11 (Free) Apps All Writers Should Have

In the age of technology, writers are faced with finding new ways to do things. Research is easier now that it’s at our fingertips in mere seconds, but there’s a downside to all the tech that’s often overlooked.

With so many options, both free and premium variations, what apps and tech should writers choose? And what things should writers avoid?

Well, if you’re wondering this very question, then you’re in the right place. I’ve already done the hard part (sifting through the app store and the abyss of all the apps), which has lead me to creating my list of the 11 apps that you need on your iPhone.

All you have to do is sit back, type the titles into the app store search engine, and smash the install button.

Ready? Let’s go!

Google Docs

(available for iPhone and Laptop)

There are multiple reasons why I say this. First, I’ve never tried Scrivener because it’s expensive and I’m broke (thus the free part of this blog post). Second, Google Docs is basically a dream scenario for writers who are collaborating because you can have multiple people writing in one document at the same time. Third, you can access Google Docs from both your phone and laptop without any issues. Word is great for laptops, but connecting your account to your phone? I gave up because it was confusing. But with Google Docs, it’s easy as pie because it’s linked to your Google account. This means that what you see on you laptop is the same as what you see on your phone. Every time, without even having to save because it’s a built-in feature!

OneNote

(available for iPhone)

Is there anything special or extraordinary about OneNote? Not really. But I like it because I use it to store all the writer notes that used to be on my other note app. So while it’s not as fancy as some of the other apps mentioned in this post, it does the job that I needed it to do.

The Writer’s style guide

(available for iPhone)

The Writer’s style guide offers a quick and easy handy booklet for all the common questions that writers have, but hate googling because it ends with us on a site, reading about how to get away with murder and where to hide the body (you know I’m right, don’t try to deny it). In addition, this app gives you a new tip every week and has multiple ways to contact the creators if you have a question that the app doesn’t or can’t answer.

Pinterest

(available for iPhone and laptop)

Pinterest is the one and only social media account that allows you to create mood, aesthetic, and novel boards. My writing life has completely overrun my Pinterest, but I’m okay with that cause I use it mostly for writing purposes. Also, it’s super easy to use and navigate with little to no help from others. It might take you a few minutes, but after that, you’re good to go for pretty much eternity.

Google calendar

(available for iPhone and laptop)

If you haven’t seen Abbiee’s post about calendar blocking, click here to read that. So basically that’s my only reason for throwing this app in here. But it’s also a good app to just have in general anyway. So…yeah.

Ambient Mixer

(available for iPhone and laptop)

It’s literally exactly what it sounds like. It’s an app that lets you create your very own soundscape. I’ve made ones for my dystopian novels, as well as saved a bunch of other soundscapes by other people for my own personal use. They also have a crazy assortment of fandom themed soundscapes. Everything from Supernatural to Doctor Who to Harry Potter common rooms to Lord of The Rings realms. So go, make an account and start creating the soundscape of your world.

Dictionary

(available for iPhone)

There’s not a ton to explain with this app. It’s just your standard dictionary app. It does what it’s supposed to and as far as I know, it runs pretty smoothly.

Canva

(available for iPhone and laptop)

Canva is an app that allows you to create social media graphics, blog graphics, novel aesthetics, mood boards, and so many other amazing things. You can even make WIP book covers! So what are you waiting for?

Hanx Writer

(available for iPhone)

So why am I including it in my list? Because it lets you pretend that you’re typing on a typewriter and I just think that’s like the coolest thing ever (because I’m a proud and obnoxious nerd). So if you’re a fan of typewriter aesthetics, definitely check out this app.

Power Thesaurus

(available for iPhone)

Again, not anything super fancy or techy or special, just your basic thesaurus app. But it runs well and it’s nice to have on hand.

Mindly

(available for iPhone)

Ever have an idea but you aren’t sure how to think through it or expand it or even what to do next? Mindly is a brain mapping app. It lets you put your main idea (or story idea) in the big circle in the middle and then you can add sub-topics and relevant information in the other circles around the big circle. It’s also a great app for building and fleshing out essay bullet points for the students who are reading this.

Let’s Talk!

What writerly apps do you have that you love? Which of these apps do you think you need? Are you an Amazon Music person or a Spotify person? Let’s talk all things writing tools in the comments down below!