# iA Writer: Get Focused — Write in plain text

> Distraction-free writing app for focused text production and organization. (iPhone/iPad app by Information Architects AG.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ia-writer-get-focused/id775737172 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Information Architects AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/775737175)
- Category: Productivity, Business
- Price: $19.99
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 1,543 App Store ratings · 1,017 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 70 MB
- Languages: German (Germany), American English, French (France), Italian, Japanese, Korean, European Portuguese, Russian, European Spanish, Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan) and 1 more
- Released: 2013-12-19
- Data updated: 2026-11-01
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ia-writer-get-focused/id775737172/reviews.md

## What is iA Writer?

“Leaving life’s mess for an ideal realm of words.” —The New Yorker

“My favorite iOS app for writing in Markdown, without question, is iA Writer. iA Writer is just beautiful. To me, it’s the gold standard for Markdown syntax styling... an elegant champagne flute. That’s iA Writer for me.” —John Gruber

“iA Writer creates a clean, simple and distraction-free writing environment for when you really need to focus on your words.” —The New York Times

“iA Writer is an example of how powerful simplicity and accessibility can be.” —The Guardian

“iA Writer is all about textual production—writing this phrase, this sentence, this word at this moment.” —WIRED

4 x Best of App Store Winner

# The Simple Writing App
iA Writer removes distractions. Giving you a calm, focused, writing space, so you can express yourself clearly.

# Focus
Focus Mode dims everything but the current sentence or paragraph, helping you stay in the flow.

# Start
Don’t worry about the format. First, write in plain text. Then preview in HTML. 

# Organize
Search, sort, and quickly swap between documents from different clouds.

# Customize
When you tap and hold a key in the command keyboard, you’re given the chance to choose your own layout. Rearrange your keys, or pick new ones from the extensive list.

# Search
You can open documents and launch frequent actions in no time with the new Quick Search. It lives in the keyboard so it’s always close at hand.

# Work
iA Writer includes an inverted light-on-dark-mode, perfect for working day and night.

# Clean
Spot superfluous adjectives, weak verbs, repetitive nouns, false conjunctions and clean your text of the usual rumble. 

# Shape
Customize your templates and export to WordPress or Medium, HTML, Microsoft Word (.docx), or PDF. 

# 100% Text
Embed links, pictures, tables and text files in plain text and see them in preview.

# Get in Touch
- Visit ia.net/writer for more information
- Visit ia.net/writer/support for support and feedback

## Key features

- Distraction-free writing environment
- Focus Mode for enhanced concentration
- Plain text writing with HTML preview
- Document organization and search
- Customizable keyboard layout
- Export to various formats (Word, PDF, HTML, WordPress, Medium)

## Chart rankings

- #41 in Top Paid · Productivity (US App Store)

## What do users think of iA Writer?

Reviews of iA Writer are mostly positive: the Productivity app is rated 4.6/5 from 1.5K App Store ratings. What users like most: distraction-free writing experience, elegant and minimalist design. Top complaints: occasional crashes and sync issues, limited cloud storage integration options. Summarized from real user reviews.

**Pros**

- 🚀 Distraction-free writing experience
- 👍 Elegant and minimalist design
- 💡 Helpful syntax highlighting and formatting tools
- 🚀 Seamless sync across devices
- 👍 Reliable and stable performance
- 👍 Excellent customer support
- 💡 Useful features like focus mode and typewriter mode
- 👍 No subscription model, one-time purchase

**Cons**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and sync issues
- 🔒 Limited cloud storage integration options
- 👎 Lack of advanced organization and navigation features
- 👎 Subpar text selection and cursor control
- 👎 Dated app icon and visual design

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening certain files
- Sync issues leading to data loss
- Formatting problems when exporting to other formats

**Most requested features**

- Improved cloud storage integration (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)
- Enhanced file management and organization tools
- Better text selection and cursor control
- More customization options for appearance and layout
- Integrated outline/table of contents view
- Collaborative editing features

## Is iA Writer safe?

iA Writer: Get Focused appears safe based on user ratings. The AppsHunter Safety Score for iA Writer is 92 out of 100. This assessment is based on 1,543 user ratings, with an App Store average of 4.6 out of 5. Of 1,543 App Store ratings, 88.4% point to a safe experience, 3.4% suggest some concerns, and 8.2% point to a risky experience.

## Is iA Writer legit?

iA Writer: Get Focused appears to be a legitimate app. The AppsHunter Legitimacy Score for iA Writer is 100 out of 100 points across 7 verification signals from App Store and developer data.

## Recent user reviews (10 of 1,017)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ia-writer-get-focused/id775737172/reviews.md

### 5/5 — The Best Markdown App I have used

*2026-10-28*

My only regret is it is not available for Linux. Otherwise this is exactly the app I needed. I plan to write my thesis using this.

