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The Best Writing Apps for at Home and in the Classroom

Writer’s block, you’ve met your match!

Some kids love to pour out their thoughts, feelings, and souls on paper. For others, it’s a challenge from the first time they pick up a pencil. Fortunately, these writing apps for kids can help—from the first shaky crayon-written “A” to polished college entrance essays and creative writing.

Some writing apps help kids form their letters or work to perfect their handwriting. Then there are writing apps for kids and teens who need help organizing their thoughts. Other apps give a little push to get creative juices flowing. No matter what your kids are working on, these are the writing apps students will want in their digital toolbox.

• Best Apps for Practicing Writing Skills
• Best Apps for Writing Inspiration

Writing Skills Apps

These are the writing apps for kids that help them practice handwriting, grammar, punctuation, and composition.

Why We Love It: iTrace gives young learners the practice they need writing letters and numbers. Customization options include letter style and the ability to specify right or left-handed, while fun animations and prizes keep kids motivated.

Cost: $3.99

Available On: Apple App Store: iTrace

LetterSchool

Why We Love It: LetterSchool teaches printing and cursive with beautiful graphics and animations. Kids will be so captivated, they might forget they’re learning.

Cost: School licenses are $4.99 per student per year. For individual use, prices vary and start at $4.99 per month.

Available On: Apple App Store: Letter School , Google Play Store: Letter School

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iWrite Words

Why We Love It: This writing app helps kids practice counting as they learn. Little ones drag a crab across the screen, following the numbered path to write letters. Once the word is complete, they’re rewarded with a cute drawing.

Cost: $2.99

Available On: Apple App Store: iWrite Words

Grammaropolis

Why We Love It: Grammaropolis teaches the parts of speech in a fun and engaging way. Animated shorts and music videos capture kids’ attention, and quizzes help track their progress. Some call this Schoolhouse Rock for the 21st century.

Cost: $5.99

Available On: Apple App Store: Grammaropolis

Grammar Pop

Cost: $1.99. Volume pricing is available for schools.

Available On: Apple App Store: Grammar Pop

Grammar Smash

Why We Love It:  This no-frills app is excellent for older learners, especially ESL students. Review grammar guides and lessons, then play games to practice your skills

Cost: FREE. Unlock more features and remove ads for $2.99.

Available On: Google Play Store: Grammar Smash

Why We Love It: Everything you love about Mad Libs, in an app! Prompts ask you to fill in parts of speech to create a funny new story each time. If you’re stuck, you can ask for a definition or examples. This is a classic way to work on parts of speech and vocabulary.

Cost: The FREE edition comes with 21 stories. Additional story packs are available for $1.99 each.

Available On: Apple App Store: Mad Libs , Google Play Store: Mad Libs

Dictionary.com

Why We Love It: This app is everything you love about Dictionary.com, but it’s also available offline. That’s great for keeping students focused while they’re working; they can look words up without the temptation of checking social media or other distractions. You can switch between dictionary and thesaurus mode, too, making this app a real must-have.

Cost: FREE (with ads), upgrade to no ads for $1.99

Available On: Apple App Store: Dictionary.com , Google Play Store: Dictionary.com

The Grammarly Keyboard

Why We Love It: Grammarly is a beloved program that helps people of any age produce stronger, cleaner writing. The mobile apps work for anything you type on your phone, including social media and messaging. Premium features include analysis of tone and word choice, and a plagiarism detector.

Cost: Basic grammar and spelling checks are free. Premium features start at $29/month.

Available On: Apple App Store: Grammarly , Google Play Store: Grammarly

Essay Launcher

Why We Love It: No flashy colors or animations, just a simple and efficient way to help writers organize their thoughts. The app asks questions like “What is your first reason that supports that statement?”, helping you build an essay from the ground up. This app is ideal for older kids who need organizational help to stay on track when they write.

Available On: Apple App Store: Essay Launcher

Why We Love It: Mind mapping is an excellent method for brainstorming and organizing your thoughts before you begin writing. This app helps you through the process, creating maps that ultimately make your writing clearer and stronger.

Cost: SimpleMind Lite is FREE. SimpleMind Pro offers expanded features for $7.99.

Available On: Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Get links for all versions here.

Writing Inspiration Apps

These writing apps for kids solve the problem of “But I don’t know what to write about!” They provide story starters, writing prompts, and more to break writer’s block wide open.

Story Wheel

Why We Love It: This app sparks creativity in pre-writers and helps build their storytelling skills. Spin the wheel and record your voice telling a story about the picture. Spin the wheel again for more prompts. Several kids can play at once, building a story to playback together.

Cost:  $2.99

Available On: Apple App Store: Story Wheel

Why We Love It: Every roll of the virtual dice yields pictures that tell a whole new story. Choose one or all of the images to use in your writing. Story Dice 3-D (Apple App Store only) adds the ability to move the dice around, and re-roll some or all of them.

Cost: $1.99

Available On: Multiple devices. Get the links you need for Story Dice here.

Writing Challenge for Kids

Why We Love It: This app generates a series of characters, scenarios, and situations to create unique creative writing prompts over and over again. You can choose from several choices to customize each prompt as you go along.

Cost: Varies by device, $1.49-$3.99

Available On: Multiple Devices. Click here for the links you need.

The Brainstormer

Why We Love It: This app is terrific for teens and older writers who need to generate new creative ideas. A selection of tools helps you find inspiration for characters, plots, settings, and more. You can even add in your own words to create custom sets.

Cost: $1.99, with additional features for $.99 each.

Available On: Apple App Store: The Brainstormer

Writing Prompts

Why We Love It: Get new writing prompts from hundreds of scenarios and ideas. Teachers, this is a nice way to come up with a daily bell-ringer or journal prompt. (This same company also offers Character Prompts , a similar app but for character inspiration.)

Cost: $1.99, with additional prompt packs available for $.99

Available On: Apple App Store: Writing Prompts , Google Play Store: Writing Prompts , Amazon App Store

Lists for Writers

Why We Love It: Add variety to your writing and break through writer’s blocks with these lists of, well, pretty much anything! Creating a new character and feeling stuck? Browse lists of names, character traits, physical characteristics, and more. Get the same for settings, plots, and all the other details that even the best writers sometimes draw a blank on.

Available On: Multiple devices. Get all the links you need here.

Toontastic 3D

Why We Love It: Kids build their story-telling skills while creating one-minute movies with this surprisingly robust free app. Encourage students to plan and script out their story in advance to work on writing skills, then enjoy the fun movies they create! (Teacher Tip: Try this app for incredibly creative book reports .)

Available On: Apple App Store: Toontastic , Google Play Store: Toontastic

Why We Love It: Storybird’s tools give kids the opportunity to write comics, short stories, chapter books, and more. Choose from existing illustrations and add your own text to create unique masterpieces. The professional artwork is wide-ranging, and writing challenges help kids expand their skills and push their creativity to new heights.

Cost:  $8.99/month or $59.99/year. Schools can receive bulk discounts up to 50% off.

Available On: Apple App Store: Storybird , Google Play Store: Storybird

How do you use writing apps for kids and teens in your classroom? Come share your ideas and find inspiration in the WeAreTeachers Chat group on Facebook .

Looking for more writing prompts? Get 100 Creative Writing Prompts for Grades 4-8 , and 10 Fresh Writing Prompts for High School .

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Best Creative Writing Apps

Some students are natural born storytellers with creativity and imagination spilling from their fingers. There are plenty of reasons to encourage students to love creative writing. The skills gained from creative writing ultimately contribute to language mastery. Let us help you to find some other great apps to support your children's creative writing, in a digital capacity.  Whether you’re journaling or brainstorming ideas for a new story, book, or blog post, a writing prompts app could change everything.

Here at the Educational App Store we are relentless in our pursuit of apps which are suitable for test preparation and which can help support teachers, parents and ultimately students sitting for their tests and, in their general studies and wiser learning too.

If you want your children to master the basics of creative writing, try these apps to encourage your children to want to write.

1. Vocabulary Builder: Daily Word

Vocabulary Builder is an app to help people who are already proficient in English to expand their vocabulary. It provides a word of the day, browsing, and quiz-type features to let learners develop the variety of words at their disposal. You will save time if you use the words learned to also think about what sort of vocabulary might be useful for this piece of creative writing.

These word lists feature loads of good vocabulary to use in creative writing. They provide a fantastic way to boost vocabulary in your class.

Available on:  Android

Cost:  Free with in-app purchases

2. Night Zookeeper

(Android, iPhone, iPadWebsite)

Night Zookeeper is a fun-to-use creative writing application that encourages encourages children’s creative writing and wider creativity skills whilst being great fun to play both during class and at home. From drawing and writing about magical animals, to playing word games and competing in writing competitions, Night Zookeeper offers children the chance to explore their potential and get better at creative writing.

This is a beautiful app that asks children and adults to enter a magical world of animals in a night time zoo where children are sent on drawing missions. The app is of high-quality and it captures imaginations and pushes children to get in the habit of drawing and writing little stories about their drawings. Night Zookeeper is a popular writing website for kids which inspires children to express themselves and to be creative writers.

Available on:  Website

Cost:  Free with subscription

3. Writing Challenge for Kids

(Android, iPhone, iPad)

Writing Challenge for Kids is a fun and simple-to-use app that can help spark the imagination of children, and support them with planning and writing stories. Children are presented with a range of prompts that they can choose from. Each prompt gives children ideas for how to start and develop their story, including references to settings and character, which keeps their imagination flowing throughout the process. Writing Challenge is one of the best apps to help kids develop creative writing and digital publishing tools.

Available on:  Android, iPhone and iPad

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4. Book Creator

Bookcreator is a very simple, self-explanatory tool, where both teachers and students can create their own books using a diversity of templates, fonts, styles, as well as media, such as videos, images and sounds. Book Creator has a wide variety of applications in the classroom ranging from creative story writing to presentation style projects.

Bookcreator app works so well in encouraging student engagement with easy-to-use interface, fun templates, colorful designs and tons of tools to spark creativity. It is a perfect tool for creative writing, digital scrapbooking, journaling, digital diaries and so much more!

Available on:  iPhone and iPad

Cost:  Paid

5. Shake-a-Phrase: Fun With Words and Sentences

Shake-a-Phrase is a fun language app for creative writing prompts, vocabulary, and parts of speech practice. The app assists in enabling student to create stories by giving students prompts for characters, scenarios or simple sentences. The ability to change the theme and then shake the device to change the phrase is great fun.   

6. Writing Prompts

(iPhone, iPad)

This is a cool writing-prompt app that does basically everything you need it to: offer writing prompts to encourage/inspire you to write more. With Daily Prompt Premium you can access our Novel Writing Package. This includes 31 specially selected prompts to help outline your novel in a structured way. Daily Prompt is the easy way to make writing progress on a daily basis.

7. Word Creativity Kit - The creative writing tool for kids

A fun app to spark creative imaginations to create poems and stories. The goal of the Word Creativity Kit is to encourage children to play around with words and language as they learn to become the writers of tomorrow!  We like how students can get a jumpstart on the creativity process by using a selection of randomly generated words.

8. Storybird

Storybird lets kids create personalized stories, is committed to inspiring user creativity by providing a variety of colorful and vibrant Illustrations. This impressive creative writing-centered site offers an easy-to-use tool to help kids make picture books, longer books, or poems. You can learn about writing, storytelling, reading skills. They'll practice being creative and flex their imagination, and sharing stories may help them gain self-confidence to write more.

Available on:  iPhone, iPad and Android

Cost:  Free

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Hemingway App

Hemingway makes your writing bold and clear. It's like a spellchecker, but for style. It makes sure that your reader will focus on your message, not your prose.

Platforms: Windows, PC, Mac

Best for: Editing, Proofreading, Book, Essay, Story, Blog, and Free

Website: https://hemingwayapp.com/

Base price:

Premium price:

★★★★ Performance

★★★★ Features

★★★★★ Accessibility

Also rated 4.0 ★ on Reedsy

Capture your thoughts, discoveries, and ideas and simplify overwhelming planning moments in your life with your very own digital notepad. With OneNote, you can plan that big event, seize that moment of inspiration to create something new, and track that list of errands that are too important to forget.

Platforms: Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Android, Chrome, PC

Best for: Note-taking, Journal, Blog, Essay, and Free

Website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onenote/dig...

★★★★★ Performance

★★★★★ Value

Also rated 4.5 ★ on TechRadar

yWriter is a word processor which breaks your novel into chapters and scenes, helping you keep track of your work while leaving your mind free to create. yWriter was designed by an author, not a salesman!

Platforms: Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad, PC

Best for: Drafting, Book, Story, and Free

Website: http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter7.html

★★★ Performance

★★★ Features

Also rated 3.5 ★ on PC Magazine

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Apple Notes

Notes is the best place to jot down quick thoughts or to save longer notes filled with checklists, images, web links, scanned documents, handwritten notes, or sketches. And with iCloud, it's easy to keep all your devices in sync, so you’ll always have your notes with you.

Platforms: Mac, iPhone, iPad

Best for: Note-taking, Journal, Book, Story, Essay, Poetry, Blog, and Free

Website: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/notes/id1110145109

★★★ Accessibility

Also rated 3.3 ★ on the App Store

Your thoughts in words. Say exactly what you mean through clear, compelling and authentic writing.

Platforms: Online

Best for: Editing, Proofreading, Blog, Essay, and Free

Website: https://www.wordtune.com/

★★ Accessibility

Also rated 4.4 ★ on Capterra

Textilus Pro

Textilus Pro is a great word processor app for students and business people, also being excellent for writing reports, papers, blog posts, journals or ebooks! Textilus Pro can help you organize your research, generate ideas, and remove distractions so you can focus on the most important thing: writing.

Best for: Note-taking, Drafting, Blog, Essay, and Free

Website: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/textilus-pro-word-processor...

Also rated 4.5 ★ on the App Store

Compose bold, clear, mistake-free writing with Grammarly. Work with an AI writing partner that helps you find the words you need⁠—⁠to write that tricky email, to get your point across, to keep your work moving.

Platforms: Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, Chrome, Online, PC

Website: https://www.grammarly.com/

Also rated 4.4 ★ on the App Store

LanguageTool

LanguageTool’s multilingual grammar, style, and spell checker is used by millions of people around the world.

Platforms: Online, Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, PC

Best for: Editing, Proofreading, Essay, Blog, and Free

Website: https://languagetool.org/

Also rated 4.8 ★ on the App Store

Traditional notes apps are great for writing, but getting things done requires something more. Clover’s Daily Notes introduce a new way of documenting thoughts, keeping track of tasks, and planning work within the context of your daily agenda.

Platforms: PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad

Best for: Note-taking, Journal, and Free

Website: https://cloverapp.com/

★★★★ Accessibility

Also rated 4.6 ★ on the App Store

Werdsmith turns your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch into a powerful writing studio that inspires you to write. With features to motivate you and help you break through writer‘s block, you‘ll find yourself writing more than ever.

Platforms: iPad, Mac, iPhone

Best for: Drafting, Book, Story, Poetry, and Free

Website: https://werdsmith.com/

Also rated 4.7 ★ on the App Store

ApolloPad is a feature-packed online writing environment that will help you finish your novels, ebooks and short stories.

Best for: Outlining, Drafting, Story, Book, and Free

Website: https://apollopad.com/

The only online writing and editing platform that guides your hand based on data from real, bestselling books, AutoCrit is built to match the genuine demands of publishing professionals and discerning readers.

Best for: Outlining, Drafting, Proofreading, Book, Story, and Free

Website: https://www.autocrit.com/

Also rated 4.0 ★ on TechRadar

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Creative Writing Apps for Students: Fuel Your Imagination

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Are you a student who dreams of penning the next great novel or crafting captivating stories? Look no further! In this digital age, creativity knows no bounds, thanks to the multitude of creative writing apps available right at your fingertips. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, battling writer’s block, or yearning for a new way to hone your literary skills, these innovative tools will undoubtedly fuel your imagination and unleash your inner wordsmith. So, grab your imagination and let’s explore the wonders of creative writing apps that are tailor-made for ambitious and aspiring student writers!

