# iDeas for Writing vs Formalize

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iDeas for Writing at 69% against Formalize's 25%. iDeas for Writing also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.6) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 9 months). Formalize's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $2.99) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

iDeas for Writing costs $2.99 and Formalize $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

iDeas for Writing holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iDeas for Writing has 70 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of iDeas for Writing's written reviews are positive against 25% of Formalize's.

iDeas for Writing ships an update every 6 weeks, Formalize every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iDeas for Writing | Formalize |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (70 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ideas-for-writing/id529876147/reviews)** | [2.6 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formalize/id1293129912/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **70** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | **69.4% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#194** | — |
| Size | 5 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bartolome Masco Lopez](https://appshunter.io/developer/529876350) | [Ben Hambrecht](https://appshunter.io/developer/1035136614) |

## What reviewers say

### iDeas for Writing

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ideas-for-writing/id529876147)

**Currently charting:** #194 Top Paid · Productivity (US App Store)

Overcome writer's block with a comprehensive writing workshop. Generate story starters, titles, characters, and random words. Includes exercises, a notebook, and writing tips to spark creativity and improve your craft.

**Highlights:** First line generator, Title creator, Character creator, Random word generator, Writing exercises by category, In-app notebook, Writing tips

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Formalize

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formalize/id1293129912)

Type mathematical equations and symbols directly on your iPhone or iPad. This keyboard extension offers intuitive one-handed access to over 100 symbols, producing professionally typeset formulas. Easily export your creations as PNG or TeX to use in any app.

**Highlights:** Mathematical keyboard extension, Over 100 symbols, One-handed operation, Professionally typeset formulas, PNG export, TeX export

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iDeas for Writing free?

iDeas for Writing costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Formalize free?

Formalize costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, iDeas for Writing or Formalize?

iDeas for Writing is rated higher. iDeas for Writing averages 4.7 out of 5 from 70 ratings, while Formalize averages 2.6 from 10 ratings.

### Do iDeas for Writing or Formalize have ads?

Neither iDeas for Writing nor Formalize shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iDeas for Writing or Formalize?

iDeas for Writing ships an update every 6 weeks, and Formalize every 9 months. Most recently, iDeas for Writing was updated on October 29, 2026 and Formalize on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*