I’ve struggled to decide on my writing app of choice based on my specific criteria and needs.
For your entertainment, I’m posting the prompts and responses in the order given. However, I’m duplicating the final recommendation before pasting the entire “conversation.”
NOTE: Please pardon the typos and grammar; I don’t correct anything when typing quickly into AIs. 
Recommendation
Scrivener stands out as the best fit for your requirements. It’s designed with writers in mind, offering the flexibility, organizational tools, and export options needed for both short and long-form writing. The one-time purchase model for both Mac and iOS makes it economically appealing in the long term, despite the initial learning curve and the need for Dropbox for syncing instead of iCloud.
It’s always a good idea to download trial versions (where available) to test the software yourself before making a purchase. This way, you can ensure that the app meets your expectations and workflow preferences.
Initial Prompt:
I’m looking for a text editor with the following features:
Native Mac and iOS apps
Is future-proof
Provides an outline view
Syncs with iCloud
Many export options
One-time purchase, with no subscription
Can handle footnotes and images
Suitable for short-form writing like blog articles and presentations and long-form like reports and books
ChatGPT:
Sure, I can help you outline what to look for in a text editor based on your needs. Could you please specify which features are most important to you? For example, are you looking for syntax highlighting, version control integration, support for multiple languages, real-time collaboration, or any other specific features?
Native Mac and iOS apps
Is future-proof
Provides an outline view
Syncs with iCloud
Many export options
One-time purchase, with no subscription
Can handle footnotes and images
Suitable for short-form writing like blog articles and presentations and long-form like reports and books
ChatGPT
Based on your requirements, you’re looking for a text editor that is tailored for writing and note-taking, with a strong emphasis on organization and compatibility across Apple devices. While my knowledge is up to date as of April 2023, and there might be new applications available, here are a few text editors that closely match your criteria:
-
Ulysses:
- Plain Text & Markdown: Ulysses uses its own version of Markdown (Markdown XL) which adds a few more features on top of standard Markdown, making it powerful for writers.
- Outline View: Offers a sidebar for navigating the structure of your documents.
- Native Mac and iOS Apps: Yes, it’s designed for the Apple ecosystem.
- Syncs with iCloud: Seamless iCloud integration for syncing across devices.
- Export Options: Supports exporting to various formats including PDF, DOCX, HTML, ePub, and more.
- One-Time Purchase: Ulysses moved to a subscription model, but this might be a point of contention based on your requirement.
- Footnotes and Images: Supports footnotes and images within documents.
-
iA Writer:
- Plain Text & Markdown: Focuses on a clean, simple Markdown writing experience.
- Outline View: Features a content block and outline panel for easy navigation.
- Native Mac and iOS Apps: Available on both platforms with a consistent writing experience.
- Syncs with iCloud: Offers iCloud sync, making your documents available across all your devices.
- Export Options: Can export to HTML, PDF, Microsoft Word (.docx), and more.
- One-Time Purchase: iA Writer is available as a one-time purchase on both Mac and iOS.
- Footnotes and Images: Supports Markdown images and footnotes, making it versatile for various writing projects.
-
Bear:
- Plain Text & Markdown: Offers a focus on Markdown for note-taking and prose.
- Outline View: Has a tagging system for organization, which can serve as an outline of sorts.
- Native Mac and iOS Apps: Designed specifically for Apple devices.
- Syncs with iCloud: Syncs notes across devices using iCloud.
- Export Options: Provides multiple export options including PDF, DOCX, HTML, and more.
- One-Time Purchase: Bear uses a subscription model for its Pro features, which might not align with your preference.
- Footnotes and Images: Supports images and offers a unique way to handle footnotes through Markdown.
While Ulysses and Bear have moved towards subscription models, iA Writer remains a strong candidate that meets most of your criteria, especially the one-time purchase requirement. Always check the latest version of these apps as features and pricing models may have changed since my last update.
I’m looking for native Mac and iOS writing apps that are “future-proof”, and have the following features: Provides an outline view Native Mac and iOS apps Syncs with iCloud Many export options, one-time purchase, with no subscription Can handle footnotes and images
ChatGPT
Finding a writing app that is “future-proof” can be challenging, as software development and business models evolve. However, focusing on apps with a strong track record and a commitment to the Apple ecosystem can be a good indicator of longevity. As of my last update in April 2023, here are a few apps that meet your criteria:
1. iA Writer
- Outline View: Yes, iA Writer includes a content block and outline panel for easy navigation.