Apps That Spark Creativity: Unleashing Imagination in Every Student

Apps that inspire boundless creativity: igniting imaginations in all students, enhancing writing skills: how these apps can transform students’ words, interactive storytelling: unlocking the power of narrative with creative writing apps, from plot to prose: crafting compelling stories with innovative writing apps, building vocabulary and grammar: tools to strengthen language proficiency, expanding lexicon and enhancing grammar: strategies to enhance language proficiency, overcoming writer’s block: apps that inspire and stimulate creative thinking, providing feedback and guidance: the best apps for student writers, mentoring, collaborating, and sharing: fostering an engaging writing community, frequently asked questions, wrapping up.

Discovering the right tools to foster creativity is paramount in today’s educational landscape. Harnessing the power of technology, we present to you a handpicked selection of groundbreaking apps that will unleash the untapped potential of imagination in every student. Whether your learners are aspiring artists, budding writers, or future filmmakers, these innovative apps will revolutionize the way they express themselves and nurture their creative abilities.

1. Procreate : Are your students keen on painting or graphic design? Procreate is the quintessential app for digital art creation. With its vast range of brushes, layers, and effects, it transforms a tablet into a virtual canvas, empowering students to bring their wildest ideas to life with every stroke.

2. Storybird : Foster a love for writing in your classroom by introducing Storybird. This unique platform grants learners access to captivating illustrations, enabling them to create their own stories and poems. Through collaborative writing and interactive features, students can explore their creativity while improving their language skills simultaneously.

3. Stop Motion Studio : Want to immerse students in the art of stop-motion animation? Look no further than Stop Motion Studio! This intuitive app provides all the necessary tools to bring inanimate objects to life through animation. By capturing and editing frames, adding soundtracks and effects, learners will discover the magic of making their imagination come alive.

Writing is an essential skill for students to excel in their academic and professional journeys. Fortunately, with the advent of technology, there are now numerous apps available that can help students enhance their writing skills and transform their words into powerful and captivating pieces of work. These apps not only provide valuable resources and tools but also offer an interactive and engaging learning experience that can make the process of writing both enjoyable and effective.

One such app is Grammarly, a widely acclaimed writing assistant that goes beyond just basic grammar and spelling checks. With its advanced AI technology, Grammarly can provide real-time suggestions for improving sentence structure, vocabulary choices, and clarity of writing. It can also highlight areas for improvement in style, tone, and overall readability. This app is a game-changer, as it gives students the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and develop a better understanding of writing conventions. Additionally, Grammarly offers a platform for exchanging feedback with peers, creating a collaborative environment that fosters growth and improvement.

• Vocabulary Expander: Another highly effective app for students is the Vocabulary Expander. This app introduces new words, synonyms, and phrases to diversify students’ language usage, making their writing more sophisticated and impactful.
• Hemingway Editor: For those seeking to enhance their writing style and clarity, the Hemingway Editor is an invaluable app. It highlights lengthy and complex sentences, suggests using active voice, and identifies common errors to help students craft concise and straightforward compositions.
• Plagiarism Checker: Plagiarism is a serious offense in any writing task, and it’s crucial for students to develop originality in their work. Plagiarism Checker apps, such as Turnitin, help students ensure the authenticity of their writing by comparing it against vast databases to identify any potential instances of plagiarism.

With these innovative apps at their disposal, students can take their writing skills to new heights. By utilizing their features and integrating them into their writing process, students can transform their words into compelling and influential pieces that leave a lasting impact on their readers.

Interactive storytelling has taken the world of creative writing by storm, revolutionizing the way we engage with narratives. With the advent of creative writing apps, individuals are now able to unlock the power of narrative like never before. These apps provide a unique platform for writers to explore their storytelling abilities, connect with readers, and breathe life into their characters.

Through interactive storytelling apps, writers are no longer restricted to traditional linear narratives. They have the ability to create sprawling, non-linear storylines, allowing readers to make choices that shape the direction of the narrative. This newfound interactivity fosters a sense of immersion, actively involving readers in the storytelling process. To further enhance the experience, creative writing apps often incorporate multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio, providing a truly multi-sensory encounter. Imagine crafting a spine-tingling horror story where readers can decide the fate of the protagonist or a heartwarming tale where readers can choose different paths for a budding romance. With creative writing apps, the possibilities for narrative exploration are endless.

Are you looking to take your storytelling skills to the next level? Look no further than innovative writing apps that can help you craft compelling stories that captivate readers from start to finish. These apps provide a range of tools and features that can transform your plot ideas into prose masterpieces.

With advanced outlining and organizing features, these writing apps allow you to structure your plot in a way that keeps readers engaged and guessing. You can create complex character profiles, build intricate relationships, and even visualize story arcs in a clear and concise manner. These apps also offer a plethora of writing prompts and brainstorming tools to help you find inspiration and overcome writer’s block, ensuring that you never run out of ideas. Plus, they provide real-time collaboration features, enabling you to collaborate with other writers or editors seamlessly.

• Transform plot ideas into prose masterpieces
• Utilize advanced outlining and organizing features
• Create complex character profiles and relationships

With innovative writing apps, crafting compelling stories has never been easier. So, whether you’re a seasoned writer looking to refine your skills or a beginner looking to explore the world of storytelling, these apps are the perfect companion to enhance your writing journey.

What are you waiting for? Unleash your creativity, unleash the power of innovative writing apps, and let your stories leave a lasting impact on readers worldwide.

Building a strong vocabulary and mastering grammar are essential skills when striving to improve language proficiency. Whether you’re learning a new language or seeking to enhance your existing knowledge, employing effective tools and techniques can greatly accelerate your progress. Here, we’ll explore some invaluable resources that can aid you in strengthening your lexicon and refining your grammar skills.

1. Diverse Reading Materials: Widening your reading repertoire is a powerful way to build your vocabulary and expose yourself to various sentence structures. Explore a range of materials like novels, newspapers, blogs, and magazines in your target language. This habit will introduce you to new words, idiomatic expressions, and grammatical patterns, improving your overall language proficiency.

2. Vocabulary Building Apps and Websites: In this digital age, we have access to a plethora of vocabulary-building tools through smartphone apps and websites. Utilize platforms like Duolingo, Memrise, or Quizlet, which offer engaging and interactive exercises to help you acquire new words and reinforce grammar concepts. These tools often utilize spaced repetition techniques to optimize vocabulary retention, making your learning experience even more efficient.

When faced with writer’s block, finding inspiration can be challenging. Luckily, there are several apps available that can help stimulate creative thinking and get your creative juices flowing. These apps can provide a fresh perspective, prompt new ideas, and break down mental barriers. Here are some of the top apps to overcome writer’s block:

• Writing Prompts : This app offers a vast collection of creative writing prompts to kick-start your imagination. With thousands of unique ideas, it covers various genres and themes, ensuring you never run out of inspiration.
• Mindly : Organizing your thoughts is crucial when battling writer’s block. Mindly is a mind-mapping app that allows you to visually arrange your ideas, create connections, and explore different angles. It helps you brainstorm and structure your writing in a cohesive and logical way.
• Forest : With distractions aplenty, staying focused while writing can be challenging. Forest is an app that combines productivity with mindfulness. It encourages you to stay on track by planting virtual trees that grow while you work. If you get tempted by other apps or websites, your tree withers away. This gamified approach motivates you to stay engaged and stay in the flow of writing.

These apps are just a few examples of the many tools available to overcome writer’s block and spark creativity. Whether you need a burst of inspiration, assistance with organizing your thoughts, or help with maintaining focus, these apps can be a valuable asset in your writing process. Explore and experiment with different apps to find the ones that best suit your creative needs and watch your writer’s block fade away.

As students embark on their writing journey, it’s crucial to have reliable tools that can provide valuable feedback and guidance. Fortunately, today’s technology offers a plethora of apps specifically designed to support student writers at every step of their creative process. These digital aids not only enhance writing skills but also foster critical thinking and self-improvement. Below are some of the best apps that can help students refine their writing abilities:

1. Grammarly: Known as the ultimate writing assistant, Grammarly is a must-have app for any student writer. It helps with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure, ensuring your writing is error-free and polished. Whether you are drafting an essay, email, or even an important social media post, Grammarly provides real-time suggestions and explanations to help you improve your writing skills.

2. Hemingway Editor: Inspired by the legendary writer Ernest Hemingway, this app focuses on enhancing readability and conciseness. It highlights long, complex sentences and suggests simpler alternatives, ultimately improving the clarity and impact of your writing. Hemingway Editor also offers valuable insights on the use of passive voice, adverbs, and complicated phrases. By using this app, students can develop a straightforward writing style that captivates readers.

Creating a vibrant and engaging writing community requires a strong foundation built on mentoring, collaborating, and sharing. By embracing these values, writers can unlock their full potential and foster an environment where creativity and growth flourish.

Mentoring plays a crucial role in nurturing aspiring writers. Whether it’s providing guidance to beginners or offering feedback to experienced authors, mentorship promotes skill development and confidence building. A mentee can benefit immensely from the expertise and experience of a mentor, gaining insights into the craft of writing, and learning how to navigate challenges. Through one-on-one guidance and constructive criticism, mentors can shape the trajectory of a writer’s journey, helping them refine their unique voice and unleash their creative potential.

Collaboration is another cornerstone of an engaging writing community. By pooling talents and perspectives, writers can create powerful and diverse narratives. Collaborative projects, such as group anthologies or joint storytelling initiatives, not only generate compelling stories but also foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual growth among participants. Such collaborations encourage writers to engage with different writing styles, explore new genres, and challenge their creative boundaries. Additionally, working together allows writers to tap into a network of support, exchange ideas, and collectively navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the writing industry.

Finally, sharing is the essence of a thriving writing community. Writers should not hesitate to share their work, ideas, and successes with others. By showcasing their writing openly, authors gain valuable feedback, encouragement, and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals. Online platforms, writing workshops, or local writing groups provide excellent opportunities to share and receive constructive criticism. This sharing culture nurtures an environment where writers can grow, inspire, and learn from one another. It promotes collaboration, sparks inspiration, and ultimately helps each member of the community to develop their craft.

Q: What are some creative writing apps available for students? A: There are several creative writing apps that can fuel the imagination of students. Some popular options include Evernote, ProWritingAid, Hemingway Editor, and Google Docs.

Q: How can Evernote benefit students in their creative writing journey? A: Evernote is a versatile app that enables students to gather and organize their ideas in one place. They can create notebooks, add images, record voice memos, and even save web articles for their reference. All these features make Evernote a valuable tool for brainstorming and drafting creative writing pieces.

Q: What makes ProWritingAid a great app for students? A: ProWritingAid is a fantastic app for students as it offers an array of features to enhance writing skills. It provides suggestions to improve grammar, style, and readability. Additionally, it helps students identify repetitive words, awkward phrasing, and even checks for plagiarism. All of these functions combined can greatly enhance the quality of their creative writing projects.

Q: How does the Hemingway Editor app assist students in their creative writing process? A: The Hemingway Editor app is a valuable tool for students aspiring to improve their writing style and clarity. It highlights lengthy or complicated sentences, excessive adverbs, and passive voice, helping students simplify their writing and make it more impactful. This app empowers students by teaching them how to write concisely and effectively.

Q: Why should students consider using Google Docs for their creative writing? A: Google Docs is an excellent choice for students engaged in creative writing projects. This web-based app allows students to collaborate seamlessly with their peers or teachers. They can give and receive real-time feedback, make edits simultaneously, and access their work from any device connected to the internet. Google Docs provides a convenient, reliable, and user-friendly platform for creative writing endeavors.

Q: Are these creative writing apps available for free? A: Most of the mentioned apps offer free versions and have additional premium features available for purchase. Students can enjoy the basic functionalities of these apps without any cost, and if they require advanced features, they can opt for the paid versions which usually come with affordable pricing plans.

Q: Can these creative writing apps be used on multiple devices? A: Yes, all the mentioned creative writing apps are designed to be used across different devices. They are compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems, and some even have desktop versions. This allows students to work seamlessly on their creative writing projects regardless of the device they prefer.

Q: Are there any other alternative apps that students can consider for creative writing? A: While the apps mentioned earlier are highly recommended, there are a few other notable alternatives worth mentioning. Scrivener, Ulysses, and Microsoft Word are all popular writing apps that offer comprehensive features and cater to various writing needs. Students can explore these alternatives and choose the app that best suits their preferences and requirements.

In conclusion, creative writing apps can be valuable tools for students to unleash their imagination, improve writing skills, and explore new ideas. Whether it’s for brainstorming, organizing thoughts, or seeking inspiration, these apps offer endless possibilities for young writers to craft remarkable stories. Give these apps a try and watch your creativity soar!

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20 Top Creative Writing Apps For Students in 2024

In the modern age, understudies are often facing writing in the form of school assignments and essays. If you want to find out the best creative writing apps in 2023, stay tuned!

When it comes to putting your ideas down on paper, storing, publishing, and arranging your documents, the finest free writing software will help you stay focused on the task. Authors still mostly use conventional word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs. They are user-friendly, accessible from any device running Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS, and were designed with the cloud in mind. They are compatible with add-ons for other  writing tools like Grammarly .

When it comes to online classes, having the right equipment can make all the difference. And that includes having the  best laptop for online classes . But once you have your laptop, you also need the right tools to stay focused and productive. That’s where the finest free writing software comes in.

Either writing program might be ideal if you live in the Google ecosystem or are contemplating switching to Microsoft Office 365. We’ve examined the finest note-taking applications for authors of all stripes along with academic writing services e.g.  SmartWritingService.com . Without further ado, let’s see the best creative writing  apps to help students  with composing.

1. Grammarly

Grammarly  is a comprehensive solution that provides thorough grammatical and spelling corrections, helping authors identify and correct inaccuracies in their work. User demographics for the  app  include  students , writers, journalists, and business professionals, among others. Whether you’re a beginner with language trouble or a seasoned author who could use some guidance, this program is for you.

• Instantaneous grammatical enhancement.
• Extremely user-friendly.
• Simple, straightforward justifications.
• The free version has several restrictions.
• Precision on the top level.

Get Grammarly for free here .

Reedsy is a no-cost online program made especially for writing books. Although you can  pay for homework to get done , you can get assignments to help with this tool easily. The clean and simple interface of the no-cost book editor will make the process of typing your manuscript a pleasure. 

• Self-publishers  may benefit from the book’s concrete suggestions and guidance.
• Reedsy welcomes authors of both fiction and non-fiction.

3. Scrivener

Scrivener is powerful software that was made specifically for novelists and other writers of lengthy works. The software is designed to assist you not only  write , but also keep track of all the information you’ll need for your work. It includes personality sketches or encyclopedic knowledge on a certain topic.

• Plenty of resources are available for drafting and editing.
• Numerous sample documents are available.
• Affordable cost.
• You may install it on several devices.
• Compatible with iOS, macOS, and Windows.

Perhaps Plottr is the best plotting program available. It was made with one goal in mind, to assist you in outlining and planning your plot. You may work during classes more efficiently using the program’s in-built capabilities, such as a timeline and basic charting templates.

• The initial inventor of Plottr created it to meet his own outlining requirements while  writing  and publishing novels independently.
• Capabilities tailored to specific needs.
• Exemplary narrative formats.
• Supports a wide variety of devices.

5. GoogleDocs

Google Docs has surpassed Microsoft Word as the preferred  content creation  word processor among authors. Since it is quite similar to Word, there is nearly no learning experience. Better still, Google Docs doesn’t cost anything to use. 

• Workers can use the database whenever they need it, from anywhere in the world, thanks to Google Docs.
• Presentation Schedule available.
• Manage Multiple Versions of an Application – In today’s modern workplace, cooperation is crucial.

Ulysses is a versatile writing software with many useful features that make it stand out from other programs. This one is fantastic for a student who likes Apple since it has Mac, iPad, and iPhone applications. It allows for quick and simple synchronization across devices. 

• Assemble the many acts and sections in one place while preserving the big picture.
• Cut apart the text into manageable sections and rearrange it in whatever way you choose.
• Transform your work into a publishable e-book or Word document.

