FocusWriter AlternativesOnly apps from the EU

The best alternative to FocusWriter is Zettlr, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to FocusWriter and 19 are so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting alternatives to FocusWriter are ghostwriter, QOwnNotes, Trudido and Bear.

filter to find the best alternatives

FocusWriter alternatives are mainly Text Editors, but if you're looking for Note-taking Tools or Word Processors you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Linux, Android and iPad. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to FocusWriter.
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Alternatives list

  1. Zettlr icon
     245 likes

    Unified writing platform offering note-taking, easy citations with Zotero integration, LaTeX/Word templates, snippets, themes, dark modes, code highlighting, multi-language support, and knowledge management with Zettelkasten for seamless writing from notes to books.

    182 Zettlr alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
     
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    1
    Comments about Zettlr as an Alternative to FocusWriter
    liricospina
    Positive
    -2

    This program does not work in any other version of Mac OS but the very latest, which by all accounts is still to be avoided. (Apparently. working remotely has made the macsters overzealously productive in an attempt to remain useful and banish boredom, at mac users' expense.)

    Zettlr icon
    Zettlr icon
    • Zettlr is Free and Open SourceFocusWriter is also Free and Open Source
    • Zettlr is Privacy focusedFocusWriter is not according to our users
  2. ghostwriter icon
     109 likes

    ghostwriter is a feature-rich text editor using Markdown syntax which makes it suitable for note-taking, document redaction, simple HTML website creation and much more.

    139 ghostwriter alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • Haiku
     
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    2
    9
    Comments about ghostwriter as an Alternative to FocusWriter
    javillalba
    Positive
    0
    • Full screen distraction-free.
    • Open Source license.
    • Word count and progress stats.
    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Krakra
    Positive
    0

    very nice tool - i like it much more than Write and use it as alternative to it.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    ghostwriter icon
    ghostwriter icon
    • Most users think ghostwriter is a great FocusWriter alternative.

    • ghostwriter is Free and Open SourceFocusWriter is also Free and Open Source
    • ghostwriter is Privacy focusedFocusWriter is not according to our users
  3. QOwnNotes icon
     96 likes

    Plain text notepad with markdown support and todo list manager for Linux, Mac OS X and Windows, that works together with the notes application of ownCloud.

    266 QOwnNotes alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Qt
     
  4. Trudido icon
     14 likes

    Offline in-device task manager and note app featuring smart creation, advanced organization, calendar and list views, Markdown notes, secure SHA-256 encryption, Material You theming, multiple color themes, no tracking or ads, and import/export for total ownership.

    36 Trudido alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
     
  5. Bear icon
     95 likes

    Flexible note-taking and writing tool featuring advanced markdown with in-line images, cross-note links, live preview, hashtags, Focus Mode, plain text storage, iCloud sync, one-tap formatting, smart data recognition, and multiple export formats for portability.

    250 Bear alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Online
    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  6. WriteMonkey icon
     130 likes

    Writemonkey is a Windows zenware writing application with an extremely stripped down user interface, leaving you alone with your thoughts and your words.

    105 WriteMonkey alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
    |
    1
    10
    Comments about WriteMonkey as an Alternative to FocusWriter
    callyw
    Positive
    1

    WriteMonkey has the same ability to customize the writing window and fonts It does have more features, with markdown support, for example, but it offers the same full screen distraction-free writing experience. It is also free and can be run as a portable app like FocusWriter.

    WriteMonkey icon
    WriteMonkey icon
    • Almost everyone thinks WriteMonkey is a great FocusWriter alternative.

    • WriteMonkey is Freemium and ProprietaryFocusWriter is Free and Open Source
  7. Ulysses icon
     69 likes

    Ulysses is a text editor for creative writers. Used by bloggers, poets, students and published novelists all over the world, it offers an integrated environment to brainstorm, draft, revise and even submit text on a professional level.

    129 Ulysses alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  8. Heynote icon
     19 likes

    Heynote is a dedicated scratchpad for developers. It functions as a large persistent text buffer where you can write down anything you like. Works great for that Slack message you don't want to accidentally send, a JSON response from an API you're working with, notes...

    57 Heynote alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
  9. OmmWriter icon
     47 likes

    Ommwriter is a simple text processor that firmly believes in making writing a pleasure once again, reinvindicating the close relationship between writer and paper. The more intimate the relation, the smoother the flow of inspiration.

    54 OmmWriter alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
     
  10. Byword icon
     53 likes

    Byword is designed to make writing more enjoyable with Markdown on your Mac, iPhone and iPad.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  11. Rich text editor for Windows 10 and 11 offering tabbed windows, autosave, minimal UI, support for multiple files, basic and advanced RTF editing, AI-powered features, extension support including ChatGPT, and a smooth workspace for daily and professional use.

    40 Ivirius Text Editor alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  12. OmPad icon
     17 likes

    OmPad is a free, simple, powerful, beautiful and minimal writing app that helps you focus and concentrate on writing great content. Format your text with headings, bold, italic, links, images, lists, code and quotes.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
     
12 of 19 FocusWriter alternatives