- Native Mac and iOS Apps: Specifically designed for a seamless experience across Apple devices.
- Syncs with iCloud: Fully supports iCloud for syncing your documents.
- Export Options: Offers a variety of export options, including PDF, HTML, and Microsoft Word (.docx).
- One-Time Purchase: Available as a one-time purchase on both Mac and iOS platforms.
- Footnotes and Images: Supports Markdown for images and footnotes.
2. Scrivener
- Outline View: Scrivener is known for its comprehensive organizing features, including a corkboard and outline view.
- Native Mac and iOS Apps: Available for both Mac and iOS, though they are purchased separately.
- Syncs with iCloud: While Scrivener does not directly use iCloud for syncing, it can sync via Dropbox, which is also integrated into iOS and macOS.
- Export Options: Offers extensive export options, including ePub, Kindle, PDF, and Word documents.
- One-Time Purchase: Scrivener is sold as a one-time purchase for both Mac and iOS.
- Footnotes and Images: Excellently handles footnotes, comments, and images, making it suitable for complex writing projects.
3. Mellel
- Outline View: Mellel offers a strong outline feature designed for long and complex documents.
- Native Mac and iOS Apps: Available on both platforms, with a focus on the Apple ecosystem.
- Syncs with iCloud: Supports iCloud for document syncing across devices.
- Export Options: Provides various export options, including PDF and Word.
- One-Time Purchase: Mellel is available as a one-time purchase, with optional upgrades for major versions.
- Footnotes and Images: Specializes in handling footnotes, endnotes, and images, catering to academic and professional writing.
Considerations:
- Future-Proofing: Look for apps with a consistent update history and a clear commitment to the Apple ecosystem.
- Compatibility: Ensure the app’s file format works well with other tools you use or might use in the future.
- Community and Support: A vibrant user community and responsive support team can be indicators of an app’s longevity.
Given the rapid pace of software development and changes in business models, I recommend checking the current status of these apps directly on their official websites or the App Store for the most up-to-date information.
repeat the above but add that the app works well for both short-form writing, e.g., a presentation or blog post and long-form, e.g., research article or book.
ChatGPT
Certainly! When looking for a writing app that suits both short-form and long-form projects, it’s important to find software that offers flexibility, robust organization features, and a distraction-free environment. Here are the apps that fit your criteria, updated to emphasize their suitability for both types of writing:
1. iA Writer
- Outline View: Yes, includes a content block and outline panel for easy navigation, beneficial for both short and long projects.
- Native Mac and iOS Apps: Designed for a seamless experience across Apple devices.
- Syncs with iCloud: Supports iCloud for syncing your documents.
- Export Options: Offers a variety of export options, including PDF, HTML, and Microsoft Word (.docx).
- One-Time Purchase: Available as a one-time purchase on both Mac and iOS platforms.
- Footnotes and Images: Supports Markdown for images and footnotes, making it versatile for articles, blogs, and books.
- Short-Form and Long-Form: Its minimalist interface is ideal for focusing on short blog posts or presentations, while its Markdown support and document organization cater well to longer projects like research articles or books.
2. Scrivener
- Outline View: Known for its comprehensive organizing features, including a corkboard and outline view, perfect for managing large writing projects.
- Native Mac and iOS Apps: Available for both Mac and iOS, though they are purchased separately.
- Syncs with iCloud: Can sync via Dropbox, offering a workaround for iCloud integration.
- Export Options: Extensive export options, including ePub, Kindle, PDF, and Word documents.
- One-Time Purchase: Sold as a one-time purchase for both Mac and iOS.
- Footnotes and Images: Excellently handles footnotes, comments, and images, suitable for academic and professional writing.
- Short-Form and Long-Form: While Scrivener shines in managing complex, long-form writing projects, it’s also flexible enough for shorter pieces, thanks to its ability to break down documents into manageable chunks.
3. Mellel
- Outline View: Offers a strong outline feature designed for managing the structure of long and complex documents.
- Native Mac and iOS Apps: Available on both platforms, focusing on the Apple ecosystem.
- Syncs with iCloud: Supports iCloud for document syncing across devices.
- Export Options: Various export options, including PDF and Word.
- One-Time Purchase: Available as a one-time purchase, with optional upgrades for major versions.