UPDATE (28.10.2026)

If anything, my appreciation has only grown. I am heavily reliant on this product for the iPad which is the only device I use now. Quite bummed that you were forced to pull out support for Android. My rating stands. And I wish the App Store would take ratings separately for customer support because your personal responses to users are really encouraging and honest. Thank you for that too.

**Developer response:** We just caught this update: 🫶 Thank you so much for the shout out to our Support team. In spite of the past experience with Android we are exploring paths to bring Writer to more platforms. Please keep an eye on this space:  ia.net/news

### 5/5 — Great app!

*2026-10-23*

One word: Thanks!

**Developer response:** That you! ☺️

### 2/5 — 日本語にバグがあり、長期間直っていない

*2026-10-20*

タイプライターモードで文ごとにハイライトするよう設定している際、日本語だと頻繁にテキストが上下に飛ぶような動きをします。文章が若干上に上がり、日本語の変換をエンターキーで確定すると文章が元の位置に戻ります。これは日本語特有の問題で、英語を書いている時には起こりません。なので開発者はそれを認識していないのだと思います。

**Developer response:** いつも大変お世話になっております。

この度は、タイプライターモードにおける日本語入力時の挙動につきまして、貴重なフィードバックをいただき誠にありがとうございます。

ご指摘いただきました現象について、開発チームでも詳細な調査を進めたいと考えております。大変お手数をおかけいたしますが、詳細（ご利用のOSのバージョンなど）につきまして、サポート窓口までご連絡をいただけますと幸いでございます。

より快適に弊社アプリをご利用いただけるよう、精一杯サポートさせていただきます。

今後ともどうぞよろしくお願い申し上げます。

### 5/5 — Exceptional

*2026-10-16, version 8.0.9*

IA Writer is simply one of if not the best writing app across many platforms.  It is sleek, simple, and resourceful while being easy to use.   Also, no subscription BS.  10 out of 10.  I have used it for years and will continue to do so.

### 2/5 — 自動インデントをオフにさせて

*2026-10-14*

タイトルのとおり。
前の行で行頭にスペースを入れて改行すると、自動でスペースが入って非常に使いにくい。

### 5/5 — Love IA writer

*2026-10-08*

This app is so useful for writing family history and being able to work on several chapters at a time. I have been using it since before the improvements and appreciate them all. It removes all my excuses to not write! The new improvements are a wonderful addition to app! I realized I needed something like that, but never dreamed an app could do all that. I don’t know what I would do without IA writer. It keeps me going even if I don’t feel like writing!
I haven’t tried all the new updates, and they sound wonderful!  I have used and loved this app for so long, I don’t know what I’d do without it.  
I will work at trying the new updates too.

**Developer response:** We're (still) not sorry about those lost excuses. 😉  We hope our app continues to inspire great writing for a long time to come! Thanks for taking time to rate and share this with us/other writers. 🫶

### 1/5 — Interfering with file association on iPad Os

*2026-10-06, version 8.0.9*

There is a bug. Installing iA Writer on iPadOS causes DNG files in Files/removable storage to open in iA Writer instead of Preview; uninstalling iA Writer immediately restores correct Preview behavior.

### 3/5 — Improving iA Writer for Writers

*2026-09-28, version 8.0.9*

This app needs an "index card view”, similar to Scrivener’s Cork Board or Notion’s Gallery so we can rearrange chapters, scenes, or comedy bits with simple drag-and-drop, like flash cards.

This will allow us to zoom out and see the structure and flow of our work. It will allow this app to be THE app for writers everywhere.

Edit: we need a LIBRARY or HOME button on iPhone & iPad to press at any moment. Swiping a half dozen times is exhausting and makes me not want to use the app.

### 2/5 — Latest version not usable

*2026-09-24, version 8.0.8*

Too many bugs to count in the latest app version. Vibe coding at its worst.

### 5/5 — Timeless, Simple, The Best!

*2026-09-22*

this app has been serving me for years and years without an extra cost. it’s lightweight as memo app, and still functional for long-form contents such as proposal and scripts. I hope there’d be more template so i can just make any document with this app and markdown files!

**Developer response:** Thank you! We've got a few things in the works we think you'll like. 😉 Please stay tuned: https://ia.net/news

## Frequently asked questions about iA Writer

### What is iA Writer?

iA Writer is a writing application designed to provide a clean, simple, and distraction-free environment. It helps users focus on their words by removing visual clutter and offering tools to enhance concentration and organization.

### What are the key features of iA Writer?

Key features include Focus Mode, which dims distractions, plain text writing with HTML preview, document organization and search capabilities, a customizable keyboard, and the ability to export to various formats like .docx, PDF, and HTML.

### How much does iA Writer cost?

Based on the provided information, iA Writer is a paid application. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, indicating a one-time purchase model.