Writing Challenge For Kids Is Among Best Creative Writing Apps To Help Students

Writing Challenge for Kids is a fun and simple-to-use app that can help spark children’s imagination and support them in college planning and  writing  stories. Children are presented with a range of prompts that they can choose from. Each prompt gives children ideas for starting and developing their  story , including references to settings and characters.

• Uses a built-in timer to inspire spontaneous creativity.
• The timer adds a feeling of immediacy to each challenge.
• Ingenious authors have the option of extending their time constraints in order to devote more time to develop their ideas.
• The limitations of classic  story  structures may be overcome by  young readers .

7. iA Writer

Because both utilize Markdown for styling, iA Writer is often compared to Ulysses in reviews. On the other hand, the interface has been simplified and easily combined into your display. “To keep your attention on simply  writing ,” as this app puts it, a streamlined interface is essential.

• Enables you to quickly and easily insert graphic content elements into your document without leaving the keyboard.
• It provides a feature known as focus mode.
• Provides cloud-based file synchronization services like Dropbox and iCloud.

Related: if you need help, be sure to search and  hire essay writer .

9. ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is an app that every teacher would recommend. Capabilities like monitoring revisions, estimating word count, and comprehensive analysis of an author’s skills and flaws are all included. Additionally, there is a “learn mode” that provides progressive guidance to new writers in expanding their vocabularies and mastering basic grammatical rules.

• Grammar, capitalization, and context-aware spelling are all checked for you.
• It’s reliable and very accurate.
• It’s flexible to use.
• It may be used by anybody to correct spelling and grammar errors and enhance their work.
• The built-in plagiarism scanner is a nice bonus.

10. LivingWriter

There’s a brand-new book/story  writing  software out there called LivingWriter. It is a web-based writing app that may be used in place of a traditional  text editor . A number of common plot forms, such as the Hero’s Journey, are represented in Living Writer as overview examples.

• You may use it to outline , compose, and arrange your novel and then send it out to be printed.
• Provides far greater functional variety and effectiveness than its rivals.
• It streamlines your work procedures and saves you time.

11. Microsoft Word

Many individuals are using Word for professional and academic purposes. This is the era when Microsoft Word has the most competitive it has ever had. Yet, when it comes to  writing  programs, it’s still considered the “industry norm,” particularly in the publishing world. 

• Microsoft Word is a common piece of office application that can be found on practically every laptop, whether it be at home, at the workplace, or school.
• Immediate linguistic support.
• Simple language that is simple to read and write .
• Compatibility with other Microsoft Office applications.

12. yWriter

For those who want a non-Apple option during university days, there is yWriter, a Windows tool for creating books comparable to Scrivener. For authors who are easily overwhelmed, yWriter’s scene-based organization is preferable to chapters for organizing their work. This program is fantastic for monitoring your development since it provides tools like a screenplay to examine your story’s progression.

• Filled with numbers and organization.
• Scene-writing, rather than chapter-writing, is the focus of this free writing tool.
• The sceneries are more tolerable in size.

13. WriteRoom

WriteRoom is a minimalist  writing tool  that focuses only on the act of  writing  the lesson itself. Indeed, they specifically state that they are not similar to other word processors. This customized, distraction-free design allows you to concentrate on putting your ideas down on paper.

• This software is great if you have a lot of creative writing to get organized.
• Selecting your characters’ names will take you to the precise paragraph in which they appear.
• The structuring tools will show you where your work is consistent or lacking.

14. Storyist

Novels may benefit from Storyist’s excellent framework, but the tool truly excels when used for script or play productions. When you start a new production, you’ll be presented with a screenplay template that guides you through the process of writing dialogue, scenes, and more.

• The tabbed sidebars are a great way to categorize your individuals, locations, and media.
• For those just starting out, it’s meant to be a simple, low-cost option.

15. FinalDraft

Final Draft provides extensive  tools  for discussions, partnerships, textual analysis, and more. In addition to the usual line-by-line styling and other playwriting functions. The inclusiveness analysis function allows you to keep tabs on plot points and evaluate character qualities. 

• Your “beat board” may be customized to your preferences.
• When it’s essential to take on more editors, you may do it in real time.
• Final Draft’s output features make it easy to send out your manuscript to potential buyers.

Dabble is an excellent program designed specifically for imaginative authors. In many ways, it’s the ideal tool for writers of both long and small works. The app’s straightforward design and intuitive layout make it a pleasure to use, while its vast content library is at your fingertips anytime.

• Everything you require to create anything, from essays and papers to novels, is right here.
• Dabble has several cool tools, including a word counter that updates itself as you write and an editor that can make major changes to your text in minutes.
• Provide a notebook for keeping track of your concepts and thoughts.

When it comes to screenplay apps, Fade In is one of the best for your education. Its inexpensive, one-time price is perfect for anybody who needs to create properly prepared scripts without breaking the bank.

• Extensive in functionality, including capabilities like live teamwork.
• Offers free updates and is priced reasonably as a one-time payment.
• Utilizes prevalent file formats used in the IT sector.

18 Hemingway App

Thanks to Ernest Hemingway– there is an inspired editor at your disposal. It may assist you in writing more concisely and clearly. When you copy and paste into the browser, you can immediately check your content’s readability.

• Difficult-to-read sentences have been marked in orange for your convenience.
• The red text emphasizes the most difficult paragraphs to read.
• The workstation edition is accessible for a one-time purchase of $19.99 for both Mac and Windows.

19. NightZooKeeper

Night Zookeeper is entertaining writing software that can be used in school or at home to help kids develop their writing and imagination abilities. It gives kids a safe space to experiment with their literary and art skills via activities like creating illustrations and stories about enchanted animals. 

• This is a lovely app that invites kids and their parents to visit a mystical zoo in the dark, where they will be given creative assignments to complete.
• The software is well-designed and inspires kids to develop a sketching routine.
• It is a well-liked platform for young writers, as it encourages kids to put their thoughts down on paper and be original thinkers.

20. Book Creator

Book Creator is a straightforward, user-friendly program that allows educators and students to publish their own publications using a wide variety of covers. It includes text styles, fonts, and even multimedia files. In the classroom, this app may be used for anything from encouraging students to think creatively to facilitating the creation of professional-looking slideshows.

• Because of its user-friendliness, it is very effective in fostering student participation.
• It has vibrant layouts and plenty of creative resources.
• You may use it for everything from creative writing and electronic scrapping to blogging and digital notebooks.

We put the top free writing programs to the test to see how smoothly you can get your ideas into paper. A great choice is portable writing software, which can be used on any computer or tablet. Our focus extends to how well the work functions for its target demographic. 

Do applications that block off distractions while you write really help you concentrate more? Is it a decent word processor replacement in terms of editing and styling tools? The most crucial thing is that the applications don’t try to deceive users into paying for more features or extra storage space. This way, they can keep the price of the app at zero. So, pick your favorite app and start writing now!

Q: What are the best creative writing apps for students?

• Popular creative writing apps for students include Scrivener, Evernote, Google Docs, Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and Microsoft Word. These apps offer various features for writing, organizing, and editing content.

Q: How can apps like Scrivener benefit student writers?

• Scrivener is beneficial for its organizational capabilities. It allows students to structure their writing projects, store research, and compile drafts in a single place, making it ideal for longer writing projects.

Q: Are there any free creative writing apps suitable for students?

• Yes, free apps like Google Docs and Evernote are great for students. Google Docs offers real-time collaboration and cloud storage, while Evernote is excellent for note-taking and organizing ideas.

Q: How do writing apps help improve grammar and style?

• Writing apps like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor help improve grammar and style by providing real-time suggestions for corrections and enhancements, making it easier for students to polish their writing.

Q: Can creative writing apps assist with writer’s block?

• Certain apps, like prompts and idea generators, can assist with writer’s block by providing creative prompts, story starters, or writing exercises to spark inspiration.

Q: Are there writing apps specifically designed for poetry and short stories?

• Yes, there are apps like Poet Assistant and Storyist that cater specifically to poetry and short story writing, offering features tailored to these forms of creative writing.

Q: How can students use writing apps to collaborate on projects?

• Students can use apps like Google Docs for collaboration, which allows multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, providing a platform for seamless group writing projects.

Q: What features should students look for in a creative writing app?

• Students should look for features like ease of use, the ability to organize and edit content efficiently, tools for grammar and style enhancement, and compatibility with their devices.

Q: Can creative writing apps be used for scriptwriting and screenplays?

• Yes, apps like Final Draft and Celtx are designed for scriptwriting and screenplays, offering specific formatting tools and features necessary for these writing formats.

Q: Are there any creative writing apps that offer educational resources or tutorials?

• Some apps offer educational resources, tutorials, and interactive exercises. For example, Reedsy offers webinars and writing challenges, while ProWritingAid includes in-depth writing guides and tips.

Q: How can students use writing apps to organize their research and ideas?

• Apps like Evernote and Microsoft OneNote are great for organizing research and ideas. They allow students to create notebooks and sections for different topics, store text, images , and links, and easily search and retrieve information.

Q: Are there any creative writing apps that focus on developing characters and plot?

• Yes, apps like Plot Factory and Character Planner specialize in developing characters and plot. They provide tools for outlining characters, building plot structures, and organizing story elements.

Q: Can writing apps help students with formatting academic papers?

• Certain apps, like Scrivener and Microsoft Word, have features to help with formatting academic papers, including citation management, templates, and formatting guidelines.

Q: How do cloud-based writing apps benefit students?

• Cloud-based apps like Google Docs and Dropbox Paper offer the advantage of accessibility from any device with internet access, making it easy for students to work on their writing anytime, anywhere.

Q: Are there writing apps that offer offline functionality?

• Many writing apps, including Scrivener and Microsoft Word, offer offline functionality, allowing students to continue working on their projects without an internet connection.

Q: How can writing apps aid in the submission and publication process for students?

• Some apps provide features for formatting manuscripts for submission and even direct publishing options. For example, Scrivener allows writers to format manuscripts according to submission guidelines and export them in various file formats.

Q: Can students use writing apps to set writing goals and track progress?

• Yes, apps like Writeometer and Scrivener allow students to set writing goals, track word counts, and monitor their progress, which can be motivating and help manage time effectively.

Q: Are there interactive writing apps that make writing more engaging for students?

• Interactive apps like Storybird and Wattpad make writing more engaging by allowing students to publish their work, receive feedback from a community of readers, and even participate in writing contests. For those eager to explore the potential financial rewards, delve into our guide on ‘ Can You Make Money On Wattpad ?’ and discover the possibilities that await aspiring writers

Q: How do writing apps cater to different writing styles and genres?

• Many writing apps offer customizable features that cater to different styles and genres, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or academic writing, providing relevant tools and templates for each.

Q: Are there any mobile writing apps specifically designed for student writers?

• Mobile apps like JotterPad and iA Writer are designed for writing on the go, offering a distraction-free interface, synchronization across devices, and basic tools needed for effective writing, suitable for students.

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Free writing software: 24 tools to help you create better content, faster

Find the best brainstorming, researching, writing, and editing tools.

As a freelance writer, I try to keep my app costs lean, so I'm a sucker for free writing tools. But with so many writing apps on the market, it's hard to tell which free options are actually valuable.

I've done some of the legwork for you by bringing together some of the best free writing apps on the internet. All of the options listed here are tools the Zapier team or I have used and enjoyed.

For this roundup, I prioritized completely free tools and freemium apps with a forever free plan that was sufficient for actual regular use. Many of the options have paid plans, but those plans are generally geared toward power users.

Researching and note-taking software

Writing software

Editing software

Proofreading software

The best free writing software at a glance

Free writing tools for brainstorming and organizing your thoughts, best free writing software for expanding your ideas.

MindMeister (Web, iOS, Android)

If you like to perform mind mapping to get your thoughts on paper and connect them, MindMeister gives you a virtual space to do it. It includes templates for the traditional mind map as well as more specific layouts for frameworks like SMART goals, case studies, and content plans.

Want to learn more about mind mapping? Check out Zapier's list of the best mind mapping apps , or discover nine ways to use mind maps to jumpstart your projects.

MindMeister pricing: Free for up to 3 mind maps; from $5.99/month for premium plans , including features like unlimited mind maps, advanced exporting, and group sharing

Best free writing software for creating content outlines

Workflowy (Web, macOS, Windows, Chrome, iOS, Android)

Outlines are a writer's best friend , and Workflowy lets you go as deep or shallow as you want. This tool organizes your outline into bullet points that you can click to nest and expand however you want.

Workflowy pricing: Free for up to 250 bullets a month ; from $4.99/month for the Workflowy Pro plan with expanded features like unlimited bullets and uploads

Best free writing software for brainstorming together

When you need to write something in collaboration with others, the brainstorming process is one of the trickiest to facilitate with technology. Miro lets you plot out ideas with mind maps, Kanban boards, virtual sticky notes, and whatever strategy you use to get your thoughts down. The free plan allows for unlimited team members to brainstorm with at the same time.

If whiteboards aren't your preferred brainstorming method, explore Zapier's picks for the top brainstorming tools for more collaborative and solo apps.

You can even use Miro with Zapier (also free), so you can automate your brainstorming workflows. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.

Create Miro widgets with new Trello cards

Add Miro cards from new rows on Google Sheets

Miro pricing: Free for 3 whiteboards with unlimited team members; from $8/user/month for plans with unlimited whiteboards and advanced collaboration features

Best free writing software for brainstorming topics

Ryan Robinson's Keyword Research Tool (Web)

Go to the Ideas tab of Ryan Robinson's Keyword Research Tool , and it'll provide ideas related to your query. Since it's a keyword tool first and foremost, these ideas are designed to be less competitive on search results, too.

If you're looking for keyword research tools specifically for their main purpose, check out Zapier's roundup of the best free keyword research tools .  

Keyword Research Tool pricing: Free

Best free writing software for brainstorming ideas with AI

ChatGPT (Web)

With the rise of AI , some writers use GPT-based apps to brainstorm ideas and build the base for an outline. ChatGPT is the best free option—and the one you know and love—or you can check out even more GPT-powered writing apps in Zapier's list of the best AI writing generators . 

You can also combine GPT with Zapier to send ideas to your favorite project management tool.

ChatGPT pricing: Free; ChatGPT Plus is $20/month

Best free writing software for brainstorming out loud

Your computer's dictation software (MacOS, Windows)

If you process your thoughts best through speaking, there's a brainstorming app already on your computer. Boot up Windows 10 Speech Recognition on Windows or Apple Dictation on Mac to record your thoughts as you brainstorm out loud.

For mobile and premium dictation app options, check out Zapier's list of the best text dictation software .

Windows 10 Speech Recognition and Apple Dictation pricing: Free

Free writing tools for research and note-taking

Best free writing software for keeping everything in one place.

Notion (Web, MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android)

Notion's balance of organization and spontaneity make it a great place to hold your notes, links, social media posts, transcriptions, and any other resources you need to write that draft. Plus, depending on your writing preferences, you can then write the draft itself in Notion—all for free. 

Add Zapier integrations to the mix to bring even more of your writing life together. Here are some pre-made workflows to get you started.

Save new tasks in Google Tasks in Notion databases

Add new Microsoft Outlook calendar events to Notion databases

If Notion doesn't meet your needs, try one of these Notion alternatives . Zapier also has a list of the best note-taking apps for you to browse.

Notion pricing: Free plan available; from $8/user/month for team plans

Best free writing software for finding free copies of paywalled research

Unpaywall (Web)

Have you ever come across a search result for the perfect research article, only to discover it's behind a paywall? Unpaywall gets you across those paywalls ethically by looking for legitimate free versions of paywalled academic research. It looks at sources like journals' open-access repositories and university and government databases, so you're never infringing copyright.

Unpaywall pricing: Free

Best free writing software for transcribing interview and video content

oTranscribe (Web)

oTranscribe simplifies the manual transcription process by placing your audio controls and a word processor on the same screen. This tool has keyboard controls and speed adjustment, so you can seamlessly transition between your audio and transcript.

