# Abra: a living text

> Interactive poetry instrument and spellbook for iOS devices. (iPhone/iPad app by Ian Hatcher.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abra-a-living-text/id969877028 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ian Hatcher](https://appshunter.io/developer/857985135)
- Category: Books, Entertainment
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 9+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 11 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2015-07-20
- Data updated: 2026-06-11
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abra-a-living-text/id969877028/reviews.md

## What is Abra?

Abra is a magical poetry instrument/spellbook for iOS. Touch words and watch them shift under your fingers. Cast dozens of spells to mutate the text and set it into motion. Write your own words into Abra and see them become part of her vocabulary. Read, write, and experiment to discover Abra's secrets and make her poems your own.

* * *

This app was created as a born-digital artist’s book, funded in part by an NEA-sponsored Expanded Artists’ Books grant from The Center for Book and Paper Arts at Columbia College Chicago. Available in parallel is a limited-edition clothbound artist’s book that treats the printed page itself as a touch-screen interface. An iPad running the Abra app can be inserted into the book, conjoining the analog and digital into a unified reading experience.

Abra was created by Amaranth Borsuk, Kate Durbin, and Ian Hatcher.

Available free for iPad and iPhone. Requires iOS 15+.

* * *

A-B-R-A.com
Twitter: @AbraApp

## Key features

- Interactive text manipulation
- Word mutation spells
- Create and add own words
- Digital artist's book
- Analog and digital integration
- Poetry experimentation

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abra-a-living-text/id969877028/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Brilliant

*2017-04-09, version 1.21*

💯

### 1/5 — doesn't work

*2017-01-19, version 1.2*

won't even open on iphone

### 1/5 — What

*2017-01-13, version 1.2*

It needs work it never opened

## Frequently asked questions about Abra

### What is Abra?

Abra is a digital poetry instrument and spellbook for iOS. It allows users to interact with text by touching words, casting spells to mutate them, and writing their own words to become part of its vocabulary.

### Is Abra free to download?

Yes, Abra is available for free for iPad and iPhone. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements associated with the app.

### What devices does Abra support?

Abra is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It requires iOS 15 or later to function.

### How often is Abra updated?

The app was last updated on November 20, 2024, with version 2.0. This indicates a relatively recent update, suggesting ongoing support and development.

### What is the age rating for Abra?

Abra has an age rating of 9+. This suggests it is suitable for children and adults alike, with content appropriate for this age group.

### Can I use Abra offline?

The provided description does not specify offline functionality. However, as a text-based interactive experience, it is likely designed to function without a constant internet connection once installed.

### What do users like about Abra?

Based on the rating of 4.0 stars from 5 ratings, users likely appreciate the unique and experimental nature of the app. The interactive text manipulation and creative possibilities are probable highlights.

### Does Abra have ads?

No, Abra does not contain advertisements. The app is completely free and ad-free, offering an uninterrupted creative experience.

## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 2.0 — 2024-11-20

Updated for newer versions of iOS

### 1.21 — 2017-04-09

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Fixed crashes in iOS 10

### 1.2 — 2016-01-14

- Better emoji handling for iOS9
- Support for Greek language input
- Exhibition mode
- Minor bug fixes

### 1.0 — 2015-07-20

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Abra

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Poems - Poetry in English](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/poems-poetry-in-english/id1249662575) | 4.7 (410) | Free | Books |
| [English Poetry Collection](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/english-poetry-collection/id1156628404) | 4.4 (18) | Free | Books |
| [Poesie: The Daily Poetry App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/poesie-the-daily-poetry-app/id1332841582) | 4.8 (690) | Free | Books |
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| [Citations et aphorismes (fr)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/citations-et-aphorismes-fr/id1524232360) | — | Free | Books |
| [Werewolf Novel - Lycan Romance](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/werewolf-novel-lycan-romance/id6466630023) | 3.3 (4) | Free | Books |

## Related topics

[abra](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/abra)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-11.*