Comparison

Paper vs Stratword

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Paper

This app offers a clean and configurable writing environment for various creative projects. It supports Markdown and plain text, syncs with iCloud, and integrates with other tools. Users can publish drafts to popular blogging platforms and export documents in multiple formats.

Highlights
  • Gorgeous writing space
  • Silky-smooth typing
  • Deep personalization (Pro)
  • Markdown or Plain Text support
  • iCloud sync
  • Publish to Medium, WordPress, Ghost
  • Export to PDF, HTML, DOCX, ePub
Features
Read full description

“This is a super-clean writing space with a lot of configurability that stays out of sight when you don’t need it.” App Store Review 2020 # STORY Read it here → paper.pro/story # HIGHLIGHTS · Gorgeous writing space · Silky-smooth typing · Deep personalization (Pro) · Markdown or Plain Text · Syncs with iCloud · Integrates with TextExpander · Publishes drafts to Medium, WordPress, Ghost, or Micro.blog · Exports to PDF, HTML, RTF, DOCX, ePub, image, or clipboard · Works seamlessly across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac # PRO FEATURES Basic adjustments like text size are free in Paper. More advanced personalization can be purchased with Pro Features. You will not be buying anything blindly, though. The trial period for Pro Features is untimed, so you can take your time to decide if they are a worthy investment. While trialing Pro Features, you might occasionally see a popup. Simply press Reset in the popup to get rid of it completely. Pro Features are either a subscription or a one-time purchase. Both the subscription and the one-time purchase unlock Pro Features on all your iPhones and iPads that share the same Apple ID. This subscription (or one-time purchase) applies only to iPhones and iPads. Macs require a separate subscription (or one-time purchase). The one-time purchase is hidden by default. To enable it, go to the Settings app → Apps → Paper → Purchases → toggle "Show Lifetime Option". If you want to upgrade from a Monthly subscription to a Yearly one (or to a Lifetime license), go to Paper’s page in the App Store and press the rounded button with the price next to the Yearly subscription option (or next to the Lifetime in-app purchase). # BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS & ORGANIZATIONS Businesses, schools, and organizations can use one of the following methods to purchase the Pro version of the app: · Apple Business Manager · Apple School Manager · Volume Purchasing The Pro version of the app can be accessed from this link → paper.pro/get # MARKDOWN FORMATTING SYNTAX # Heading 1 ## Heading 2 ### Heading 3 #### Heading 4 ##### Heading 5 ###### Heading 6 **Bold** __Bold__ *Italic* _Italic_ ~Underline~ ~~Strikethrough~~ ==Highlight== ::Highlight:: `Inline Code` ``` Code Block ``` [Link Text](http://paper.pro) ![Alt Text](http://image.jpeg) - Bulleted List - Bulleted List - Nested Bulleted List * Bulleted List * Bulleted List * Nested Bulleted List 1. Numbered List 2. Numbered List 3. Numbered List 1. Nested Numbered List - [ ] Task List - [x] Task List > Blockquote >> Nested Blockquote >>> 2x Nested Blockquote Text that needs a footnote[^Footnote description] ++ Inline comment ++ /* Inline comment */ %% Comment block | Col 1 | Col 2 | | ------ | ------ | | Cell 1 | Cell 2 | | Cell 3 | Cell 4 | --- ← Horizontal Rule \_ ← Markdown Escape ° ← HTML Escape # FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ## How do I share my document? · On the main screen with documents: Tap and hold the document. Select "Share" from the menu. · In the document editor: Tap the title of the document in the top bar, then tap the round "Share" button in the popup. ## How do I print my document? · On the main screen with documents: Tap and hold the document. Select "Print" from the menu. · In the document editor: Tap the title of the document in the top bar. Select "Print" from the menu. ## Can I draw in the app? No. Paper is purely a plain-text editor. ## Can I add pictures? You can only link to public images on the Web. ## Can I password-protect my notes? No. ## Paper changes the font when I switch between alphabetic and non-alphabetic keyboards. How do I prevent it? · Change the keyboard to a non-alphabetic one (Japanese, Chinese, Korean, etc.). · Tap the "Settings" button in the top right corner. · Under the "Font" submenu, toggle "Keep for ABC Keyboards". ## Need more help? You can reach me via the in-app chat → "Settings" button in the corner → "Chat with the Maker" # TERMS OF USE paper.pro/terms-of-use

About

Stratword

This app provides a mobile screenwriting studio to help users write, format, and develop their screenplays from start to finish. It offers tools for outlining, character development, and industry-standard formatting, with cloud syncing to a web editor for enhanced features.