If you're willing to pay a bit, here's Zapier's list of the best transcription apps and services .

oTranscribe pricing: Free

Best free writing software for collecting research from other people

Google Forms (Web, iOS, Android)

When you need original quotes or data from other people, a free survey tool or form builder will help you organize it all. Google Forms is an accessible choice for most people because it's completely free and works with the rest of Google Workspace.

Turn your form responses into Trello cards, Notion database entries, or any other nugget of info that serves you well with Google Forms' Zapier integrations .

Create Trello cards from new Google Forms responses

Share Google Forms responses in a Slack channel

Google Forms pricing: Free

Free writing tools for solo and collaborative writing

Best free writing software for collaborative writing.

Google Docs (Web, Chrome, iOS, Android)

Google Docs' straightforward interface and ease of use make it a great tool for writing solo, but this app really shines through its collaborative features . Its suggestion, sharing, and version history features put it on par with its paid alternatives at no cost to you.

You can connect Google Docs to all the other tools you use with its Zapier integration . Here are some ideas for free automations you might set up.

Create new Google Docs from text with new rows in Google Sheets

Create new Google Docs when Trint transcripts are ready

Not a fan of Google Docs or don't want to create a Google account? Find another great option in Zapier's guide to the best collaborative writing apps .

Google Docs pricing: Free

Best free writing software for messages and blurbs

WordCounter (Web)

Sometimes you need to write a small amount of text, such as a message or a blurb, without the pressure of accidentally hitting the Enter button too early. WordCounter acts as a combination clipboard and editor with a word count that saves your work in your browser cache for the next time you visit.

WordCounter pricing: Free

Free writing tools for editing

Best free writing software for finding the perfect word.

OneLook Reverse Dictionary and Thesaurus (Web)

OneLook Reverse Dictionary and Thesaurus offers all the synonyms you could dream of like a regular thesaurus, but it stands out in its reverse dictionary capabilities. Enter a phrase—or even a full sentence—to get words that match that meaning. This feature comes in handy when you want to write more concisely or find that word that's on the tip of your tongue.

OneLook Reverse Dictionary and Thesaurus pricing: Free

Best free writing software for finding the right word—anywhere

Power Thesaurus (Web, Chrome, iOS, Android)

As a freelance writer, I find myself needing to switch up words when I write on various platforms across the internet. Power Thesaurus gives me synonyms, antonyms, definitions, and other forms of word assistance wherever I like to write. It can do the same for you—put it to use on its website, in your browser, on your phone, in Google Docs, in Word, and in Gmail.

Power Thesaurus pricing: Free for fundamental features; starting from $2.49/month for Power Thesaurus PRO , featuring filters and a wider selection of synonyms

Best free writing software for rewording what you write

Wordtune (Web, Chrome, iOS)

When you just can't get phrasing right in your writing, you might turn to a friend or editor to help you sort it out. Wordtune acts as that person by offering suggestions to reword, expand, and shorten your content using AI. It doesn't have as robust of a free plan as some of the other options on this list, but it provides enough if you need assistance here and there.

If you want more features and are willing to pay a monthly fee, you can put AI to work in your editing process with Zapier's list of the best AI rewording and grammar-checking tools .

Wordtune pricing: Free for up to 10 rewrites, three AI prompts, and three summaries a day; from $9.99/month for advanced plans featuring more rewrites, AI prompts, and summaries

Best free writing software for clear and concise writing

Hemingway Editor (Web, macOS, Windows)

Inspired by Ernest Hemingway's concise writing style, the Hemingway Editor points out opportunities to sharpen your writing. This tool highlights passive voice, complex sentences, and adverbs that make your work harder to understand. It also supplies a readability score to estimate how accessible your writing is to a broad audience.

Hemingway Editor pricing: Free for editing in the Hemingway web app; $19.99 for the Mac or Windows desktop app

Best free writing software for creating compelling headlines

CoSchedule Headline Studio (Web, Chrome)

CoSchedule Headline Studio helps you write compelling headlines by analyzing the sentiment and word balance in your titles. Type in a headline to get a score and test different variations based on the suggestions you get. The Google Chrome extension and WordPress plugin let you analyze headlines wherever you go.

CoSchedule Headline Studio pricing: Free for basic features; from $8/month to buy "Premium Headline" credits that give you access to an SEO score, AI writing features, headline suggestions, and word banks for a certain number of headlines

Best free writing software for finding and removing cliches

Cliche Finder (Web)

Cut cliches out of your writing using Cliche Finder . After you paste your text into the textbox and click the Find Cliches button, the tool will highlight any cliches in bold, red text. It's up to you from there, but the tool is 100% free.

Cliche Finder pricing: Free

Best free writing software for finding jargon in your text

De-Jargonizer (Web)

Another writing mechanism that gets in the way of clarity is jargon—terms that only people in a specific role will understand. The De-Jargonizer highlights potential jargon in your writing in orange in red for you to consider rephrasing.

Once you identify jargon in your text with the De-Jargonizer, you can get suggestions for rewriting it from Zapier's Corporate Jargon Translator , built using Zapier's free AI chatbot builder .

De-Jargonizer pricing: Free

Best free writing software for varying your wording and sentence length

Expresso (Web)

Two of the best ways to amp up your writing are to switch up your words and sentence length. Expresso helps you achieve both of these goals by breaking your writing down into metrics based on word usage and sentence length, such as frequently repeated words and average sentence word count.

Expresso pricing: Free

Best free writing software for comparing your writing to AI content

GPTZero (Web, Chrome)

Due to the complexity of the AI situation, it can be tricky to truly detect AI writing with an AI content detector . But, as one writer discovered in our guide to standing out from AI , these tools work well for picking out human content that sounds like AI due to repetitive phrases and generic writing. GPTZero is a free option that judges text based on perplexity (complexity) and burstiness (sentence variation).

GPTZero pricing: Free for documents up to 5,000 words and batch uploads of up to 3 files; from $9.99/month for plans with higher word and batch limits

Free writing tools for proofreading

Best free writing software for catching spelling and grammar mistakes.

Grammarly (Web, macOS, Windows, Android iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

Check for spelling and grammar mistakes everywhere you write with Grammarly . It looks for even the nit-pickiest details, like missing dashes and incorrect prepositions. Stick to its web editor, add it to your favorite writing tool, or add the browser extension to check your writing wherever you go.

Grammarly pricing: Free for the basic spell- and grammar-checker; from $12/month for plans with advanced features like tone, vocabulary, and rewrite suggestions

Best free writing tool for proofreading short-form content

ProWritingAid (Web, macOS, Windows, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

ProWritingAid's free plan can analyze less text at a time than Grammarly , but it includes a word explorer, thesaurus, and rephrasing tool on top of its grammar-checking features. These capabilities make it a better fit for writers who like to get really granular with their improvement. ProWritingAid's free plan could be a better option for you than Grammarly if your total word count usually clocks at 500 words or fewer.

ProWritingAid pricing: Free for a 500 word count limit and 10 rephrases per day; from $10/month for a Premium plan with no word count limit, unlimited rephrases, and advanced grammar improvement features like in-depth analytics of your writing

Best free writing tool for making MLA citations

EasyBib (Web)

This one's for the academics out there. Enter your paper's sources into EasyBib , and it'll organize them into an MLA bibliography for you. I had to give everything a once-over and make minor changes, but EasyBib helped me win my college library's bibliography contest back in the day by getting it all together.

EasyBib pricing: Free

Free writing software FAQ

Here are some questions lots of people have about writing apps and how to choose the right one.

What's a good free writing tool?

Tools like Google Docs and WordCounter are free forever and very functional. Other apps, like Grammarly or ProWritingAid, have free plans that offer basic features, with more advanced features available via a paid plan.

But there are a lot of free writing tools available that perform a wide variety of functions—everything from brainstorming to research and note-taking to writing to editing to proofreading.

What writing tool do most writers use?

There's a wide variety of writing tools out there, and which one a writer uses really comes down to preference. A lot of writers use Google Docs to write because they already use Google for so many other things—but some may prefer a tool like Notion, where they can combine writing with project management.

What makes a good writing tool?

In short, whatever helps you write! If a blank page and no distraction is what helps you actually get words down, then open a new Google Doc and go at it. If you need to organize your thoughts before you even think about writing, consider adding a brainstorming tool to the mix. Each writer's process is different, and it's all about finding tools that enable your writing, not add another roadblock to your process.

Sharpen your craft with your new toolkit

As is the case with many skills, it can be easy to focus too much on improving your writing through tools alone. You'll maximize the results you'll get from your apps with a solid foundation in writing techniques. Grab the tools that appeal to you on this page, then brush up on your core writing skills to become a killer prose machine.

Related reading:

The best journal apps

How to capitalize or change the case of your text in any app

How to write great copy: 11 copywriting tips

Copywriting vs. content writing: How to do each one well

How to write a business letter: Formatting + template

This article was originally published in June 2015 by Jane Callahan and has also had contributions from Jessica Greene. The most recent update was in August 2023.

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Melissa King

Melissa King is a freelance writer who helps B2B SaaS companies spread the word about their products through engaging content. Outside of the content marketing world, she sometimes writes about video games. Check out her work at melissakingfreelance.com.

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Typewriter. Ring-binder. Scrapbook. Everything you need to craft your first draft.

Get your thoughts onto the page and explore the connections between them.

Join the conversation. Ask a question or just get to know your fellow users.

What we’re working on, interviews with users, and general prolixity.

Typewriter. Ring-binder. Scrapbook. Scrivener combines all the tools you need to craft your first draft, from nascent notion to final full stop.

Scrivener takes tools familiar to writers everywhere and integrates them in new and exciting ways.

Start a new chapter: Scrivener 3 is now available for macOS and Windows.

No matter what you write, Scrivener brings together all of your notes, research and writing so that it's always at hand.

For writing. And writing. And writing.

Scrivener is the go-to app for writers of all kinds, used every day by best-selling novelists, screenwriters, non-fiction writers, students, academics, lawyers, journalists, translators and more. Scrivener won't tell you how to write—it simply provides everything you need to start writing and keep writing.

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Grow your manuscript your way.

Tailor-made for long writing projects, Scrivener banishes page fright by allowing you to compose your text in any order, in sections as large or small as you like. Got a great idea but don't know where it fits? Write when inspiration strikes and find its place later. Grow your manuscript organically, idea by idea.

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See the forest or the trees

Whether you plan or plunge, Scrivener works your way: hammer out every last detail before typing a word, or carve out a draft and restructure later. Or mix your methods and do a bit of both. In Scrivener, everything you write is integrated into an easy-to-use project outline. So working with an overview of your manuscript is only ever a click away, and turning Chapter Four into Chapter One is as simple as drag and drop.

Research within reach

Need to refer to research? In Scrivener, your background material is always at hand, and you can open it right next to your work. Write a description based on a photograph. Transcribe an interview. Take notes about a PDF file or web page. Or check for consistency by referencing an earlier chapter alongside the one in progress.

Getting it out there

Once you're ready to share your work with the world, compile everything into a single document for printing, self-publishing, or exporting to popular formats such as Word, PDF, Final Draft or plain text. You can even share using different formatting, so that you can write in your favorite font and still satisfy those submission guidelines.

Who uses Scrivener?

• Autobiographers
• Biographers
• Children's Authors
• Journalists
• Screenwriters
• Translators

I genuinely think this is the biggest software advance for writers since the word processor. Michael Marshall Smith , NYT best-selling author.

Scrivener gives you the freedom to make a mess, the confidence to know you’ll clean it up, and the semantic relationships to tie it all together in whatever way makes the most sense to you. Merlin Mann , indie writer, speaker, and broadcaster.

If there was a list of the top five greatest apps of all time in the Mac App Store, it would start with Scrivener and then there would be four other things. Andy Ihnatko , technology columnist.

As a writer's application, Scrivener is damn near perfect; it means outlines, treatments and then first drafts can be put together in the same application. Neil Cross , author and screenwriter.

Scrivener is worth every penny: quite simply, it’s the best writers tool there is. Zoe Margolis , best-selling author.

Scrivener is the biggest leap forward in writing software since the venerable days of WordPerfect, and believe me, I’ve tried them all. Antony Johnston , comics writer and novelist.

Scrivener has so many useful features, there’s almost too many to list. Mike Sussman , Writer-Producer.

I'd thought it was yet another hobby app at first but this is genuinely for working writers with real deadlines and monster workloads. Karen Traviss , #1 NYT best-selling author.

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BoomWriter: The Home of Student Publishing

Realize your students' writing potential within a published book.

The BoomWriter Process

Reading & Writing

BoomWriter provides powerful opportunities for your students to read and write for an audience and purpose.

Our unique voting system encourages positive, meaningful peer evaluation.

There is nothing better than the moment every student in your classroom is published.

Turn your students into published authors

Kick-off a collaborative writing project and let every student writer take home a copy of their book.

Kids Love BoomWriter

Story Starts For All Abilities

Our curated and expansive collection of story starts are created by an ever-growing assortment of renowned authors and personalities. All accessible in our writing app.

Jamal Joseph

Black Panther & Poet

Creator of Bad Kitty

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Creator of Diary of a Wimpy Kid

We're an award-winning writing app

Free tools to make your students better writers and readers .

Quill.org, a non-profit, provides free literacy activities that build reading comprehension, writing, and language skills for elementary, middle, and high school students.

Writing Across the Curriculum: Quill's nonprofit mission is to now build both reading and writing skills through free, OER content across the curriculum. Over the coming years, we will be building a library of free ELA, social studies, and science activities that engage students in deeper thinking through writing prompts that provide immediate feedback.

9 million students have written 2 billion sentences on Quill.

Quill Reading for Evidence

Provide your students with nonfiction texts paired with AI-powered writing prompts, instead of multiple-choice questions, to enable deeper thinking.

Students read a nonfiction text and build their comprehension through writing prompts, supporting a series of claims with evidence sourced from the text. Quill challenges students to write responses that are precise, logical, and based on textual evidence, with Quill coaching the student through custom, targeted feedback on each revision so that students strengthen their reading comprehension and hone their writing skills.

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Quill Connect

Help your students advance from fragmented and run-on sentences to complex and well structured ones.

Using the evidence-based strategy of sentence combining, students combine multiple ideas into a single sentence. They then receive instant feedback designed to help them improve their clarity and precision.

Quill Lessons

The Quill Lessons tool enables teachers to lead whole-class and small-group writing instruction.

Teachers control interactive slides that contain writing prompts, and the entire class responds to each prompt. Each Quill Lessons activity provides a lesson plan, writing prompts, discussion topics, and a follow up independent practice activity.

Quill Diagnostic

Quickly determine which skills your students need to work on with our diagnostics.

The diagnostics cover vital sentence construction skills and generate personalized learning plans based on the student’s performance.

Quill Proofreader

Proofreader teaches your students editing skills by having them proofread passages.

Students edit passages and receive personalized exercises based on their results. With over 100 expository passages, Proofreader gives students the practice they need to spot common grammatical errors.

Quill Grammar

Students practice basic grammar skills, from comma placement to parallel structure.

Quill Grammar has over 150 sentence writing activities to help your students. Our activities are designed to be completed in 10 minutes so you have the freedom to use them in the way that works best for your classroom.

How Quill Works

Set up your classroom, without it.

You can quickly and easily set up your classroom in Quill by inputting student names or providing students with a unique code. If you use Google Classroom or Clever, you can automatically set up your classroom with one click.

Choose activities

Decide if you want your students to proofread passages, combine sentences, or complete a diagnostic. Use our ten minute activities as building blocks during your classroom instruction.

Use easy-to-consume reporting

Use our reporting to spot trends and identify growth opportunities. Monitor comprehension on specific writing standards.

Get immediate feedback for your students

Save time grading and watch your students correct their mistakes instantly.

Intervene where students struggle

See exactly where your students need intervention with our comprehensive reports.

Differentiate learning to meet the needs of all students

Assign specific activities for ELLs and students with learning differences.

Engage students with adaptive activities

Challenge students with questions that automatically adapt based on their previous responses.

