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iA Writer

Distraction-free markdown writer with powerful focus mode

As of 13 November 2026, iA Writer has a free plan and paid plans start at $29.99/one-time. iA Writer is a minimal and focused markdown editor designed for writers. Softwr lists it under Productivity. iA Writer is made by iA, launched in 2008, available on macOS, iOS, Android, Web.

Overview

What iA Writer does

iA Writer is a minimal and focused markdown editor designed for writers. With simple yet powerful tools, syntax highlighting, and intelligent features, iA Writer helps you focus on writing without distractions. Available on all platforms with seamless sync.

What people use it for

  • Distraction-free writing and note-taking application
  • Markdown document creation and editing
  • Cross-platform writing with iPad, iPhone, Mac, and Windows support

The honest half

Where it falls short

Concrete and checkable, so you can decide whether any of them matter to you. This is the half of a review a vendor will not write about iA Writer.

  • Pricing varies by platform: Windows $29.99 while Mac/iPhone/iPad cost $49.99, creating $20 premium for Apple platforms
  • One-time purchase model means major version updates may require additional payment beyond initial purchase
  • Update schedule uncertain, making it unclear when new versions become available and whether paid upgrades will be required

Pricing

What iA Writer costs

Taken from the vendor's own pricing page. Prices move, so check before you buy.

Free Trial

Free

  • 7-day free trial
  • Mac and Windows
  • No credit card required
  • Full write, edit, and export access

Windows

$29.99 /one-time

  • One-time purchase
  • Own it forever
  • No subscription fees

Mac

$49.99 /one-time

  • One-time purchase
  • Own it forever
  • No subscription fees

iPhone & iPad

$49.99 /one-time

  • One-time purchase via App Store
  • Own it forever
  • No subscription fees

Capabilities

Features

  • Distraction-free writing

  • Markdown editing

  • Syntax highlighting

  • Dark and light themes

  • Cross-platform sync

  • Typewriter mode

  • Focus mode

  • Statistics

Answered, with sources

Questions people ask

Each answer names the page it came from, so you can check it rather than take our word for it.

How much does iA Writer cost?

iA Writer costs $29.99 one-time for Windows, $49.99 one-time for Mac, and $49.99 one-time for iPhone & iPad. A 7-day free trial is available with no credit card required.

Source
What is iA Writer's licensing model?

iA Writer uses a one-time purchase model where customers pay once per platform and own the software forever with no subscription required, though major updates may require additional payment.

Source
Do minor updates cost extra for iA Writer?

Minor updates are included with the one-time purchase, while major updates may require additional payment. The update schedule is uncertain.

Source
Are there educational discounts for iA Writer?

Educational customers receive a 20% discount on Mac and Windows purchases made directly from iA, equaling approximately $39.99 for Mac and $23.99 for Windows.

Source

Behind it

Who makes iA Writer

Company
iA
Based in
Berlin, Germany
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Softwr does not host reviews and shows no star rating for iA Writer, because a rating we did not collect is not ours to publish. What is here is the pricing and platform detail from the vendor’s own pages, limitations we could state concretely, and alternatives a reviewer confirmed people weigh against it. Tell us if any of it is wrong.

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