Highlights
  • Step-by-Step Story Engine
  • Deep Character Development
  • Industry-Standard Formatting
  • Seamless Cloud Sync
  • Web Editor Integration
  • Unlimited Screenplays (Premium)
Features
Read full description

Write your screenplay from anywhere. Your pocket-sized writer's room and global community. Stratword is the ultimate mobile screenwriting studio, designed to take you from a single idea to a fully formatted final draft. Whether you are outlining a treatment on your commute, building character bios at a coffee shop, or formatting your dialogue on the couch, Stratword gives you the professional tools you need to finally finish your script. Stop wrestling with margins and focus on what matters: your story. KEY FEATURES: Step-by-Step Story Engine: Don't stare at a blank page. Follow our guided workflow to brainstorm loglines, structure your treatment, and build out your world before you ever write "Fade In." Deep Character Development: Create complex, three-dimensional characters with dedicated profiles for bios, traits, and story arcs. Industry-Standard Formatting: Write naturally while the editor automatically formats your scene headings, action, characters, and dialogue to strict Hollywood standards. The All-New Community Hub: Level up your craft and connect with a global network of screenwriters: The Writers' Room: Browse a directory of writers by genre to find your perfect co-writer and collaborate on your next big project. The Script Exchange: Upload your projects, trade scripts with peers, earn review credits, and receive actionable feedback to polish your draft. Study Scripts: Access a curated library of recommended reading from professional screenplays to study structure and formatting. Writer Profiles & Secure Inbox: Build your custom profile showcasing your top influences, and connect privately via direct messaging. Seamless Cloud Sync: Start writing on your iPhone and finish on your computer! Your Stratword account seamlessly syncs with our brand-new Web Editor, unlocking even more pro tools like Dark Mode, Sprint Timers, Read-Aloud Teleprompters, and exports to PDF and Final Draft (.FDX). STRATWORD PREMIUM Upgrade to Stratword Premium to unlock unlimited screenplays, advanced writing features, and full cross-platform syncing. Monthly Access plans: Monthly: $9.99/Month Payments and Renewal: Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage or turn off auto-renew in your Account settings at any time after purchase. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during the active period. PRIVACY All your information on Stratword is secure. You are the only one who has access to your information. Also, you can delete your data at any time if you choose to do so. Privacy Policy: https://stratword.com/privacypolicy Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stratword_

Screenshots

Paper4 screens
Stratword4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Paper at none against Stratword's shown. Paper also leads on review sentiment (72% vs 47%) and rating (4.7 vs 4.4). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Paper sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month and Stratword sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Paper holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Paper has 1.7K ratings behind it against 97, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Paper's written reviews are positive against 47% of Stratword's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Paper ships an update monthly, Stratword every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Paper versus Stratword: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPaperStratword
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (1.7K ratings) — better4.4 (97 ratings)
Positive reviews72.5% of reviews — better47.4% of reviews
Number of ratings1.7K — better97
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB58 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMihhail LapushkinPatrick Pierre

Customer experience

Paper

All ratings1,703 ratings
Positive92.4%
Neutral3.3%
Negative4.3%
Written reviews229 reviews
Positive72.5%
Neutral8.7%
Negative18.8%

Stratword

All ratings97 ratings
Positive84.5%
Neutral2.1%
Negative13.4%
Written reviews38 reviews
Positive47.4%
Neutral5.3%
Negative47.4%

Bugs and requests

Paper

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Files randomly disappearing
  • Cursor issues causing freezes
  • Syncing and iCloud integration problems

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add image support
  • Improve file management and recovery
  • Expand font and customization options
  • Implement team/collaborative writing features
  • Add text formatting options like italics and bold

Stratword

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Paper

Subscriptions4
  • Pro Features — Discounted$14.991 Month
  • Pro Features$29.991 Month
  • Pro Features — Discounted$49.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Pro Features$99.991 Year
One-time2
  • Pro Features — Discounted$99.99
  • Pro Features$199.99
8 purchases

Stratword

Subscriptions5
  • Weekly Subscription$2.997 Days
  • Screenplay Editor Monthly Sub$5.991 Month
  • Stratword Premium Monthly$9.991 Month
Show 2 more
  • Editor Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • Stratword Premium Yearly$99.001 Year
One-time3
  • Upgrade$1.99
  • Coverage$29.99
  • Lifetime Access$149.99

Questions

Is Paper free?
Paper is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Stratword free?
Stratword is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Paper or Stratword?
Paper is rated higher. Paper averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.7K ratings, while Stratword averages 4.4 from 97 ratings.
Do Paper or Stratword have ads?
Stratword shows ads; Paper does not.
Which is updated more often, Paper or Stratword?
Paper ships an update monthly, and Stratword every 5 weeks. Most recently, Paper was updated on September 23, 2026 and Stratword on September 21, 2026.

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