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Easily meet Common Core language standards with our aligned activities.

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29 Apps That Teach Creative Writing

Teaching creative writing means putting ideas first. It means resisting the urge to correct the writing and focusing instead on the development of the writer. And though it may seem counter-intuitive, doing so often requires questioning, ignoring, or even breaking the rules.

“We may be too literal when we think about what it means to be a good writer,”   writes   educator and speaker Jordan Shapiro for Forbes. “It is not all about letters and words.” Especially when it comes to teaching children, he says, we get caught up in structure, grammar, and syntax. But these things are what make writing polished and proper, not meaningful and engaging. And unless you want to turn kids off of writing for the rest of their lives, it’s best to focus on the latter, and to make it fun.

The State of Creative Writing Today

In the UK, primary schools are teaching children “not to use simple words such as ‘good’, ‘bad’, ‘small’ or ‘big’ but to always find other more ‘interesting’ words to replace them – such as ‘wonderful’, ‘terrible’, ‘minuscule’ or ‘enormous.’” A group of award-winning children’s authors say this is damaging students’ writing ability at an early age. What happens is, the more complicated words are presented as “better” alternatives to children, so they “fail to understand the nuances of their use, and they also fail to realise that they are relatively unusual,” and that “they are used sparingly in good writing.”

Cecilia Busby, who writes fantasy adventures for children as CJ Busby,   told   The Guardian her concerns about the teaching of creative writing were sparked a few years ago, when she was reading out a description of a character from her novel   Frogspell   to a year six class at a Devon primary school: “He is a gruff, burly knight with a deep voice and a large moustache who also happens to enjoy whacking his enemies with his big sword,” she told the class, only to be stopped by the teacher, who told her that “the word ‘big’ is one of the banned words in our classroom”.

This is another example of how we’ve become “too literal” in our writing instruction. Certainly, young writers should work to build rich vocabularies, but like syntax and grammar, that’s not what good writing is all about. We can’t throw vocabulary-building apps at children and expect them to come out the other side acing the writing portion of their college entrance exams. What we need to do is begin with engagement, not rigor.

“The very essence of writing is that it is an expressive and personal outlet, so should we really be limiting it at all?” says Ella Slater in a different   piece   for The Guardian. “Some argue that a child’s creativity is stimulated by the exploration of advanced vocabulary, but there really is a difference in being allowed to delve into the world of fancy words, and being forced to use them.”

In any case, it’s not all about the words. Author Nick Hesketh recommends that before children start writing, you should discuss what makes a good story. This can be explored through all types of media, from film to games to comics. What’s important is learning the big concepts behind narration and storytelling before focusing on small details like word choice and spelling. That’s why we’ve curated 29 apps for you that challenge young writers to think about the big picture. Take a look and feel free to add your own favourites to the comments section.

29 Creative Writing Apps

1.   Hullabalu   is a fast-paced arcade shooter with quirky graphics. Although users don’t make up their own stories, they get to explore the narrative world through a combination of animation, narration, written word, and mini games.

2.   DipDap   turns you into an animator. Dipdap comes with 16 beautifully animated adventures which prompt you to draw in missing objects that, once drawn, enable Dipdap to complete his mission. These adventures are designed to inspire a child’s imagination–turn off the set guides and the child is free to draw whatever they wish. Watch Dipdap respond to the lines drawn, then playback and share with friends and family.

3.   Toontastic   turns kids into animator, character designer, and storyteller. Kids use their fingers to move characters around the iPad and narrate at the same time. Toontastic records their movements and their voices and turns it into a fully animated cartoon.

4.   StorySkeleton   gives you the freedom to create structure for your writing projects on the iPhone, and export to a variety of useful formats, including native Scrivener and Final Draft documents.

5.   List for Writers   is a great addition to any writer’s toolbox. Helpful to both novice and expert writers alike, this app delivers list after list of prompts and ideas for your brainstorming sessions: names, character traits, plot lines, occupations, obsessions, action verbs, and much more.

6.   Clean Writer   lets you become more creative with the refreshing, distraction-free plain text editor that boosts inspiration and fights writer’s block by hiding away extra options.

7.   My Writing Spot   for iPad is one of the best apps for working on your novel or other writing project on the iPad. It provides a distraction-free writing environment, so you can focus on getting the words out of your head and into your manuscript.

9.   Writing Prompts   uses current events, scene elements, words, sketches, colors, genres, and writing types, unleashing endless random bits of fantasy to fuel your muse.

10.   iDeas for Writing   is a creativity trigger with thousand of great suggestions to give your stories a starting point.

11.   Chapters   lets you manage writing projects. Create as many notebooks as you want and fill each with as much as you need to write. It’s easy to create simple bullet lists and see a word count while you write.

12.   Picturebook   lets you choose from a constantly updating library of cute pictures. Narrate your story with any text you like. Add your own photos with an in-app purchase upgrade.

13.   The Brainstormer   is a tactile tool to randomly combine a plot, a subject, and a setting or style. It can provide that elusive moment of inspiration for writers, painters, or any kind of creative endeavour.

14.   Story wheel   is a fun writing prompt app helping kids get story ideas, as well as improvising skills.

15.   Write About This   is a visual writing prompt & creation platform. With endless ways to respond and the ability to craft custom photo prompts, it will kick-start any writing activity.

16.   Writing Prompts for Kids   lets kids choose different categories when choosing prompts. There are some cool features here, like alternatives to overused words.

17.   Tellagami   is a free app that lets kids tell a short story. Kids can type in with words or record it as voice, then the picked character will read the story out with light animations. Since it has word limit, kids won’t have the pressure to write long paragraphs. It is great for kids who just get started on writing.

18.   GoodNotes   is a note app that lets kids put handwritten notes on top of PDF or image files. It is a good tool for collaboration on writing or working on revisions.

19.   StoryKit   is a free writing app for kids to record their ideas, and write stories. When necessary, kids can record their ideas with voice, instead of writing. They can also add pictures for their story.

20.   Educreations   is a free app originally designed for teaching using writing and pictures. Educreation is a great tool for kids to record their thoughts and ideas for writing.

21.   Scribble My Story   is a nice storytelling tool for young children. Kids can follow the template to create their own stories, and can also use stickers or draw pictures to help the storytelling.

22.   Book Creator   is an app that is great for organising thoughts and ideas, collecting references and raw materials. Kids can use text, voice, image to organise ideas before they put the final writing together.

23.   DoodleCast   is designed as a presentation tool, but can be a good tool for keep track of writing ideas. With many sharing features, it is also a good collaboration tool between teachers and students or among several students.

24.   Notability   may be designed as a note taking tool, but many are using it as writing tool as well. It has very versatile features letting you keep and organise notes and ideas in many different ways. It also has good sharing features, allowing easy collaborations.

25.   Haiku Deck   provides easy templates and beautiful pictures to help kids express their ideas. The final production is not an article, but a presentation. However, it is a great tool to help kids organise thoughts, and learn to express their ideas with pictures as well.

26.   Storyboard That   is a online tool for kids to create stories with pre-made templates. Great for introducing kids to creative writing.

27.   Story Spark   generates scenarios, writing prompts, and new ideas to spark creativity in your own writing. 28.   Novel in 30   will help you achieve your goal of writing a novel. When you’re actually writing, the dashboard will automatically get out of your way and you’ll be left with only your words. The writing environment is purposefully distraction-free.

29.   Byword   lets you continue writing across all your devices. Publish to WordPress, Tumblr, Blogger, Scriptogram blogs and Evernote notebooks directly from Byword.

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Top 12 apps and tools for teaching creative writing.

BY NANCY CHRISTINOVICH

Want to improve your storytelling craft? Where there’s a will there’s a way!  The educational software provides you with a large number of insights.

Creative writing requires both ideation and estimation skills. Need a brainstorm? The smart use of kickstarter apps will give rise to your inspiration flow and assist in organizing ideas.

The other tools are developed to improve the quality of writing. They help to develop your penmanship, wind up grammar, level up text readability and uniqueness.

Let’s consider top 12 writer’s’ helper-outers!

• Let the inspiration flow! 99 Words approach is based on the collaboration between e-learners. Each of them should create a chapter which has no less than 99 words. The story is passed from one author to another until it’s finished. An app sparks creativity, encourages users to improvise and work in a team. Write on!

Note Everything

• If you are mulling over a notion even when not actually writing, use this free app. Note Everything helps you to organize sketches, voice notes and even drawings. There’s no limit to your imagination! All you have to do is catch an idea – and note it down.

RedNotebook

• This tool provides you with open-source journaling option for Windows and Linux. You will be pleasantly surprised with RedNotebook usability. It lets you quickly search through old entries and find specific dates. You can export entries in PDF, Latex HTML or plain text format. Add images, links and templates – as you wish. Be imaginative and enjoy writing for yourself!
• The concept of the online editor is based on the American preeminent author’s approach. Hemingway is irreplaceable when you get down to the heart of writing process. The tool helps to edit text making it skimmable. The editor marks the passive voice and adverbs green and blue. When a word or phrase has a simpler alternative, it’s shown purple. Hemingway helps you to improve text readability. Make every single phrase clear!
• Free or Premium from $11.66 / month
• The free online tool is writer’s magic wand. After registration, you can download a document or copy paste text and check it for grammatical errors. Mistakes related to articles, spelling, punctuation and the sequence of tenses are indicated as critical issues. The service also offers advanced options of correcting stylistic errors or inappropriate words order. Grammarly can be installed as web extension at your browser to make emails and social media posts orthographic. Create airtight stories only!

Readability Score

• Free or Premium from $ 3 / month
• Text scoring tool helps creative writers to optimize their phrases and make the text easy to read. The grade level depends on the length of the sentences, words’ length, the number of adverbs, passive voice and cliche count. The concerned criteria of text quality are indicated with different colors so that a writer could alter phrases and make amendments. Readability-score suggests free checking three pages of unlimited length for each day. Develop your penmanship and have the guts to cut!
• Free or Premium for $4,91
• This free website assists you in organizing the thought-starter. Are you beginning a novel or narrative essay, us helps you to create the map of your ideas. Customize the bubble color, text size and formatting including hyperlinks. Even the registration is not required unless you want to save data. Brainstorm quickly with the online easy-to-navigate platform!

The Brainstormer

An app is responsible for the writers’ moment of inspiration. The wheel randomly combines plot, subject and style so that authors can make their conscious choices. Brainstormer has the thought-out and user-friendly interface which makes the process fun. Say goodbye to the writers’ block!

Story Skeleton

The tool for iPhone and iPad helps to structure the storytelling process. The electronic index cards jot down the ideas to construct the narration of plot elements and abstracts from the text. Story Skeleton is effective for creating outlines and structuring the narration. Download a text file or use index cards within the app — as you wish. Remember, even a ridiculous idea can be of use!

Writing Prompts

Here’s another effective source of lead for e-learners. Words, images, sketches, colors and current events combine billions of prompts to develop your imagination. You can store your favorite prompts as you wish. The tool is multitasking-friendly. When switching to another app, Writing Prompts works away right where you left off. Writing process is fun!

Clean Writer

A text editor hides away extra options and favors inspiration. The unique concept of Clean Writer is focusing on the plot instead of extra formatting and design options. An App is implemented on MacWorld, PCWorld and TheNextWeb.com. It handles only plain text files.

Clean Writer is perfect on the brainstorming stage and working on drafts. Focus on the score!

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10 of the Best Sites for Student Writing

Imagine a world where writing is as easy as a gentle breeze, effortlessly carrying your words across the page. Like a warm embrace from a close friend, the best websites for student writing provide a haven where young minds can unleash their creativity and hone their skills.

Whether you’re a budding poet, a future novelist, or simply someone looking to improve your grammar and style, these virtual sanctuaries have got you covered. There’s been a lot of changes since we first created this list back in 2013 – you’ll want to read on to see how technology has progressed.

Table of Contents

6. read, write, think, 7. hemmingway editor, 8. storiumedu, 9. boomwriter, 10. writereader, frequently asked questions about online writing tools.

In this article, I will introduce you to a collection of online platforms that will transport you to a realm of literary wonder. From interactive story creation tools like Storybird and Story Jumper, to collaborative writing projects on Boomwriter and Storium.edu, there is something for every aspiring writer.

So join me on this literary adventure as we explore the best websites for student writing. Together, we will unlock the power of words and embark on a journey towards self-expression and discovery. Get ready to improve your student’s literacy skills,  unleash their inner wordsmith and embrace the beauty of the written word.

Key Takeaways:

• There are numerous websites available for teaching and learning writing skills, catering to different grade levels and interests.
• These websites offer a range of resources and tools, including writing prompts, interactive activities, free grammar checking to ward off errors, and collaborative writing projects.
• Some websites integrate coding or multimedia elements into writing, while others focus on specific genres like poetry or comic strips.
• Popular websites for student writing include Grammarly , Storybird , Writing A-Z , and Boomwriter , among others.

1. Grammarly For Education

Using Grammarly for Education is like having a personal writing assistant that not only checks for typos and grammar mistakes but also helps students improve their communication skills to become more confident writers. It is a popular website among students and educators, offering a wide range of features to enhance the writing process.

With its advanced AI technology , Grammarly can detect and correct more mistakes than regular word processors, making it an invaluable tool for students looking to improve their writing. One of the key benefits of Grammarly for Education is its ability to provide suggestions for improved word choices. This helps students expand their vocabulary and develop a more sophisticated writing style. Additionally, Grammarly offers a plagiarism checker, ensuring that students are submitting original work and avoiding any potential academic misconduct.

Using Grammarly for Education can also help students develop their editing and proofreading skills . By receiving real-time feedback on their writing, students can learn to identify and correct their own mistakes, ultimately becoming more independent and self-reliant writers.  

With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, Grammarly for Education is an essential tool for kids of all ages and skill levels. It not only improves the quality of their writing but also helps them become more confident in expressing their ideas. By utilizing Grammarly for Education, students can take their writing to the next level.

With iWrite, students can unleash their inner creative geniuses and transform into writing prodigies at the click of a button! This incredible website offers a wide range of resources and activities for students in grades 1-8, allowing them to explore different forms of writing and develop their skills in a fun and interactive way.

Here are three reasons why iWrite is a must-visit website for student writers:

– Creative Writing Activities: iWrite provides a plethora of creative writing activities, from story starters to journal prompts, that inspire students to think outside the box and let their imagination run wild. These activities help students develop their storytelling abilities and encourage them to experiment with different writing styles and genres.

– Illustration Tools: iWrite also offers illustration tools that allow students to bring their stories to life. With the ability to create their own illustrations or choose from a library of images, students can enhance their storytelling by adding visual elements to their work. This feature not only engages students but also helps them develop their visual literacy skills.

– Interactive Feedback: One of the unique features of iWrite is its interactive feedback system. Students can submit their writing assignments and receive personalized feedback from teachers or peers. This feedback helps students improve their writing skills and provides them with valuable insights into their strengths and areas for growth.

3.  Magnetic Poetry

Immerse yourself in the world of magnetic poetry and let your creativity flow as you arrange words on the screen, creating captivating and heartfelt poems that will stir your soul.

Ideal for both introducing younger kids to poetry and engaging older students with the genre in a fun and creative way, this simple site is a digital form of the popular fridge poetry fridge phenomenon. Students are given a blank white screen and a group of ‘magnetic’ words to position how they choose, taking the pressure out of creating poetry and making it a fun and creative experience. New words can be added at any time if students get stuck, and the final result can be saved and shared with other students or parents.

Magnetic Poetry is a fantastic tool for students of all ages to explore the beauty of language and express their thoughts and emotions through poetry. Whether you want to write a love poem, a haiku, or a thought-provoking piece, this website provides an interactive and visually appealing platform to do so.

By playing with words and experimenting with different combinations, Magnetic Poetry encourages creativity and helps students develop a deeper understanding of language and its nuances. It also fosters a sense of belonging as you become part of a community of poets who share their creations and provide feedback to one another.

4.  NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program

The NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program offers an exciting opportunity for aspiring writers to participate in novel writing challenges and receive support from a community of fellow writers and educators.

