For groups wanting to work together on projects in real time.
When constructing a document for any reason – especially school projects – doing so with a group of people can often be a hassle. Thankfully, Google Docs and other web apps within the Google Drive suite can take some of the pain out of hearing the words "group essay." For those who have used desktop word processors such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs' interface will be familiar as you use it to create and edit documents. However, the real magic comes in when you share your documents with other Google users and can watch them edit with you online. See who's typing and where, suggest edits, and view extensive revision history so you can know exactly who to blame for removing an entire paragraph. On iOS in particular, you can take this functionality on the go – and even offline – with the Google Docs iOS app.
Why we love it
The collaboration abilities in Google Docs are unmatched by similar services. And since you probably already have an account, your work is already in there. Odds are you're already using the web version to manage documents and spreadsheets, so making the jump to mobile means you don't even have a tough transition to make.
For scribblers who want to get some Windows in their iOS.
Microsoft Word is a staple for any office environment and is just one-third of the complete Office suite of applications from Microsoft that are available on iOS. Word on iOS is a powerful application that lets users view and read documents in a rich, revamped interface. However, if you want to create or edit documents, you will need an Office 365 subscription. You can try it free during the 30-day trial, however, so you can see if it's a good fit for your mobile office.
Why we love it
It's Word on your iOS device, which means it's familiar to those that are already used to using that program for their documents. It also lets people transfer documents between their tablet and computer if they use a PC for work.
For anyone who needs a word processor that is easy and elegant to use.
Pages for iOS is undoubtedly one of the best iPad word processor applications available. Desktop-grade tools are at your fingertips for text manipulation and changing styles of text with just a few taps. Templates have always been Apple's specialty, and Pages keeps that tradition going. Over 60 starter forms are included to let you make great documents. Of course, iCloud sharing is front and center within Pages, and you can share for real-time collaboration with editors and cowriters. Pages will update your project as you both work to perfect it.
Why we love it
Apple's Pages has evolved quite a bit. It is now a beautiful and comprehensive solution for word processing on-the-go on your iOS device, and it gives users plenty of great options for when they need to write a novel, book, article, or anything else they want to get down on paper.
For writers with strict time goals who don't mind a little risk
Dedicated writers know that they have to spend at least a little time every day honing their craft, and Flowstate has a system to make that happen. You just pick a session of 5, 15, or 30 minutes, and then all you have to do is fill that time with writing. It comes with a catch, however: If you stop typing for more than 5 seconds, it will delete everything. The point is to turn off your analytical brain and tap into your impulsive, instinctual mind to keep your creative taps flowing. It's devious and cruel, but nobody ever said art was easy.
Why we love it
The best productivity apps keep you working, and the threat of wasted time is about as serious as it gets in this hectic world. Maybe Flowstate's methods are a little extreme, but sometimes that's what it takes. We also like the time element, which ensures that our writing time meshes well with the rest of our schedules.
For anyone who needs to write and wants focus, syntax help, and a separate editing section.
The developers of iA turned heads with the release of iA Writer Pro. This app is another desktop-grade text editor that looks to stand apart from the crowd based on features, workflow, and price. Its big standout feature is the innovative Syntax Control. This scans the syntax of your text. Then it will highlights parts of speech such as: adjectives, nouns, verbs, adverbs, prepositions or conjunctions. iA Writer sets up your writing into three categories: brainstorming/notes, writing, and then editing.
Why we love it
iA Writer was a classic plain text editor back in the day, but the developers have really revamped it to become a powerful and complete writer's toolkit. If you're a writer who lives for the process, then this is the text editor for you.
For writers who need a little more structure when they face a blank page.
Werdsmith turns your iOS device into a full-functioned writing studio. It has formatting, coaching, and even inspirational tools to help you get productive and stay that way. Once you have something down, it also makes it easy to share so that you can gather feedback and keep your work evolving and improving.
Why we love it
We'll be honest -- sometimes we need a little help getting started. So we appreciate that Werdsmith sets us up with writing prompts and sets up productivity goals to keep us on track to keep our words flowing and our masterpiece growing.
For modern users who want a classic look and feel.
Hanx Writer has all of the modern features and options that you've come to expect from new-fangled technology, but it collects them in a bygone package. It re-creates vintage typewriters in all of their loud, clackety glory. You can even use these special keyboards in other apps, like Notes, if you want to keep things classy all over.
Why we love it
Classic typewriters are bulky, tough to use, and ridiculously loud. And we really miss them. Hanx Writer captures their charm without making you type on a 15-pound hunk of machinery. And it has a Delete key, which is something those relics were always lacking.
How many apps do you use for work? You probably have one for working on the projects themselves, one for chat, another for deciding who's doing what, and maybe another one to share files if e-mail isn't an option. Samepage thinks that's too many, which is why it does all of those functions itself. The most important part of working is actually, you know, the work, so this app lets you focus on that without constantly having to switch apps or get oriented.
Why we love it
We fully support anything that makes working in a group as pain-free as possible. Collaboration can result in some great projects, but it can also be one of the most frustrating things human beings subject themselves to. Samepage aims to take the wrinkles out by putting document creation, chat, project management, and file sharing all in one place, and we approve.
For writers who need the nuclear option to keep the words coming
Danger Text makes sure you stay productive with a devious feature: If you stop typing for too long, it will delete all of your work. It includes five settings that will give you more (or less) time to catch your breath before you keep typing. And if you need a head start, it will give you that, too. The important thing is to just keep writing. Always keep writing. Or your work will die.
Why we love it
This is a drastic measure to encourage creativity, but we respect it. Distractions are everywhere, especially on our phones, and we don't mind a little tough love to make sure we stay on target. And we really like the variety of modes that offer varying levels of control because we don't always want to sit on a time bomb.
