IA Writer

iA Writer
Original author(s)Information Architects GmbH
Developer(s)Information Architects GmbH
Initial releaseSeptember 22, 2010; 14 years ago (2010-09-22), for iOS
Stable release
iOS5.6.2 / October 21, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-10-21)
macOS6.0.4 / September 26, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-09-26)
Windows1.4.7655 / December 21, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-12-21)
Android2.0(86) / August 7, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-08-07)
Written inObjective-C (iOS, macOS), C (Windows), Java (Android)
Operating system
Size12–40 MB
TypeText editor
LicenseProprietary software
Websitewww.ia.net/writer

iA Writer is a text editor developed by Information Architects (iA). It was first released on September 22, 2010, for iOS, followed by a macOS version on May 28, 2011, and a Microsoft Windows version in 2018, funded via a Kickstarter campaign.[1] An Android version was launched on August 7, 2020, but was later discontinued due to changes in Google API policies.[2][3]

Features

iA Writer is designed to focus solely on writing, offering a minimalist interface with features like distraction-free[4] mode and syntax highlighting.[5] It uses "writing typography," a concept emphasizing legibility with custom monospaced and duospaced fonts[6] derived from IBM Plex Mono.[7] Its signature blue cursor and gray background enhance the user’s focus.

The editor supports Markdown for text formatting, enabling writers to seamlessly export to multiple formats such as PDF, Word, and HTML. Advanced integrations include Micropub publishing, allowing direct uploads to personal blogs or platforms like micro.blog.[8]

In 2022, iA Writer added features including cross-document linking, YAML metadata, and shortcuts to improve navigation within the application.[9]

Reception

iA Writer has been praised for its simplicity and utility in fostering a distraction-free writing environment. In 2012, The Verge described the iPhone version as “one of the best tools for mobile writing.”[10] It has also been recognized in reviews by MacWorld and Business Insider for its innovative design.[11][4]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Kickstarted: iA Writer for Windows". iA Writer. January 10, 2018. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  2. ^ "Our Android App is Frozen in Carbonite". iA Writer. September 26, 2024. Archived from the original on October 4, 2024.
  3. ^ Purdy, Kevin (October 4, 2025). "Google as Darth Vader: Why iA Writer quit the Android app market". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on October 4, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Love, Dylan (April 12, 2012). "Oliver Reichenstein on the Origins of iA Writer". Business Insider. Archived from the original on May 11, 2017. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  5. ^ Fuchs, Ian (June 18, 2018). "Stay focused on writing with iA Writer [50 Essential iOS Apps #27]". Cult of Mac. Archived from the original on November 26, 2024.
  6. ^ Viticci, Federico (December 24, 2018). "iA Writer 5.2: Better Typography and External Library Locations". Archived from the original on December 28, 2018.
  7. ^ "A Typographic Christmas". iA Writer Blog. December 14, 2018.
  8. ^ Gooding, Sarah (May 15, 2020). "iA Writer Adds Expanded Support for IndieWeb Tools and WordPress Publishing". WP Tavern. Archived from the original on May 16, 2020.
  9. ^ Voorhees, John (June 14, 2022). "iA Writer 6 Adds Cross-Document Linking, Metadata, and More". MacStories. Archived from the original on June 14, 2022.
  10. ^ Byford, Sam (March 8, 2012). "iA Writer for iPhone Review". The Verge. Archived from the original on March 10, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  11. ^ Friedman, Lex (December 28, 2011). "iA Writer for iPad Review". MacWorld. Archived from the original on December 28, 2011.
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