NaNoWriMo, which stands for National Novel Writing Month, takes place every November and encourages students to write a complete novel of at least 50,000 words in just one month. The program provides resources, inspiration, and a supportive online community to help young writers achieve their writing goals.

Participants in the free NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program can track their progress, set personal word count goals, and connect with other writers through the program’s website. They can also access resources and writing prompts to help them stay motivated and overcome writer’s block.

Students can join virtual write-ins and participate in forums to share their experiences and receive feedback from their peers and mentors. In addition, the program offers classroom resources for educators to incorporate novel writing challenges into their curriculum.

By participating in the NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program, students not only have the opportunity to develop their writing skills, but also to become part of a supportive writing community. This sense of belonging can greatly enhance their confidence and motivation as writers.

So, if you’re looking to take your writing to the next level and join a community of passionate writers, the NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program is definitely worth exploring.

Explore PicLits, a captivating e-learning platform that combines stunning photography and creative keywords to ignite your writing skills and transport you to imaginative worlds.

With PicLits, you can enhance your writing abilities in a fun and interactive way. Here are three reasons why PicLits is a must-try website for student writers:

1. Engaging Visuals: PicLits provides a vast collection of captivating photographs that serve as inspiration for your writing. These visuals not only stimulate your creativity but also help you develop descriptive writing skills by prompting you to imagine and describe the scene.

2. Creative Keywords: Alongside the photographs, PicLits offers a selection of keywords that you can incorporate into your writing. These words act as writing prompts, guiding your thoughts and encouraging you to think outside the box. By using these keywords effectively, you can enhance the depth and richness of your writing.

3. Interactive Learning: PicLits is designed to be an interactive and collaborative platform. You can share your creations with others, receive feedback, and even participate in writing challenges. This fosters a sense of community and belonging, which can be motivating and inspiring for student writers.

Get ready to dive into the world of Read, Write, Think, an online resource that will take your writing skills to new heights!

Read, Write, Think is a high-quality education website that offers a wide range of interactive tools and resources for K-12 students. Whether you’re looking for writing prompts, interactive activities, or lesson plans, Read, Write, Think has got you covered.

One of the great things about Read, Write, Think is that it provides standards-based lesson plans that have been written and reviewed by educators. This means that you can trust the quality of the content and know that it aligns with your curriculum. The website also offers an app, so you can access the resources on the go.

Read, Write, Think is not just limited to writing. It also helps students plan essays or dissertations, providing them with a step-by-step guide to ensure they produce high-quality work. The website is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it a valuable tool for both teachers and students.

Let’s dive into the powerful world of Hemingway Editor and discover how it can revolutionize your writing with its insightful feedback and style enhancements.

Hemingway Editor is an online tool that helps you improve your writing by highlighting errors and suggesting improvements. Here are two key features that make Hemingway Editor a must-have for any student writer:

– Clear and concise writing: Hemingway Editor helps you identify and eliminate unnecessary words, complex sentences, and passive voice constructions. By simplifying your writing, you can communicate your ideas more effectively and engage your readers.

– Readability and style enhancements: This tool analyzes the readability of your writing and provides suggestions to make it more accessible to your audience. It highlights long and hard-to-read sentences, excessive adverbs, and complicated language. By improving the clarity and style of your writing, you can create a more enjoyable reading experience.

Using Hemingway Editor can greatly enhance your writing skills and make your work more professional. It is a valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing and create compelling pieces.

Immerse yourself in the world of Storium.edu, an innovative collaborative writing game that will ignite your creativity and turn storytelling into an exhilarating adventure. Storium.edu is a unique platform that uses digital story cards as prompts to inspire and guide your writing.

Whether you’re a student or a teacher, Storium.edu offers a fun and engaging way to develop your writing skills and create captivating stories. The game works by presenting you with a set of story cards, each containing a different element or prompt. You can choose a card that appeals to you and start developing your story based on that prompt.

As you progress, you can invite other players to join your story and collaborate with them to create a cohesive narrative. This collaborative aspect not only allows you to learn from others but also fosters a sense of belonging and community.

Storium.edu encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as you navigate through different story arcs and challenges. The platform provides a safe and supportive environment for writers of all levels to explore their imagination and develop their storytelling abilities.

Boomwriter, a dynamic web-based publishing platform, offers a range of collaborative writing projects that will inspire your creativity and propel your storytelling skills to new heights.

With Boomwriter, you can embark on three different types of writing projects: StoryWriter, WordWriter, and ProjectWriter.

Under StoryWriter, you have the opportunity to co-author your own book. This project allows you to collaborate with your classmates in creating a captivating story. Each participant takes turns writing a chapter, building upon the previous contributions. It’s a great way to experience the joy of storytelling while honing your writing skills.

The WordWriter project, on the other hand, focuses on the power of vocabulary. You are given a story starter, and your task is to continue the narrative by incorporating engaging and descriptive words. This project encourages you to expand your vocabulary and make your writing more vivid and compelling.

Lastly, the ProjectWriter project allows you to work on various types of writing, such as poetry, plays, and even non-fiction pieces. You can choose from a selection of prompts and create your own unique piece of writing. This project allows you to explore different genres and experiment with different writing styles.

Boomwriter provides an interactive and collaborative environment for students to develop their writing skills. It’s a platform that fosters creativity, teamwork, and a love for writing. So why not give it a try and see how Boomwriter can take your writing to the next level?

I am thrilled to have discovered WriteReader, a web-based literacy platform that has completely transformed many classrooms. Founded in 2012 by Janus Madsen, Babar Baig, and Ulrik Jensen, WriteReader offers an array of incredible features that have revolutionized the way teacher manage classrooms and facilitate remote learning.

One of the standout aspects of WriteReader is its quick classroom management capabilities. With just a few clicks, one can easily monitor students’ progress, provide feedback, and track their growth. This has saved me a tremendous amount of time and allowed me to focus more on individualized instruction.

In addition to its classroom management capabilities, WriteReader also excels in providing remote learning opportunities. Especially in today’s digital age, this feature has been an absolute game-changer. It has allowed me to seamlessly transition to online instruction and ensure that my students are still receiving a high-quality education, regardless of their physical location.

What truly sets WriteReader apart is its multimodal book creation platform. This feature empowers my students to become authors while simultaneously practicing various language skills. It has been incredible to witness their creativity and confidence soar as they craft their own stories. Furthermore, the platform aligns perfectly with the Science of Reading practices, making it an invaluable tool for evidence-based reading and writing instruction.

I am also grateful for the support that WriteReader provides. The platform offers templates that make it easy for me to create and share books with my students. Additionally, their customer service team is always available to assist me via phone and email, ensuring that I have the support I need to make the most of this incredible platform.

It’s worth mentioning that WriteReader has received numerous accolades and partnerships that further highlight its success and innovation. From partnering with Egmont, one of Scandinavia’s largest publishing houses, to being selected for Intel’s EdTech Accelerator Program, WriteReader has truly made a name for itself in the education industry.

How does Grammarly for Education differ from other writing aids?

Grammarly for Education differs from other writing aids by offering more comprehensive grammar and spelling checks. In fact, it corrects more mistakes than word processors. Additionally, it provides improved word choices, making it an invaluable tool for students looking to enhance their writing skills.

What are the specific features and benefits of the iWrite website?

The iWrite website offers a range of resources for teaching and exploring different forms of writing. It provides free online creative writing and illustration activities for grades 1-8, making it a valuable tool for students looking to improve their writing skills.

What is unique about the Magnetic Poetry website and how does it engage students with poetry?

The Magnetic Poetry website engages students with poetry by allowing them to position magnetic words on the screen, creating their own poems. The poems can be saved and shared, encouraging creativity and collaboration in a digital format.

How does the NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program support young writers and educators in novel writing challenges?

The NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program supports young writers and educators in novel writing challenges by providing resources, guidance, and a supportive community. It encourages students to set goals, write daily, and complete a novel in a month.

What are your favourite online tools for student writing? Let us know below!

Laura is a writer and recent Cambridge graduate with particular experience in the area of education technology. She has worked with a variety of different education companies and is active in the 'edtech' community on Twitter, so she prides herself on always being in touch with the latest developments and exciting new tools in e-learning.

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Generate thousands of unique stories using our ultimate story generator. Just enter some words about your story, and press the 'Generate Story' button. You can create a unique story within minutes to share with your friends. Writing stories has never been so easy! Try out our story generator and step-by-step story maker tool now!

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Daily Writing Challenges

Our daily writing challenges aim to inspire and encourage young writers to write daily. Each day the challenges will update to show a new inspirational prompt for you to write about. We have special seasonal writing challenges, as well as regular challenges, such as the word challenge, book title challenge, poetry challenge and more!

Use Story Starters to Inspire You

Story starters are a brilliant way to fix blank page syndrome (or writer's block). Did you know that 67% of authors say the most challenging part of writing is starting their story? We have thousands of story starters to get you writing in no time! And that's not all, if you're still stuck for inspiration we even have a ton of artwork to inspire you.

Generate Funny Story Ideas

With thousands of story combinations to keep you writing stories every day. Our simple-to-use story idea generator comes with tons of fun and wacky prompts to inspire you. Whether you're into pirates or princesses we got writing prompts to suit every child out there.

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Imagine Forest offers a seamless and user-friendly experience with the convenience of no registration required. We believe in breaking down barriers and making creative resources accessible to all. We provide a hassle-free environment for users to dive into the world of storytelling, writing challenges, and more.

Safe For Kids

Imagine Forest is proud to declare itself a safe space for kids. With no registration required to use tools, we ensure that no personal information is collected, providing a secure and privacy-conscious environment. Our resources are carefully curated to be age-appropriate, for younger to older children, fostering a positive and creative atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Imagine forest free?

Yes. Imagine Forest is 100% free. There are no additional costs or subscription fees. All features you see on the site are fully available for free.

How do you use Imagine forest?

To use Imagine Forest simply explore the site or click the 'Create a Story' button at the top of this page to access the story creator. Once inside the story creator, you can select the type of story you want to write and continue following the on-screen instructions. At the end, you can download a PDF of your book. You can also explore the rest of the site to find some interesting activities and writing resources to help you become a better story writer.

How do I register for Imagine Forest?

No registration is required. All resources from the story creator to the writing challenges and blog content are openly available to all site visitors. This also means that we don’t store any personal information, allowing users to explore Imagine Forest without the need for a formal registration process. The platform is designed to prioritize user privacy and accessibility, ensuring that creative individuals of all ages can freely engage with the diverse range of writing resources.

Is Imagine Forest safe for kids?

Yes of course. The absence of a registration requirement means that no personal information is collected, providing an added layer of privacy and security. Additionally, the content and activities on Imagine Forest are tailored to be child-friendly, fostering a positive and creative environment. The platform aims to inspire and nurture the imagination of young writers in a safe and age-appropriate manner. As with any online platform, it's advisable for parents to monitor their children's online activities and ensure that they are engaging with content suitable for their age group.

Can I view a list of Writing Prompts?

Yes. Imagine Forest has a huge list of writing prompts and story starters. You can view this collection of writing prompts on our blog, in the writing prompts category .

Is it possible to remove the ads?

Sorry, there is no option to remove ads yet. Ads help keep Imagine Forest running and providing free access to its creative resources for all users. While it may be inconvenient for some to see ads, they play a crucial role in sustaining the platform and ensuring that it remains freely accessible to a wide audience. Imagine Forest relies on revenue generated from advertisements to cover the costs of maintaining the website, developing new features, and expanding its offerings. By allowing ads, the platform can continue to provide a wealth of writing tools, challenges, and other resources without requiring users to pay for access. In the future, we may offer users a paid subscription option which allows them to remove ads from the site.

Is it possible to upload my own images?

At this moment in time, no it is not possible to upload your own images in the story creator tool. We may bring this feature in the future. The purpose of Imagine Forest is to guide you on how to write a good story. It is an educational tool for helping beginners write stories and poems. We do however provide a huge built-in library of photos, and illustrations to use. You can also request more specific images by contacting our team .

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Communication skills are of vital importance in the world today.  With an increasingly reliance on technology, teachers sometimes fear that students are losing the art of face-to-face and formal written communication.  But instead of fearing technology’s impact on student communication, why can’t teachers leverage technology to help students hone their written communication skills?  Whether students are still struggling with basic to complex grammatical concepts, or they need help elaborating their thoughts in thoughtful, sensical written pieces, teachers can rest assured: there’s an app for that! As a matter of fact, there are several apps for that.

Grammar & Spelling Skills

Building students’ grammar and spelling skills is foundational for strong written communication.  The following apps are great tools for helping students master grammar and spelling.

• Sentence Builder

Winner of the 2010 IEAR Language Arts App of the Year, Sentence Builder is an app geared toward elementary students.  It uses a game-like interface to teach students to form grammatically correct simple, compound, and complex sentences.  The app offers audio reinforcement, progress monitoring, and a “teen” module for older or struggling ELA students.

• American Wordspeller

Spelling is a cornerstone of strong writing.  But how can students locate a new word in the dictionary if they don’t already know how to spell it?  American Wordspeller is an app that can solve this problem by helping students to “find a word by the way it sounds!”  Students can type the first two to three letters that they think the word starts with, and American Wordspeller will use a predictive function based on the letters’ sounds to generate a list of suggested words and help the student identify the word he or she is looking for!  This app builds agency and confidence in proper spelling.

• The Interactive Grammar of English

Written by a team of linguists from the University College of London, the grammar in this app is based on the most current research and reflects real situations and real sentences, not just the repetition of archaic rules.  The app is progressive, spanning concepts from basic level understanding to complex, collegiate-level pieces of writing.

Technically, No Red Ink is an interactive website, but it is so functional and easy to navigate, that it has earned its place on a list alongside self-contained apps!  No Red Ink is a personalized approach to drilling grammar skills.  The site uses the students’ self-reported interests to build sentences that pretest, practice, and evaluate students’ grammar knowledge and acquired learning.  Teachers can set the topic for a class, monitor student progress, and peruse the data provided by the site reflecting students’ achievement.  It’s an easy and effective grammar skill tool.

Writing Skills

• Writing Challenge App

The Writing Challenge App allows students to enjoy writing in the guide of a fun, interactive game.  The app provides a prompt to get student writing started…then, every minute, the app supplies another prompt to add new ideas, words, characters, sentences, places or actions to the plot.  Students who have a hard time getting started with creative writing assignments will enjoy the fast-paced, game-like setup of this app.  And in the end, they’ll have been inspired to write an entire story!

• Writing Prompts

This app generates fiction, and nonfiction writing prompts, helping students master the skill of the short write.  The app uses current events, scene elements, words, pictures, colors, and even random tidbits from fiction works to inspire students to write both short and long pieces.  The 600 creative writing prompts are available both on- and offline to encourage student writing wherever they may be.

• Story Builder

Story Builder is an app from the same company that produces Sentence Builder.  Story Builder was Huffington Post’s 2011 winner of Best Reading App.  The app is designed to help students improve paragraph formation, integration of idea, inference, and abstract thinking and expression.  The app’s use of audio clips promotes access to writing skills, even for students with special needs.  The app offers a talk-to-text function, which allows students to narrate their thoughts and see them transformed into paragraphs; this is an essential scaffold for struggling writers.

• Write About This

Write About This is an app that addresses all genres of writing throughout elementary school, engaging students and making them feel excited about writing!  Educators report that even struggling writers are engaged and motivated by the game-like feel of this writing app; by the end of its integration, many couldn’t get their students to turn it off!  This app is worth investigating for teachers of reluctant writers.

Storyrobe allows writers to write, share their work, and receive feedback from others.  This is a great way to integrate student editing and revision as well as teaching how to incorporate positive feedback to writers.  With this app, you can easily save and upload your story to social media platforms as well!

• Google Docs

For traditional essay writing in classrooms, there is no better app than Google Docs!  Google Docs has all the traditional functionality of Microsoft Word but allows for collaboration between students and for easy-to-give and easy-to-receive feedback from teachers through the commenting and suggesting functions.  When paired with Google Classroom, Google Docs makes the assigning, collecting, and grading of essays a breeze for teachers and students.

