Paper vs Effie
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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“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)  - 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
Effie
This app helps writers transform ideas into polished articles. It offers AI-powered mind mapping, content generation, and writing tools. Seamlessly sync across devices and export in various formats.
- AI-powered mind mapping
- Generate articles from mind maps
- Multi-device cloud synchronization
- Offline writing support
- Markup syntax for formatting
- Outline to mind map conversion
- Export to PDF, DOCX, Markdown
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Effie: Tailored for writers, from casual notes to profound creations. * Effie AI features described below require the Effie AI plan, available via in-app purchase. # New Feature: Mind Map + AI From a simple spark of inspiration to a complete mind map, and then to a polished article, Effie helps you turn ideas into actual writing. [Extend Node by AI] Expand parent nodes into child nodes with one click. Improve the structure of your mind map. Explore ideas from new perspectives. Every extended node can offer broader and deeper inspiration. [Generate Article by AI] Generate an article from the content and structure of your mind map with one click. Turn your ideas into a clear, logical draft more efficiently. # Write whenever inspiration strikes No device or location can hold you back. Capture every creative spark. - Multi-device, multi-platform support enables automatic cloud synchronization on phones, computers, and tablets. - Supports offline writing, allowing creation anywhere and anytime, as you wish. - User-friendly design, no learning needed. If you can use a memo, you can use Effie. # Immerse in Creativity Enter a tranquil text-centric space, dedicated to pure writing. - No redundant buttons. Only essential features. - Simplify formatting with Markup syntax and handy shortcuts, without fumbling for the mouse. - Customize Effie's appearance with your preferred color modes, fonts and display settings. # Creating Logical Structure Clear Outline and intuitive mind maps help clarify logical relationships. - Input text, and convert from outline to mind map with one click, supporting image insertion in all modes. - Mix text in the outline, providing an overview of the whole without missing details to gather your thoughts. - Mind map mode supports editing, with multiple diagram styles such as classic, tree, fishbone, etc. # Effortless Output Applicable to various scenarios, share with one click,and experience a smooth and delightful journey from writing to sharing. - Supports exporting to PDF, DOCX, Markdown, EffieSheet, and other file formats. - Supports exporting long images for convenient mobile browsing, with various visual styles to choose from. # Effie AI: Your AI writing guide for enhanced efficiency,accuracy and enrichment. - Generate outlines: Extract information, and establish a clear article structure. - Summarize texts: Present themes and core points with ease. - Adjust the length: Condense, expand, continue writing, and easily modifying the text output length. - Polish: Switch styles flexibly from formal to humorous to self-media, suited for various scenarios. - Correct typos and grammar: Accurately identify and revise, no more worries about rhetoric and errors. - Translation: Multi-language translation, ensuring smooth and accurate language transition. - Ask AI: Call upon the AI think tank anytime during writing to ease confusion and receive suggestions. - Brainstorm: Generate diverse and innovative ideas, sparking your inspiration and creativity. # Unparalleled Performance Editing an article of 100,000 words? Lightning-fast response.. - Native development, prioritizing code efficiency, and minimizing system resource occupancy. - Built-in repository for convenient manuscript management. # We care deeply about your privacy and data security We respect and prioritize the privacy of creators. All your work in Effie is encrypted with your unique key. In other words, no one has access to what you write. So no targeted ads,no data training,no content analysis,no intelligent recommendation algorithms in it. Use it with the assurance of your data integrity. Using Effie for your creative work is a valuable trust we treasure. # Get in touch: You can go to our website effie.pro for more information. You can also send us an email to help@effie.pro if you have any questions, we'd be happy to help. -- Effie, your creative ally. EULA:https://www.effie.pro/eula Privacy Policy:https://www.effie.pro/privacy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Paper at 4.7 against Effie's 4.3. Paper also leads on ratings volume (1.7K vs 36). Effie's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Paper sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month and Effie sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $6.00 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Paper holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Paper has 1.7K ratings behind it against 36, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 72% of Paper's written reviews are positive against 75% of Effie's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Paper ships an update monthly, Effie every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Paper | Effie |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (1.7K ratings) — better | 4.3 (36 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 72.5% of reviews | 75.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 1.7K — better | 36 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 14.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 39 MB | 53 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mihhail Lapushkin | 7S2P Inc. |
Customer experience
Paper
Effie
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
Effie
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Paper
- Pro Features — Discounted$14.991 Month
- Pro Features$29.991 Month
- Pro Features — Discounted$49.991 Year
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Pro Features$99.991 Year
- Pro Features — Discounted$99.99
- Pro Features$199.99
Effie
- Effie Pro Monthly Plan$6.001 Month
- Effie AI Month Plan$6.001 Month
- Effie Pro AI Monthly Plan$9.001 Month
Show 3 moreShow fewer
- Effie Yearly Plan$29.991 Year
- Effie AI Yearly Plan$72.001 Year
- Effie + AI Yearly Plan$107.991 Year
- Effie Monthly Plan$4.99
- Effie Yearly Plan$48.00









