FocusWriter

You write in a quiet text environment with themes, daily goals and as little visible operation as possible.

Developer Graeme Gott

Version 1.9.1 · Open source · Windows · Linux

Looking for an alternative to FocusWriter?Compare LibreOffice, Pages, ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors.Compare alternatives

FocusWriter lets you write in a screen that you can shape to your own preference. Menus disappear when you don't use them. You can keep track of writing targets and follow with counters how much text you have created.

The program focuses on writing itself. For complicated formatting, collaboration with comments or a final publication, you will then use a more extensive program. You thus keep making text separated from the finish.

Which software suits you?

Compare FocusWriter with alternatives

For a letter or report you need other functions than for a long manuscript. Compare styles, page numbering, images and exports. An editor that restricts distraction may be nice while writing, but does not have the same formatting capabilities as a complete word processor.

Differences between FocusWriter and LibreOffice, Pages, ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors
SoftwareWhat can it do?Platform and licence
FocusWriterYou are viewing this app You write in an interface that puts the document at the centre and limits distraction. For extensive final formatting, you usually continue in a full word processor. Windows, LinuxOpen source
LibreOfficeView this alternative You get Writer, Calc, Impress and additional office apps with the OpenDocument format as a base. You can open and save Microsoft Office files, but complex formatting and macros deserve control. Windows, macOS, LinuxMPL-2.0
PagesView this alternative You create documents with templates, styles and page formatting on Apple devices. You can exchange files, but check formatting after export to Word. macOS, iOS, Web, iPadOSFree to use
ONLYOFFICE Desktop EditorsView this alternative You edit documents, spreadsheets and presentations in an interface that connects to Microsoft Office formats. You can also link the desktop editors to supported collaboration services. Windows, macOS, LinuxAGPL-3.0-only

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You want to write stories, articles or other continuous texts without a busy interface.

Getting started

Install FocusWriter for Windows or Linux, select a storage folder and set a modest daily writing target if required.

Privacy

You can save lyrics locally. Save in a synchronized folder gives your cloud service access according to the settings of that service.

Good to know

The emphasis is on writing; complex office files and advanced page formatting are out of main use.

Please note

Check the chosen file format before opening text with complex formatting from another word processor.

Advantages

  • Quiet writing environment Customizable themes Day goals and progressors

Things to consider

  • Limited document formatting No comprehensive cooperation environment A second programme is often needed for final publication

Download FocusWriter

The download page opens in a new tab.

Version history

1.9.1

You will get corrections for progress, text input and the Windows interface.

Version 1.9.1 corrects negative values in daily progress and overlap of the scene list on Windows 11. The processing of compound text input and associated sounds has also been adapted.
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Our verdict

FocusWriter helps especially by putting less control in the picture. That's nice when you quickly get into formatting or menus while writing. The goals and counters can make your progress visible without having to keep a separate overview.

Of course, the program does not solve delays on its own. Choose a simple theme and only use the features that support your writing process. For a first version of a story or article, the limited format is clear. If you are working on a document with tables, comprehensive footnotes or strict home style, take into account a second step in another word processor.

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