vanilla.txt vs Text2File
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
vanilla.txt
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vanilla.txt is a minimalist editor purpose-built for plain text (.txt) on iPhone and iPad. Open or create files directly from the iOS Files app (including iCloud Drive), write with a clean, responsive editor, and your changes save automatically. Itβs ideal for notes, drafts, outlines, logs, and code snippets you want to keep portable and future-proof. Features: - Real .txt files via the iOS Files app (incl. iCloud Drive) - Autosave while you type for reliable editing - Simple, distraction-free text layout - Readable typography with a default monospace font - Dark Mode support - System share sheet (Share / Open Inβ¦) - Appears in the iOS Share Sheet; save shared text as .txt - No analytics or tracking - Works offline; no account required Plain text stays lightweight, easy to back up, and compatible with every platform. Keep your writing simple, portable, and under your control.
Text2File
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Created for people who need control over file extensions and seamless integration with the iOS Files app. Unlike Apple Notes, Text2File gives you complete control over where your plain-text files live and what they're named. Save directly to project folders, sync to specific iCloud directories, or organize files alongside related documents β all through seamless Files app integration. No proprietary database, no locked-in format, just standard plain-text files exactly where you need them. The interface is intentionally minimal. Open a file or create a new one, edit the text, save it with any extension you need (.txt, .js, .csv, .md, whatever). No formatting toolbars, no feature creep, no distractions from the core function. Two features make it particularly useful for developers working on the go: Line numbers can be toggled on or off, making the app functional for quick code edits when you're away from your laptop. Need to fix a JavaScript file on your phone? Text2File handles it. Word wrap can similarly be enabled or disabled depending on whether you're writing prose or working with code that benefits from showing only unwrapped lines. That's it. No markdown rendering, no syntax highlighting, no collaboration features. Just a clean, functional text editor that integrates properly with iOS's file system. No ads, no data tracking, no in-app purchases.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Text2File at Free against vanilla.txt's $0.99. On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Text2File is free to download; vanilla.txt costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | vanilla.txt | Text2File |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 | Free β better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 days | Every 2 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 β better | 18.5 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 4 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | AQPARD LLC | Stanley Bontrager |
In-app purchases
vanilla.txt
No in-app purchases
Text2File
No in-app purchases









