Best Writing Apps for Writers

Dec 6, 2011
Sara McGrath

Tablet PC - psd

Android Tablets and iPads are handy, but can you write on them?

I'm a long-time DVORAK touch typist, so getting used to the keyboards on mobile devices has been a challenge. I started with an iPod and have moved to an Android Tablet. During this time, I've searched out the best Apple and Android writing apps to help writers like myself utilize these convenient mobile devices.

Tap Typing on a Tablet or Phone

As far as the Qwerty layout, I haven't found any solutions, but I knew going in that DVORAK would be the minority keyboard layout. I have, however, found several useful apps that make typing on a handheld device easier.

For those of us who write a lot, My Writing Spot provides a simple workspace for maximizing your word count. This app auto saves, tallies your word count, and allows you to email your documents (to yourself for easy backup). This is the app I use most for writing. I use both the iPhone and Android versions.

If you're looking to increase your touch-screen typing speed, iTextFast challenges you to text as fast as you can through 25 game levels, thereby building your speed and accuracy. This app is available for iPhone/iPad. You can find similar apps, i.e. myTextSpeed, in the Android market.

Next Generation Slide Keyboard

If you feel too encumbered by tap typing, you might try an app that allows you to swipe or slide rather than tap the keys. This technology uses word prediction. Several apps use this concept: Swype, TouchPal, SlideIT, Swiftkey. Search the appropriate app market for "swype" and you'll find them.

Voice and Stylus Handwriting Recognition Apps

Apps that allow voice and handwriting recognition take some getting used to for those of us who are used to finger typing. I prefer the comfort and control of writing with my fingertips as I've done for years. However, if the challenge of learning to type a different way has taught me anything, it's to give new methods a try.

Voice and stylus pen recognition apps recommended by some writers include Dragon Dictation, NaturallySpeaking, Penultimate, PaperDesk, and WritePad.

Organizing Your Notes and Writing Documents

One of my favorite apps is Evernote. Use it to organize all your notes, bookmarks, snippets copied from webpages, etc., across all your devices. I've got this app installed on all my devices.

Android and iPhone/iPad apps can help writers make the most of a variety of mobile devices as they become more common. You may be able to increase your productivity with a combination of swipe keyboard, stylus handwriting, and voice-recognition apps.

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