Formbook vs StrataWrite
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Formbook
This app allows you to create structured notes that function like database forms, saving you time and providing instant chart statistics. It supports collaboration, cross-device synchronization, and AI-powered form building with numerous field types.
- Form-based note creation
- Instant chart statistics
- Notebook sharing for collaboration
- AI-powered automated form builder
- 30+ form field types
- Cross-device synchronization
- Export to PDF and CSV
Read full descriptionHide full description
Formbook: the revolutionary personal database app. Formbook is a new generation database app in which you create form based notes to easily store information. Formbook is the perfect app for structured information note taking. With Formbook, notes behave like database forms: create a notebook and define the fields you need to store your information. Form based notes have amazing benefits: - Gain a huge amount of time while taking notes as you just need to fill in form fields. - Instantly obtain chart stats on the data contained in your notebooks. - Share notebooks for collaboration with other Formbook users. Here are some usage examples. Create notebooks to: - Keep track of your progress in sport training. - Remember your favorite restaurants in places you visit. - Store your recipes. - Follow to do tasks. - Prepare a trip by describing the places to visit. - Keep track of any object inventory (with barcode reader). Formbook comes with a powerful dashboard feature that visually displays charts on your data. Personalize your charts and analyse data in detail. Formbook is cross device: notes are automatically synchronized on your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch via iCloud. Formbook is also available on your Apple Watch: access your notes and notebooks directly from you Apple Watch. Formbook is powered by AI: save time with the new automated form builder. Enter your notebook name and Formbook infers the database fields. Choose among 30 form field types when conceiving your notebook structure: - Short text field - Long text field - Secret text field revealed by FaceID or TouchID - Code text field (programming languages) - Number - Currency - Stepper (number) - Slider (number) - Calculation (using the data from other fields) - Yes/No button - Date and Time fields - Duration - Images and photos - List of elements (with optional checkboxes) - List of tags - Rating (with stars) - Email (with compose button) - Address (with map access) - Phone number (with compose button) - URL (with browse button) - Barcode and QR code (with scan button) - Current location (latitude, longitude, address) Export your notes as PDF file and CSV file to use the data with spreadsheet apps.
StrataWrite
Read full descriptionHide full description
StrataWrite is a research-first writing app designed for scholars, researchers, and serious writers who need more than just a blank page. Built with Apple’s native frameworks, StrataWrite unites structured note-taking and manuscript drafting in a clean, focused environment that helps you organize complex projects and keep your ideas connected. StrataWrite is for text only. No Table or Image support. StrataWrite is about getting the words out and not formatting. StratWrite is the first step in writing up your research. Get the words out in either Notes or Manuscript Views. When the first draft of your writing is complete, export to Plaintext or Markdown and import it into your favorite Word Processor for formatting. Whether you are preparing a dissertation, drafting a grant proposal, or developing a book chapter, StrataWrite provides a workspace designed to keep your research structured and your writing clear. Research-Driven Writing StrataWrite is built for projects that demand more than linear word processing: • Structured Notes – Capture and organize your research with tags, categories, and backlinks. Notes connect into a system that grows as your ideas develop. • Manuscript Drafting – Write in a distraction-free workspace with daily word count goals, progress tracking, and export options for Markdown, or TXT. • Linking Ideas – Create bidirectional links between notes and manuscripts, building a network of connections that keeps your sources and insights close at hand. Native Apple Experience StrataWrite is built with SwiftUI and designed to feel at home across macOS and iPadOS: • Universal App – Switch seamlessly between Mac and iPad. StrataWrite adapts to your workflow, wherever you are writing. • CloudKit Sync – Keep your notes and manuscripts securely up to date across devices. • Clean, Distraction-Free Interface – A modern, lightweight design emphasizes your writing while keeping structure available when you need it. Designed for Focus & Clarity StrataWrite emphasizes research structure without unnecessary complexity. Notes and manuscripts are part of the same system, allowing ideas to move fluidly between your research base and your drafts. By connecting thoughts through links and tracking progress as you write, StrataWrite helps you transform research into finished work with confidence. Made for Scholars and Writers If your projects depend on clarity, depth, and organization, StrataWrite was built for you. Graduate students writing theses, researchers assembling journal articles, and professionals developing long-form work will all find a workspace that supports rigorous thinking and clear writing.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Formbook at Free against StrataWrite's $9.99. Formbook also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). StrataWrite's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads and device support 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
Formbook is free to download; StrataWrite costs $9.99 up front. Formbook sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. StrataWrite asks for nothing beyond the download.
Formbook ships an update every 4 days, StrataWrite every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Formbook | StrataWrite |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $9.99 |
| Rating | 4.5 (32 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 79.9% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 32 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 10 MB | 147 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mathieu Morgensztern | Stance Hurst |
Bugs and requests
Formbook
Reported bugs
12 issues- Crashes on macOS Ventura and newer
- Crashes when validating fields in new notes
- Export functionality issues with CSV and PDF
- Barcode field scans but cannot search by barcode
- Star rating field too sensitive to accidental changes
Show 7 moreShow fewer
- Performance degradation with photos in notes
- Text field labels not visible in note panel
- Syncing issues between devices
- Import duplicates data instead of updating
- Occasional freezing and slowness
- Watch app syncing problems
- In-app purchase requires repurchase after updates
Requested features
30 requests- Field-specific search functionality
- Advanced multi-criteria filtering
- Table/spreadsheet view for data
- Password/biometric app protection
- Rich text formatting (bold, italic, colors)
Show 25 moreShow fewer
- File attachment support (PDFs, documents)
- Drag-and-drop image insertion
- Move notes between notebooks
- Duplicate notebook without content
- Advanced calculated fields with date math
- Print functionality for records and lists
- Customizable PDF export templates
- Folder organization for notebooks
- Read-only mode for records
- Barcode scanning search capability
- Calendar integration
- Reminder/alert field with notifications
- Multiple image support per field
- Keyboard shortcuts/Shortcuts app integration
- Collaborative sharing between users
- Template creation for notebooks
- Undo/backup functionality
- Batch operations (edit, delete multiple)
- Tag autocomplete with global tag list
- Sub-tags support
- Column/card view options
- Adjustable font sizes
- Home button for quick navigation
- Bulk import with update option
- Android version
StrataWrite
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Formbook
- Notebook sharing$3.99
- Additional fields pack$3.99
StrataWrite
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Formbook free?
Is StrataWrite free?
Do Formbook or StrataWrite have ads?
Which is updated more often, Formbook or StrataWrite?
Other comparisons















