Clean, minimal interface designed for prose. No unnecessary features or distractions.

Habit Building

iA Writer: None. Pure editor with no tracking.

Hearth: Daily streaks, goals, active time tracking, progress visualization, and customizable reminders.

Project Organization

iA Writer: Works with files and folders on your device or cloud storage. You organize outside the app.

Hearth: Built-in projects and folders. Organize novels, articles, and notes in one place.

Access and Sync

iA Writer: Native apps only. Sync via iCloud or Dropbox.

Hearth: Web-based. Access from any browser on any device. Always in sync.

When iA Writer Excels

iA Writer is ideal if you:

Prefer local file storage over cloud
Want native app performance
Already have strong writing habits
Don't need progress tracking
Work mostly on one device
Love the specific iA Writer typography

The Consistency Question

A beautiful writing environment is valuable. But the biggest challenge most writers face isn't finding the right editor—it's writing consistently.

iA Writer helps you write well when you sit down. But it doesn't help you sit down in the first place. For many writers, habit tracking features make the difference between occasional writing and a consistent practice.

Minimal Design + Writing Habits

Hearth combines the focused writing experience you love with the streak tracking and reminders you need to write every day.