It’s time to harness technology’s strengths, instead of dwelling on their weaknesses.  While written communication can, at times, be undercut by social media, teachers can also use it to motivate students to write more and write better.  By tapping into these writing apps, teachers can get their students invested in improving their writing skills!

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Top 10 Productivity Apps for Writers to Beat Distractions and Save Time in 2024

Sudarshan Somanathan

Head of Content

May 8, 2024

As writers, maintaining productivity has always been a challenge. There’s always so much to balance—client deadlines, multiple projects with different requirements, and staying updated about the industry…And then, there’s the dreaded writer’s block to battle every now and then. 

Not anymore—now, you can take the help of productivity apps that improve your focus and efficiency! 

These tools help you be more efficient and organized and enhance creativity. However, with so many apps available in the market, it maybe difficult to choose the one that meets all your needs.

Hence, we have compiled a list of the top 10 productivity apps for writers that’ll empower you to write better, become efficient, and thrive in your craft.

What Should You Look for in Productivity Apps for Writers?

2. calmly writer, 3. hypotenuse ai, 4. grammarly, 5. focus booster, 6. scrivener, 7. auto text expander, 8. hemingway editor, 10. wordtune, time to beat distractions with clickup.

When choosing productivity tools , it’s crucial to explore features that help you streamline the writing process and get the job done with ease. Here’s what to look for:

• Streamlined workspace: Ensure the tool provides a centralized hub for all your documents, allowing easy access and organization
• Collaborative editing: Look for the best productivity tools that enable teamwork, including commenting, assigning tasks, and tracking changes
• Integration with tasks : Opt for writing apps that connect your documents with task management, allowing you to link projects and prioritize tasks efficiently
• Organization tools : Seek productivity apps with robust organization features, such as categorization, searchability, and customizable layouts, to keep your work structured and accessible
• Time-saving features: Explore productivity tools with built-in features like distraction-free writing modes, document templates, and rich formatting options to optimize your writing workflow
• Integration with other tools: Look for productivity apps that offer seamless integration with other project management tools (calendar app, time tracker, etc.) you use to help you save time from switching apps
• Grammar and plagiarism checker: The best productivity apps for writers will include robust features that check grammar and plagiarism to help maintain the quality and originality of your writing

With such capabilities, writers would be able to optimize their tasks and become better. 

The 10 Best Productivity Apps for Writers to Use in 2024

Whether you’re working full-time for an agency or are part of a team of freelance writers, productivity apps are your essential guides for optimizing your work.

They simplify tasks, help you save time and reduce stress, and allow you to focus on the creative process without distraction.

From brainstorming ideas and researching facts to writing and publishing, these productivity apps for writers cover every aspect of creating content, freeing you from technical or administrative burdens.

However, choosing the right tool among many is crucial for success. Here is our list of the top 10 productivity apps for writers, meticulously chosen to enhance your efficiency in 2024:

ClickUp is a one-stop solution for all issues that hinder your productivity while working on a great piece. It offers many features for writers to supercharge their productivity, and ClickUp Docs is one of them. 

It brings all your documents and tasks together in one convenient platform, streamlining your writing sessions without the hassle of switching between multiple tools.

With ClickUp Docs, effortlessly create documents and wikis tailored to your needs, complete with styling options and embedded bookmarks for easy navigation. Collaborate with writers in real time, make edits together, leave comments, and turn text into actionable tasks. A blog in Docs can become a task in your content publishing calendar, with just a single click.

It is a writer-favorite tool as it helps you boost your content creation productivity using artificial intelligence (AI)— ClickUp Brain . You can overcome writer’s block and generate content ideas while also running grammar and style checks to improve writing quality. This saves you significant time and effort in the writing process.

Keep your work organized by categorizing documents for quick access and searchability. With secure sharing options and customizable permissions, you are now geared up to confidently collaborate with colleagues while protecting sensitive information.

From distraction-free writing with Focus Mode to customizable templates and advanced settings, ClickUp Docs enables writers to stay focused, organized, and productive.

Apart from ClickUp Docs, let’s check out ClickUp’s other features that increase productivity for writers.

ClickUp best features

• Keep your work well organized: Plan, organize, and collaborate on writing projects effortlessly with customizable task management thanks to ClickUp Tasks . Tailor tasks to suit your specific writing needs using ClickApps
• Manage your to-dos efficiently: Simplify your writing process by breaking down complex projects into manageable subtasks or to-do lists. Create checklists within tasks with ClickUp Task Checklists to track everything from outlining to final editing
• Save hours each week : Streamline your writing workflow with over 100 automations using the ClickUp Automation feature. Whether it’s routine tasks or project handoffs, automate repetitive processes to save time and stay focused on your writing
• Set and track your writing goals: Set clear objectives and measurable targets with timelines with ClickUp Goals . Use the customizable ClickUp Dashboards to track your writing progress and stay motivated to achieve your writing goals. Visualize your writing progress with widgets for tasks, time tracking, and more
• Keep yourself accountable: Track your writing time automatically or manually and link it to tasks from any device with ClickUp’s global time-tracker . Stay productive throughout your writing process
• Brainstorm and collaborate : Collaborate visually with your writing team in real time using remote-friendly ClickUp Whiteboards . Bridge the gap between brainstorming and writing by linking ideas directly to tasks and documents
• Draw out your ideas: Visualize your writing ideas and plan projects with ClickUp Mind Maps . Map out workflows, draw connections between tasks, and let your creativity flow in the writing process
• Work smarter : Save time and ensure consistency in your writing projects by leveraging hundreds of templates. From outlining to formatting, find the perfect ClickUp Templates for your team’s needs
• Connect your tools: Integrate ClickUp with your favorite writing tools seamlessly, including calendars, messaging apps, and cloud storage, to keep all your writing resources in one place

ClickUp limitations

• Some users find the learning curve to be steep initially
• Occasional performance issues were reported during peak usage times

ClickUp pricing

• Free Forever
• Unlimited: $7/month per user
• Business: $12/month per user
• Enterprise: Contact for pricing
• ClickUp Brain : Add to any paid plan for $5 per member per month

ClickUp ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.7/5 (9,000+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (4000+ reviews)

Calmly Writer is your go-to solution if you’re looking for a writing tool that enhances productivity while minimizing distractions. It offers a free version with the option to download the Windows or iOS app. 

You may adjust settings such as dark mode, font sizes, and colors in this tool to ensure a tailored and productive environment for your writing sessions.

Calmly Writer helps you overcome writer’s block and become more efficient with a distraction-free interface and the simplicity of Markdown. Additionally, it aids in tracking your word count goal.

This productivity app includes other essential features, such as a spelling and grammar checker. It also has a built-in plagiarism detector and smart punctuation features, ensuring your work is original and error-free.

Calmly Writer best features

• Use various screen sizes, types, and devices with its responsive design
• Enhance your writing experience with a dark mode option, ideal for users who prefer white text on a black screen
• Elevate your writing experience with an optional typewriter sound effect

Calmly Writer limitations

• Misses out on advanced features found in premium writing software
• Does not include collaboration features for working with others on writing projects

Calmly Writer pricing

• One-time payment: $14.99

Calmly Writer ratings and reviews

• Capterra: N/A

Hypotenuse AI is designed to help you start writing and overcome distractions. This app offers a solution to writer’s block by assisting with your initial drafts.

Have a topic in mind? Hypotenuse AI can create titles, outlines, and even fully-fledged paragraphs, saving you valuable time and energy. It simplifies the research process by suggesting relevant content ideas and keywords.

This cloud-based writing assistant software is tailored for writers, assisting in crafting various types of content, from blog articles to ad copy and product descriptions.. Using natural language processing (NLP), Hypotenuse AI lets you focus on expressing your ideas without getting bogged down in the details.

Hypotenuse AI best features

• Streamline content creation with bulk content workflows
• Tailor the writing style with a custom tone of voice settings feature
• Generate SEO-friendly content using NLP to generate suggestions
• Sync directly with Shopify and WordPress

Hypotenuse AI limitations

• Offers a 7-day free trial but with a limited number of credits
• Provides access to a limited number of templates or content frameworks for generating specific types of content 
• SEO features are only available on the Enterprise plan

Hypotenuse AI pricing

• Individual: $29/month
• Teams: $59/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Hypotenuse AI ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.4/5 (15 reviews)
• Capterra: Not enough reviews

Another one of the popular productivity tools that offers assistance to improve writing sessions is Grammarly. It identifies and corrects grammatical errors and is ideal for users wanting to write without distractions.

The free version allows you to check your writing task for basic grammatical and spelling mistakes, repeated words, etc. Writers may conveniently access Grammarly through various platforms, including Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and a desktop extension. 

While the free version suffices for many, the premium upgrade provides additional advanced checks and features such as vocabulary enhancement, genre-specific writing checks, a plagiarism detector, and even passive voice checks. This is helpful for writers interested in making their work more professional.

Grammarly best features

• Detect plagiarism to ensure originality in your writing
• Select from various tone suggestions to enhance the overall tone of your text
• Improve the readability of complex sentences with full-sentence rewrites

Grammarly limitations

• Misses grammar and sentence structure errors occasionally, affecting overall editing accuracy
• Offers a high pricing range for its premium subscription that may not be accessible to a broad range of users

Grammarly pricing

• Premium: $12/month
• Business: $15/month

Grammarly ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.7/5 (8,000+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.8/5 (7000+ reviews)

If you need a tool to enhance productivity through simple and insightful time-tracking abilities, go for Focus Booster. It helps writers accomplish tasks on their to-do lists efficiently using the Pomodoro method.

The Pomodoro technique involves working on one task for 25 minutes, taking a break for another 20, and repeating it. Users may find this core feature helpful for limiting distractions and becoming more focused.

Focus Booster also presents a user-friendly dashboard for users to visualize and track progress. This benefits writers striving to be accountable and gain insights into their time management activities.

Focus Booster best features

• Focus better and reduce distractions using the Pomodoro technique
• Understand where your time goes, with dashboards and emailed reports
• Manage a portfolio of new clients or multiple projects efficiently, ensuring fair payment for your hard work with allocated billable hours

Focus Booster limitations

• Features are mostly limited to time-tracking
• App’s Pomodoro technique may not be suitable for everyone

Focus Booster pricing

• Professional: $4.99/month

Focus Booster ratings and reviews

If you are writing a book, novel, or research article, give Scrivener a try. This app for long-form content creation lets you create content in multiple sections and rearrange them as needed using a drag-and-drop feature.

Scrivener is great for drafting your initial content and is praised for its organizational features. With Scrivener, you can organize all your ideas in one place and structure your writing effectively.

Also read: 5 Key Organizational Skills to Boost Your Career

Its interface enables you to work in different modes, from editing specific sections to reviewing the entire content. This helps writers manage tasks efficiently throughout the writing process.

Another impressive capability is a note-taking feature and safe storage of your research. This ensures that all content or resources are conveniently accessible during your writing sessions. This makes it popular among productivity apps for writers in academia.

Scrivener best features

• Structure large documents effortlessly, ensuring clarity and organization throughout
• Incorporate bold, italics, and other formatting options to enhance readability and emphasis
• Import research or earlier work in Word or PDF documents, images, videos, etc.

Scrivener limitations

• Requires time to adapt due to a steeper learning curve compared to Microsoft Word
• Overwhelms users with its interface, featuring multiple panels and options, some of which may not relate to the project at hand

Scrivener pricing

• Standard license for macOS: $59.99 (one-time payment)
• Standard license for Windows: $51.95 (one-time payment)
• Standard license for iOS app: $23.99 (one-time payment)

Scrivener ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.5/5 (80+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (190+ reviews)

The Auto Text Expander app is a Google Chrome extension that, when integrated, simplifies typing for writers by helping them save time on their computers. With this tool, writers can create custom keyboard shortcuts using their preferred letters, numbers, and symbols.

For example, instead of typing out ‘Be right back’ on an article, they can simply use a shortcut like ‘BRB,’ and the complete phrase will appear on the blank screen. This tool allows writers to spend more time focused on their writing tasks and less time typing repetitive phrases.

Auto Text Expander best features

• Create your custom shortcuts for free
• Type faster with text shortcuts

Auto Text Expander limitations

• Experiences functionality issues on various platforms and web pages, as reported by numerous users
• Lags and malfunctions occur intermittently during use, disrupting workflow

Auto Text Expander pricing

Auto text expander ratings and reviews.

Hemingway Editor is another popular productivity tool that can help speed up your writing sessions with its advanced AI capabilities.. It highlights complex sentences and passive voice that may impact the reader’s experience.. 

Additionally, it flags potential spelling or punctuation errors and helps rewrite complicated text (in the paid version). It also keeps track of the desired word count, including letters, characters, paragraphs, sentences, etc.

Hemingway Editor suggests simplified phrases to improve your copy and make it concise.. This tool is particularly useful for academic writing tasks as it provides detailed feedback to improve content quality. With color-coded indicators for every issue, writers can quickly identify and address improvement areas.

Hemingway Editor best features

• Get color-coded suggestions to improve sentence structure
• Improve readability by using the grade-level system
• Use it’s AI writing tool to improve your writing 

Hemingway Editor limitations

• Edits and suggestions may not align with a writer’s personal style
• AI suggestions are only available in the paid version of the app
• Lacks in-depth grammar checks

Hemingway Editor pricing

• Individual 5K: $10/month
• Individual 10K: $15/month
• Teams 10K: $15(per user)/month

Hemingway Editor ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.4/5 (47 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.4/5 (11 review)

In search of a writing tool that offers a distraction-free environment? If so, Ulysses can prove to be an excellent choice. This app for iOS users is great for writers working on shorter forms of writing like blogs or website content writing.

Its minimalist design and interface make for productive writing sessions. More than just simplicity, Ulysses offers strong organizational features such as project folders and export options, including Google Drive, e-mail, iBooks, and other third-party apps. 

Ulysses also helps publish content to WordPress and Medium. Users can write freely in 20 languages while the built-in proofreader and grammar tool ensure polished content.

Ulysses best features

• Proofread and grammar-check content professionally
• Visualize your content before publication with its live preview feature, saving time in making last-minute corrections and formatting
• Save every word you type for future prompting and optimize device storage by managing multiple files

Ulysses limitations

• Loss of data or misplacement has been noted by users while transferring files
• Unavailable for Windows and Android users

Ulysses pricing

• Individual: $5.99/month

Ulysses ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.5/5 (24 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (12 review)

The last one to join the list of the best productivity apps for writers is Wordtune. It is an AI-powered software that helps speed up the writing process by refining content. Using AI, it corrects grammar and spelling errors, suggests sentence improvements, and offers multiple options to change the tone of your writing.

Underlined sentences in red indicate grammar, spelling, or punctuation mistakes, while purple highlights suggest fluency, vocabulary, or clarity improvement. Users, too, can highlight and rewrite sentences as needed, with customizable options like Casual, Formal, Shorten, and Expand.

Additionally, Wordtune can summarize long text documents and help you save time. It can also provide unique responses to questions by leveraging its AI capabilities.

Also read: How to Ask AI a Question: Get the Most Out of Your AI Tools

Wordtune best features

• Improve writing with its recommended alternative wording, sentence structures, and tone adjustments
• Correct your grammar and spelling errors quickly
• Translate sentences or words easily, while premium Wordtune users can translate entire paragraphs

Wordtune limitations

• Performs grammar, spelling, and punctuation checks but may not be as comprehensive as other tools
• Offers rewrite options for complicated text, but the accuracy of these options may be lower
• The free version only includes 3 AI prompts and summaries per day

Wordtune pricing

• Forever Free
• Plus: $9.99/month
• Unlimited: $14.99/month

Wordtune ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.4/5 (77 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.6/5 (177 review)

Related: Building a strong work ethic

We bet our list of productivity apps for writers, discussed in detail, is sure to help you find the solution you’re looking for. We have detailed their core features and even limitations to help you choose wisely.

In case you still can’t make up your mind then no worries. You can, without a second guess, go for ClickUp. It’s a versatile, all-in-one solution that can help you stay on track, beat distractions, and stay productive all the while.