- Footnotes and Images: Specializes in handling footnotes, endnotes, and images, catering to academic and professional writing.
- Short-Form and Long-Form: Mellel’s robust document structuring and reference management make it ideal for long-form writing, but its straightforward text editing capabilities also serve well for shorter documents.
Considerations:
- Versatility: The chosen app should offer a distraction-free writing environment and robust organization features to cater to both short and long writing forms.
- Update History and Support: Look for apps with a strong update history and support for the latest macOS and iOS versions to ensure future-proofing.
- File Compatibility: Consider how easily you can export or import files to and from other platforms, which is crucial for sharing and publishing your work.
These apps are well-regarded in the writing community for their flexibility, making them suitable for a wide range of writing tasks, from blog posts and presentations to research articles and books. Always check the most current version and offerings of these apps, as features and pricing models may have changed.
Let’s start over: Native Mac and iOS apps Is future-proof Provides an outline view Syncs with iCloud Many export options one-time purchase, with no subscription Can handle footnotes and images Suitable for short-form writing like blog articles and presentations and long-form like reports and books
ChatGPT
For a writing app that meets your comprehensive criteria–native to Mac and iOS, future-proof, with an outline view, iCloud sync, extensive export options, one-time purchase, and adept at handling both footnotes and images, as well as versatile enough for both short-form and long-form writing–your options are somewhat limited due to the specific combination of features you’re seeking, especially the one-time purchase requirement in an era where many apps have moved to subscription models. However, focusing on apps that have a strong reputation for quality and longevity, here are a couple of suggestions that come close to meeting your needs:
1. Scrivener
- Native Mac and iOS Apps: Yes, with a focus on providing a consistent writing experience across devices.
- Future-Proof: Scrivener has been around for years and is regularly updated, showing a commitment to longevity.
- Outline View: Offers extensive organizational tools including a corkboard, outline view, and document notes, making it excellent for structuring both short and long projects.
- Syncs with iCloud: While Scrivener itself does not directly sync via iCloud between Mac and iOS, you can use Dropbox for syncing, which is a reliable alternative.
- Export Options: Known for its wide range of export options, Scrivener supports formats like DOCX, PDF, ePub, and more, catering to various publishing needs.
- One-Time Purchase: Available as a one-time purchase for both Mac and iOS, though each platform requires a separate purchase.
- Footnotes and Images: Excellently supports the inclusion of footnotes and images in documents, making it suitable for academic writing, novels, and more.
- Versatility: Its robust feature set supports everything from short blog posts and articles to comprehensive reports and books.
2. Ulysses (With a Caveat)
- Native Mac and iOS Apps: Yes, Ulysses offers a seamless writing experience across Apple devices.
- Future-Proof: Regular updates and a strong user base suggest Ulysses is committed to longevity.
- Outline View: Features a hierarchical organization structure that can serve as an outline for your projects.
- Syncs with iCloud: Offers excellent iCloud integration for syncing across all your devices.
- Export Options: Ulysses provides a variety of export options, including PDF, ePub, DOCX, and HTML.
- Footnotes and Images: Supports Markdown, which allows for easy insertion of footnotes and images.
- Versatility: Designed for both short-form and long-form writing, from blog posts to books.
- One-Time Purchase: The major caveat is that Ulysses primarily operates on a subscription model. However, it’s included here because of its strong alignment with your other requirements. It’s worth considering the value of ongoing updates and support that come with a subscription.
Consideration for Future-Proofing
- Community and Developer Support: A vibrant community and responsive developer support can be good indicators of an app’s longevity.
- Regular Updates: Regular updates not only add new features but also ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems.
Given the evolving nature of software development and business models, it’s challenging to find a perfect match that guarantees future-proofing, especially with a one-time purchase requirement. Scrivener is the closest match based on your criteria, offering a robust set of features suitable for a wide range of writing projects. It’s advisable to review the latest information on these apps directly from their official websites or the App Store to ensure they meet your current needs.
Based on the above criteria and recommendations, is apple pages future-proof and a good choice?
ChatGPT
Apple Pages is an interesting option to consider based on your criteria. As a native application developed by Apple for macOS and iOS, it offers several advantages, especially in terms of integration with the Apple ecosystem and future-proofing. Here’s how Pages stacks up against your requirements:
Native Mac and iOS Apps
- Apple Pages is specifically designed for Apple devices, offering a seamless experience across macOS, iOS, and even iPadOS.
