# Write Only

> Distraction-free typewriter-style writing app that saves output as permanent PDFs. (iPhone/iPad app by 潮激 李.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/write-only/id590507955 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [潮激 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/342075158)
- Category: Productivity, Lifestyle
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.60/5 from 14 App Store ratings · 93 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 5.1.1 · 6 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-01-15
- Data updated: 2026-09-03
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/write-only/id590507955/reviews.md

## What is Write Only?

Write Only allows you to use your iPad/iPhone in the exact same way as a good old typewriter. It is a special app designed for people who just want to focus on writing. By separating writing from editing, it helps you focus more on getting your ideas out. Using it is like sitting in front of a typewriter and letting words flow out of your finger tips.  

Everything you put down on the page is permanent. All the typing is saved as a PDF file, including the positions, the font size, and the colors that the texts come out with. No matter where and when you are going to view these pages, they will be kept exactly same as the time you typed them.

Fixed cursor sits right above the keyboard, therefore your eyes will be close both to the text you're typing and the fingers, and that can help to reduce typing errors.

You can start typing on the page at any place by tapping on that location and use any margin you want by moving the page. It is very easy to type aligned texts.

An extension keybar includes frequently used keys like ' or ; that are difficult to access in iOS' default keyboard.

Write Only is good for writing the first version of any work, especially diary or journal. When you come back to your writings years later, the shapes of the text and the errors you made will help you remember the moments of the writing.

Tips:
 - To delete a page, slider your finger from right to left over the page you want to remove;
 - To send one or more pages, long press on the page you want to send, after the toolbar shows up, you can select more than one pages. More pages means more time to prepare. Sending multiple pages will combine pages into one single PDF document first.
- To select a different font, go to Settings app -> Write Only, choose your favorite font, then return back to Write Only, start a new page or simply restart.

## Key features

- Typewriter-like writing experience
- Permanent PDF saving
- Fixed cursor for accuracy
- Extended keybar
- Focus on idea generation
- Customizable fonts

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited New Pages | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Fonts | $0.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 93)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/write-only/id590507955/reviews.md

### 5/5 — wdf

*2026-05-28*

软件很复古，支持的系统也很复古

### 1/5 — Can not remove words by mistake

*2025-07-22, version 1.9.2*

Stupid app that cannot backspace to remove words!

### 2/5 — Can’t delete pages or erase

*2020-07-14, version 1.9.2*

Could you please make a free typing game?

### 1/5 — Why Can’t I save the document?

*2020-07-02, version 1.9.2*

Look cool for typing but I can’t find anyway to save or export the thing I’ve type and nothing appears to be saving.

### 4/5 — Very well executed.  You must focus!

*2020-03-18, version 1.9.2*

Really enjoy this app.  It’s so basic, that’s what makes it great.  I love that deleting text isn’t very easy and that you have to hit return at the end of each line to avoid typing off the page.  This forces you to actively pay attention and remain focused.  It’s a very peaceful experience.

If there was a copy/paste and/or export to text option, this would be my go-to writing app.  Unfortunately, as much as I love typing with it, I can’t really see using it much.  Knowing I cannot get my text exported elsewhere for future drafts is a huge limitation for me (and anyone else who values backing up or re-writing their drafts).

Would love to see these added but in the meantime, it’s lovely!

### 5/5 — Digitale Schreibmaschine

*2020-03-07*

Wunderbare App. Auf das Wesentlichste beschränkt, wenn es ums Schreiben geht. Man damit sehr gut schreiben. Mehr wollte ich auch nicht.

### 5/5 — dhhdjdddrjydmdxnxyrnuxrjfdjjdrhhdnchrhfh

*2020-01-11, version 1.9.2*

hdjddhdhdhdsyfudyydudyshdydydudusushusdjudhddhsdnxydyxsvhurrhurhryeheyehshrhmdndgsjddudnddhrjufudrnudnfudhfhyfufghry hchxudhydudhdeh

### 3/5 — Not the best ever

*2019-12-16, version 1.9.2*

This game is quit fun but my only issue with it is that when you spell something wrong it doesn't let you just delete the word like the arrow thing does you have to highlight it yellow then it disappears because I was writing a song then I missed out some verses then when I highlighted it,it look DREDFALL

### 5/5 — Use with Hanx Writer Keyboard

*2019-07-22, version 1.9.2*

This is absolutely fabulous !!

### 1/5 — Export ?

*2019-03-02*

On ne peu plus exporter notre travail. L’application devient donc inutilisable 🤔

## Frequently asked questions about Write Only

### What is Write Only?

Write Only is a writing application designed to provide a distraction-free experience, similar to using a typewriter. It helps users focus on getting their ideas down without the complexities of editing. All typed content is saved permanently as a PDF, ensuring that the layout, font, and colors remain consistent across all viewing instances.

### How does Write Only help with writing?

The app separates the act of writing from editing, encouraging users to concentrate solely on generating content. It features a fixed cursor positioned above the keyboard, which can reduce typing errors by keeping the text and fingers close. An extended keybar also provides easier access to commonly used punctuation marks.

### Is Write Only free to use?

The application is free to download and use, offering a core writing experience. However, it does include in-app purchases, which may unlock additional features or customization options for users who wish to enhance their writing environment further.

### What devices is Write Only compatible with?

Write Only is available for use on iPads and iPhones. The app is designed to leverage the touch interface of these devices to provide a seamless writing and editing experience.

### What are the main use cases for Write Only?

This app is ideal for writing the initial drafts of any work, particularly for personal use like diaries or journals. The permanence of the text and any errors made can serve as a nostalgic reminder of the writing process when revisited later.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.9.2 — 2015-09-29

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

fix ios 9 issues

### 1.9.1 — 2015-04-01

- UI improvements
- auto save to avoid loss of work

### 1.9 — 2015-03-11

fix bug bad scaling when creating new page

### 1.8 — 2014-11-15

fix crash bug when deleting page

### 1.7 — 2014-10-16

- fix bug that unable to edit a second page
- support iPhone6/iPhone6 Plus resolution

## Apps similar to Write Only

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Storyist 4](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/storyist-4/id1423912340) | 4.3 (363) | Free | Productivity |
| [Plotten: Writing App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plotten-writing-app/id1662500043) | 4.3 (48) | Free | Productivity |
| [Retrotype](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrotype/id6752917326) | 4.3 (6) | Free | Productivity |
| [Narrative: Novel Writing App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/narrative-novel-writing-app/id1492724959) | 4.4 (50) | Free | Productivity |
| [SolarWriter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solarwriter/id997410577) | 3.8 (16) | Free | Productivity |
| [Word Processor - Textilus Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/word-processor-textilus-pro/id1018671847) | 4.4 (902) | Free | Productivity |

## More apps by 潮激 李

- [Golden Ear](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/golden-ear/id407945101)
- [TeX Writer - LaTeX On The Go](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tex-writer-latex-on-the-go/id552717222)
- [EPS to PDF Converter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eps-to-pdf-converter/id768698217)
- [Write Only 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/write-only-2/id1524141551)
- [iDOS 3](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idos-3/id1580768213)

All apps by 潮激 李: https://appshunter.io/developer/342075158

## Related topics

[stylus labs write](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/stylus-labs-write) · [typewriterapp](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/typewriterapp)

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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 2026-09-03.*