With features like AI-powered writing, task management, checklists, dashboards, and more, we help you achieve your writing goals efficiently.

So what are you waiting for? Hurry up and sign up on ClickUp for free !

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The four best AI writing apps worth a try

Suswati Basu is a multilingual, award-winning editor and the founder of the intersectional literature channel, How To Be Books. She was shortlisted for the Guardian…

AI tools like ChatGPT are revolutionizing writing, aiding in document creation and streamlining work processes.

Human oversight remains crucial to ensure accuracy and prevent AI-generated content from being too generic or erroneous.

Various AI writing apps, such as Copy.ai, Anyword, Writesonic, and Rytr, offer different features and pricing plans to cater to diverse needs.

Whatever the industry, more and more people are using artificial intelligence to assist with their work, especially since the launch of ChatGPT . Many workers and students now use the tool to write documents, essays, and more. It often speeds up the process of creating content and managing the mundane aspects of work. While they aren’t taking over the world yet, they are quickly evolving and have reached a stage where they can be useful, at least in the right circumstances.

Of course, all AI writing software requires some level of human oversight to achieve the best results. Without it, the software can generate content that is rather generic or even hallucinate facts , even though it may appear to be written by a human. As AI tools gain popularity, people are becoming more adept at recognizing the often bland nature of AI-generated content and are likely to either identify it or at least be suspicious of content that seems to lack a human touch.

How do AI writing tools work?

Predictive text on a smartphone or keyboard works in a similar way to AI. It essentially provides an “educated” guess as to what a user might say next based on their history of typing in a specific app. The difference is that it will rely on what other people have said as well, and find some level of commonality.

For example, if typing the sentence “The cat sat on the,” the model predicts the word “mat” based on the input sequence. It’s a simplistic illustration, but in reality, the model considers a vast number of possible continuations based on its training data and selects the most likely one.

Some large language models (LLMs) now use internet searches to gather information relevant to their writing prompts, which they then integrate into their responses. While earlier versions tended to produce stiff and robotic output, developments in algorithms and programming have allowed AI writers to produce more human-like responses. These days, most are using OpenAI’s ChatGPT models to power their tools.

Which is the best free AI app for writing?

ReadWrite decided to ask AI itself for a text prompt to assess how well it would fare:

Write a 250-word short story about a character who discovers a hidden world within their favorite childhood book. The story should include:

• A vivid description of the hidden world, including its unique features and inhabitants.
• The character’s emotional journey as they explore this new world and confront their own nostalgia.
• A surprising twist or revelation that changes their perspective on the book and their childhood.

Copy.ai ’s free trial uses ChatGPT-3.5, hence it is limited in terms of vocabulary and sophistication. Using the given prompt, it managed to create a story about a woman named Evelyn who discovered a magical library hidden in a garden.

While the story was quite pleasant to read, several noticeable AI traits appeared. For one, it used the main character’s name in every paragraph. Several words seem to be commonly used by ChatGPT, such as “nostalgia,” “abundance,” and “vibrant.” Combined with the repetitiveness, it seemed rather obvious that AI was used.

The pro version of Copy.ai uses ChatGPT-4, so it may produce better results. It’s unclear whether the app will incorporate new versions of the LLM, as OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman revealed that ChatGPT-5 is on its way.

Copy.ai is also compatible with a variety of other AI models including Azure and Anthropic , which makes it more flexible for delivering results. Another piece of good news is that the company has a zero-retention data policy.

Like OpenAI, Copy.ai has a free version with limited words, while the Pro version starts from $36 per month for five users, and has unlimited capacity.

Anyword is a little bit more complicated to use as it doesn’t bring the user directly to the writing app. It offers a variety of writing options, including 1,000-word SEO-friendly blog articles, social media posts, and ad campaigns. If you just need a simple text prompt box, you can find it under “general prompt” on the dashboard.

However, it allows you to change the tone of voice from neutral to rebellious, or even to a multi-tonal style incorporating three dimensions. There is also the capability to target specific audiences, whether they are nostalgic readers or creative writers. When kept neutral with a broad audience, it produced a similar copy, characterized by the repetition of names and overly flowery language. Nevertheless, the story was creative but seemed to heavily favor the fantasy genre.

Using other filters, it generated a tale almost identical to the first, including the same phrases such as “The Enchanted Forest,” “newfound,” “intertwining,” and “grandmother.” It’s quite apparent that it has a defined notion of what constitutes a childhood book.

The Starter plan with one seat costs $39 per month paid annually. The Data-Driven plan costs $79/month, and the Business plan is $349 per month.

Writesonic is another free AI writing tool, with an interface comparable to ChatGPT as it has a dark left-hand side panel. Like Copy.ai, the unpaid version is powered by ChatGPT-3.5 among others, but has better billing options than OpenAI. The company states that it is “agnostic” about using a variety of LLMs.

“Our proprietary AI Model Gateway, called GPT Router dynamically routes between multiple AI models, thus speeding up responses and ensuring the best quality output as well as non-stop reliability,” it says on its website. These include Meta’s LLama and Google’s Gemini models.

The AI article writer can create long-form content pieces and includes a chatbot assistant named Chatsonic. When tested with a text prompt, it produced a slightly more imaginative story, making it more reliable than other tools.

Although there is a free version, Chatsonic costs $12 per month when paid annually and claims to offer output quality comparable to GPT-4 and Claude 3 Opus . The individual plan costs $16 and includes additional features such as an SEO optimizer, plagiarism checker, and a tool for facts and citations.

Rytr , with a name that phonetically resembles “writer,” adopts a no-nonsense approach by featuring a straightforward interface like that of a writing pad. That being said, it still allows users to select the tone and use case of the output. Using the “story plot” function, it produced a tale almost identical to one by Anyword.

Not only did “Amelia” have a copy of “The Enchanted Forest,” but she also showed a penchant for streams and creeks. Hence, it is obvious that Rytr also uses ChatGPT-3 for its content writing.

Rytr is free to use, with unlimited queries available for $7.50 per month. In comparison, ChatGPT-4 costs $20 per month currently. The difference is that Rytr offers other features such as a plagiarism checker and SEO toolkit.

Featured image: Canva

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Suswati Basu Tech journalist

Suswati Basu is a multilingual, award-winning editor and the founder of the intersectional literature channel, How To Be Books. She was shortlisted for the Guardian Mary Stott Prize and longlisted for the Guardian International Development Journalism Award. With 18 years of experience in the media industry, Suswati has held significant roles such as head of audience and deputy editor for NationalWorld news, digital editor for Channel 4 News and ITV News. She has also contributed to the Guardian and received training at the BBC As an audience, trends, and SEO specialist, she has participated in panel events alongside Google. Her…

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Helping Students Use AI Creatively Without the Temptation of Cheating

Designing school-friendly chatbots with firm guardrails can spur students toward creative AI use that doesn’t do their work for them.

When ChatGPT was introduced to the public in late 2022, it sparked a significant divide in the education community. On one side, teachers recognized the potential of this tool as a means of personalizing and democratizing learning. On the other, some educators expressed concerns that it would become an ultimate cheating tool, leading to a decline in authentic and creative thought. 

In the last year, I have worked hard to take a less dichotomous view of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom and have looked for ways that AI might support and foster personalized learning and help educators rethink AI as just a “cheating tool.” Finding that middle ground was made easier when I was introduced to customized chatbots for the classroom , designed specifically for student use. It didn’t take long to recognize that these bots have the potential to introduce a whole new dimension of assistance for students who may be stuck or struggling. After all, we know that students may resort to cheating when they don’t know how to get started or what to do next.

So how do we find this middle ground? It starts with rethinking AI—seeing it less as a threat to critical thinking and objective truth, and more for its potential as a supportive resource to help students produce better, more meaningful work.

Support System

From the outside, interacting with a custom chatbot looks a lot like having a conversation with ChatGPT or any chat-based AI tool, but with some important differences. Teachers who create them using tools like SchoolAI and Mizou can build in firm guardrails to safely support each student, while keeping them focused. Both tools offer students access to customized AI assistants without jeopardizing their data. What sets them even further apart from other chatbots lies in the teacher’s ability to see students’ detailed interactions. 

Teachers can precisely control what the student can or cannot do while using them, making it easier to keep students focused on a specific task. It’s important to note that bots do not replace teachers, but instead offer additional assistance to students in a timely manner, helping them get started or progress effectively on their own. At any given time during the writing and brainstorming process, some students might be using AI while others are working independently.

Goodbye, Blank Page

To see how this works, let’s head into a busy middle school language arts classroom where a diverse group of learners are tasked with writing a persuasive essay. The teacher wants to let the students have “voice and choice” in picking their subject and getting started, but as we know, each student needs a different support to help get them on the right track initially. Before the lesson today, the teacher and I set up a chatbot as a student assistant to help personalize the learning experience for each student. 

When we sat down to create this chatbot, the teacher explained that one of her biggest frustrations was not being able to devote as much time to helping every student as she’d like. Invariably, during independent writing time, part of the class was often left staring at a blank page, getting little accomplished, while they waited for her to check in with them directly. To help solve this age-old problem, we created a customized bot using SchoolAI to help students start the writing process on their own. We opened up the AI assistant, called Sidekick, and input our guardrails, prompting it to help students pick a topic, get started with research, and uncover some of the angles of their persuasive essay. 

Afterward, I point out that she can use the information provided in the teacher dashboard to better understand where each student is in the process, even seeing their conversations with the chatbot itself. This way she can deliver a more tailored experience as more of a writing coach, to each student as needed.  

As I look around, the students begin quickly interacting with the chatbot, and the engagement is palpable. We hear comments like “Oh, this is so cool” and “Where has this been all my life?” and “This is helping me so much!” Another student approaches me to say, “Thank you for this. I always needed this help but didn’t want to ask.” 

The teacher, who was slightly skeptical at first, is now bouncing around the classroom from student to student, and I can see in her eyes that she has become a convert to using AI in the classroom. The students are diligently working with the help of the chatbot, and each is moving through the task of choosing an idea that they are passionate about, diving deeper into possible topic nuances, while others are getting advice on research, and still others are digging into possible counterarguments. 

On the teacher dashboard, we begin to get a summary of what is happening with the student interactions and their individual progress.

At no time during this process will the chatbot write the essay for them, as it was initially created with specific guardrails to make sure this doesn’t happen. This experience was crafted to provide just the right amount of personalized support, so that students can stay on task and not fall behind. Think of this experience as the chatbot being there to get a student unstuck. And while it was helpful for all students, it proved especially valuable for those with dyslexia and English language learners. 

Over in another classroom, students in kindergarten are using a customized chatbot to come up with sentences for sight words, and after hearing many different examples, they pick their favorite to share with their partner. In this scenario, the student eventually writes this favorite sentence, full of new and interesting words, into their notebook. 

Both of these classrooms of students will grow up knowing that chatbots can help them in more powerful ways than simply cheating or writing an essay for them. They will inherently understand how it is you communicate with AI to get lots of different information, to seek additional help, and to move past not knowing what to do next. These students aren’t left to the Wild West of AI at home with virtually no guidance. This is a huge win for education.

A More Productive Future

We know students need support not only to develop their autonomy and agency in learning but also to achieve specific learning goals. Sadly, students who struggle to grasp concepts at the exact time they are presented in class or fail to get started on time often fall behind, which leaves them frustrated and with learning gaps as the class moves on without them. When this happens, learning gaps begin to accumulate over time and can lead to learning difficulties that shouldn’t exist. This could be massively impacted with just a little targeted and timely assistance.

While still in the beginning stages, these tools offer a glimpse into a future where teachers and AI collaborate to unlock each student’s full potential. The more we work with these tools and the more powerful they get, the more helpful they will be for learners.

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Home » News » Announcing NXTUP Fest 2024: A Celebration of Emerging Filmmakers!

Announcing NXTUP Fest 2024: A Celebration of Emerging Filmmakers!

Get ready to be captivated by the talents of tomorrow at the upcoming NXTUP Fest 2024 Live Show , presented by the Academy of Art University’s Schools of Entertainment. Join us virtually on Friday, May 9th, 2024, at 7:00 pm Pacific for an evening filled with exceptional student films and creative storytelling.

Hosted by the Oscar-winning Jana Sue Memel, Executive Vice President of the Schools of Entertainment, and Randy Levinson, Director of the Schools of Entertainment, NXTUP Fest is a showcase of excellence in creating and producing moving images. This event highlights the incredible work of students from the School of Motion Pictures & Television , Acting, and Writing for Film, Television & Digital Media.

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, actor, writer, or simply passionate about the entertainment industry, NXTUP Fest promises an unforgettable experience. 

Famed presenters and judges include Albie Hecht (Former president of Nickelodeon and producer of the SpongeBob SquarePants movie), Pat Resnick (Producer of 9 to 5 and Mad Men), Liz Glotzer (Producer of Friends with Benefits and The Mist), Mary Lou Belli   (Director of True Lies and Wizards of Waverly Place), Ariel Schulman (Writer and Producer of Catfish: The TV Show), Jeff Valdez (Executive Producer of The Garcias), Charles Minsky (Cinematographer for Pretty Woman & Director of Photography for Princess Diaries 2), Bob Bronow (Re-recording Mixer for Love is Blind and Perfect Match), Matt Brady   (Actor & Special Effects for The Bear and Actor in Saturday Night Live), and so many more!

Now, without further ado, the moment you have all been reading to this point for… Your NXTUP Fest nominees are:

• Never Too Late – Raquel Calvo Méndez (Producer), Marilyn Chen (Director)
• Zero Sum – Hugo Liu (Producer), Ryan Lampe (Director)
• Veteran’s Crisis Line – Madison Champaigne & Robert Hughes (Producers), Gloria A. Downey (Director)
• How to Disappear Completely – Tommy Harkness (Producer / Director)
• Her Double Life – Lidong Xu (Director)
• Not for Comedy – Laurel Bolts (Producer), Marco Padilla (Director)
• Rat Roommate – Darrell “Rell G” Reynolds Jr. (Director)
• Just Say It – Qian Li (Producer), Yunfan Xiao (Director)
• Don’t Go – Laurel Bolts & Darrell “Rell G” Reynolds Jr. (Producers), Melanie Harris (Director)
• Marilyn Chen
• Gloria A. Downey
• Tommy Harkness
• Marco Padilla
• Darrell “Rell G” Reynolds Jr.
• Yunfan Xiao
• Melanie Harris
• Jay Bolusan
• Kylan Philipona-Breton (2)
• Sienna Sparks (2)
• Tanner Casares (2)
• Eduardo C. Torres
• James Montgomery (2)
• Joaquin Bacquerie
• Nadim Karanouh
• Nikole Haraszt
• Kaixin Zhang & Qian Li
• Nikole Haraszt & Raquel Calvo Méndez
• Shang Che Tsai & Raquel Calvo Méndez
• Cassiel Cao
• Chuer Huang
• Cristiana Alexis (2)
• Ashley Neves
• Archie Maznev
• Najee Joyner
• Taylor Morris
• Tommy Harkness (2)
• Kishawn McGhee
• Elijah Roberts
• Travis Hill
• Copney Toler
• Summer Givens (2)
• Nathan Bogdan
• David Pierre
• Kylan Philipona-Breton
• James Estes
• Cynthia Vyle
• Kaixin Zhang
• Nikole Haraszti
• Samantha Girard
• Silvio Salom
• James Montgomery
• Mengting Liu
• Kevin Edilson
• Bryant Smith
• Kenderly Labissiere
• Victor Mena
• Wenshelson Mack Voltaire
• Agostina Marcataio
• Beba Sagrista
• Brooke Worthen (2)
• Copney Toler (2)
• Micaela Davis (2)
• Roosevelt Green
• Winter Rain Wang
• Chelsey Coleman
• Cristiana Alexis
• Madeline Belknap

Audience voting is now live. Click below to watch and vote for your favorites!

Click Here to Vote:  https://artunews.com/2024/04/26/nxtup-2024-voting-is-open/

Click Here to Watch:  https://vimeo.com/showcase/11127379