Future-Proof
- Being an Apple product, Pages is likely to continue receiving updates and support for the foreseeable future, making it a future-proof choice within the Apple ecosystem.
Provides an Outline View
- Pages has limited capabilities in this area compared to dedicated writing apps like Scrivener. It offers basic outlining features through the use of styles and table of contents functionality, but it might not be as robust as what you’re looking for in terms of managing complex documents.
Syncs with iCloud
- Pages offers excellent iCloud integration, allowing for easy syncing across all your devices. This ensures that your documents are always up to date, no matter where you edit them.
Many Export Options
- Pages supports exporting documents to a variety of formats, including PDF, DOCX, EPUB, and more, making it versatile for different publishing needs.
One-Time Purchase
- Pages is free for Apple device users, so there’s no purchase or subscription required. This makes it an economically attractive option.
Can Handle Footnotes and Images
- Pages supports the inclusion of footnotes and endnotes in documents, as well as the ability to add and manipulate images, making it suitable for a wide range of writing projects.
Suitable for Short-Form and Long-Form Writing
- While Pages can handle both short-form and long-form writing, it is primarily a word processor and page layout tool. For very long documents, like books or extensive research articles, it may not offer the same level of organizational and management features as a specialized writing app like Scrivener. However, for many users, Pages provides enough functionality for a wide range of writing tasks, from letters and resumes to reports and short books.
Conclusion
Apple Pages is a strong contender for your needs, especially considering its cost (free), integration with iCloud, and the variety of export options. It’s particularly appealing for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and those who prioritize ease of use and accessibility over advanced writing and organizational tools. For complex writing projects requiring detailed organization, you might find Pages a bit limiting compared to more specialized software. However, for many standard writing tasks, including both short-form and long-form projects, Pages is a future-proof and user-friendly choice.
Based on all of the above, which app do you recommend for meeting my needs and criteria?
ChatGPT
Given your specific set of criteria–native Mac and iOS apps, future-proofing, outline view, iCloud sync, extensive export options, a one-time purchase model (with no subscription), capability to handle footnotes and images, and suitability for both short-form and long-form writing–Scrivener emerges as the most fitting recommendation. Here’s a recap of how Scrivener aligns with your needs:
Scrivener
- Native Mac and iOS Apps: Scrivener offers dedicated apps for both macOS and iOS, ensuring a seamless experience across your Apple devices.
- Future-Proof: With a long history of updates and a dedicated user base, Scrivener shows strong signs of longevity and commitment to future development.
- Outline View: Its comprehensive organizational tools, including the corkboard and outline view, are excellent for managing complex writing projects, whether they’re short articles or multi-chapter books.
- Syncs with iCloud: While Scrivener doesn’t directly use iCloud for syncing, it effectively utilizes Dropbox for this purpose, which can be set up to work smoothly across your devices.
- Export Options: Scrivener supports a wide range of export formats, such as DOCX, PDF, ePub, and more, catering to various publishing needs.
- One-Time Purchase: It is sold as a one-time purchase for both macOS and iOS, aligning with your preference to avoid subscriptions.
- Footnotes and Images: The app excellently supports the inclusion of footnotes and images, making it suitable for academic writing, fiction, non-fiction, and more.
- Versatility for Writing Forms: Scrivener’s robust feature set supports everything from short blog posts and presentations to comprehensive reports and books.
Regarding Apple Pages
While Apple Pages is a powerful word processor with excellent iCloud integration, native apps for Mac and iOS, and is indeed future-proof within the Apple ecosystem, it might not fully meet your specific needs, especially regarding the outline view for complex document management and the flexibility in handling various writing forms as seamlessly as Scrivener. Pages is more suited for document layout and design, and while it’s capable of handling footnotes and images well, its focus is not primarily on the writing process for large-scale projects like books or detailed reports.
Recommendation
Scrivener stands out as the best fit for your requirements. It’s designed with writers in mind, offering the flexibility, organizational tools, and export options needed for both short and long-form writing. The one-time purchase model for both Mac and iOS makes it economically appealing in the long term, despite the initial learning curve and the need for Dropbox for syncing instead of iCloud.
It’s always a good idea to download trial versions (where available) to test the software yourself before making a purchase. This way, you can ensure that the app meets your expectations and workflow preferences.