### What kind of documents can I create and export with iA Writer?

You can write in plain text and embed links, pictures, tables, and text files. The app allows you to preview your work in HTML and export it to formats such as Microsoft Word (.docx), PDF, HTML, WordPress, and Medium.

### Who is iA Writer best suited for?

This app is ideal for individuals who need to concentrate on writing, such as authors, journalists, students, and professionals. Its minimalist design and focus-enhancing features make it suitable for anyone looking to improve their writing workflow.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 8.1.2 — 2026-10-29

# iA Markdown

- Fastest Markdown editor parser
- Editor now supports full range of Markdown syntax
- Added spreadsheet-style table editing: add, delete, and move rows and columns, change column alignment, reformat tables, and navigate cells with Tab and Return
- Comments can now contain any Markdown block elements
- Ordered lists are automatically renumbered during editing
- Smarter line move and indentation commands
- Added support for Markdown alerts
- Math expressions can span multiple lines
- Choose asterisks or underscores for italic and bold in Markdown settings
- Choose your preferred syntax for headings, ordered and bullet lists in Markdown settings

# iPhone Duo

- Ready for iPhone Duo
- Writer adapts to make the most of every pose
- Controls are on the right side of the screen, within easy reach of your thumb

### 8.1.1 — 2026-10-25

# iA Markdown

- Fastest Markdown editor parser
- Editor now supports full range of Markdown syntax
- Added spreadsheet-style table editing: add, delete, and move rows and columns, change column alignment, reformat tables, and navigate cells with Tab and Return
- Comments can now contain any Markdown block elements
- Ordered lists are automatically renumbered during editing
- Smarter line move and indentation commands
- Added support for Markdown alerts
- Math expressions can span multiple lines
- Choose asterisks or underscores for italic and bold in Markdown settings
- Choose your preferred syntax for headings, ordered and bullet lists in Markdown settings

# iPhone Duo

- Ready for iPhone Duo
- Writer adapts to make the most of every pose
- Controls are on the right side of the screen, within easy reach of your thumb

### 8.1 — 2026-10-23

# iA Markdown

- Fastest Markdown editor parser
- Editor now supports full range of Markdown syntax
- Added spreadsheet-style table editing: add, delete, and move rows and columns, change column alignment, reformat tables, and navigate cells with Tab and Return
- Comments can now contain any Markdown block elements
- Ordered lists are automatically renumbered during editing
- Smarter line move and indentation commands
- Added support for Markdown alerts
- Math expressions can span multiple lines
- Choose asterisks or underscores for italic and bold in Markdown settings
- Choose your preferred syntax for headings, ordered and bullet lists in Markdown settings

# iPhone Duo

- Ready for iPhone Duo
- Writer adapts to make the most of every pose
- Controls are on the right side of the screen, within easy reach of your thumb

### 8.0.9 — 2026-09-25

This update fixes a few small bugs. It includes all the great features in iA Writer 8:

Liquid Glass: a refreshed interface for iOS and iPadOS 26 and later, and an app icon that matches your system settings.

Document Outline: navigate your documents using Quick Search. Type to jump to any heading, filename, or text search result.

Command Palette: instant access to formatting actions, export, and authorship.

Library: hide dates and text excerpts to browse your files with a new compact layout. Favorite files are easy to spot with a star icon.

Authorship: menus show author colors so you know who contributed to the document.

### 8.0.8 — 2026-09-20

This update fixes a few small bugs. It includes all the great features in iA Writer 8:

Liquid Glass: a refreshed interface for iOS and iPadOS 26 and later, and an app icon that matches your system settings.

Document Outline: navigate your documents using Quick Search. Type to jump to any heading, filename, or text search result.

Command Palette: instant access to formatting actions, export, and authorship.

Library: hide dates and text excerpts to browse your files with a new compact layout. Favorite files are easy to spot with a star icon.

Authorship: menus show author colors so you know who contributed to the document.

## Apps similar to iA Writer

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [1Writer - Markdown Text Editor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/1writer-markdown-text-editor/id680469088) | 4.6 (393) | $4.99 | Productivity |
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| [Tot Pocket](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tot-pocket/id1498235191) | 4.4 (238) | Free | Productivity |
| [One Markdown](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/one-markdown/id1507139439) | 4.6 (149) | Free | Productivity |
| [Things 3 for iPad](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/things-3-for-ipad/id904244226) | 4.9 (11,829) | $19.99 | Productivity |

## More apps by Information Architects AG

- [iA Iconic](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ia-iconic/id1101257181)
- [iA Presenter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ia-presenter/id6450214174)

All apps by Information Architects AG: https://appshunter.io/developer/775737175

## Related topics

[ia writer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ia-writer) · [1 writer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/1-writer) · [writeroom](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/writeroom) · [iwriter](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/iwriter) · [iwriter pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/iwriter-pro) · [iwriter 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/iwriter-2)

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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 2026-11-01.*
