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Whether you're a novelist, journalist, blogger, or student, the best apps for writers on Mac can make a massive difference in how quickly and cleanly you get your thoughts onto the page. These tools offer distraction-free environments, robust organization features, Markdown support, grammar suggestions, and syncing across your Apple devices. No matter what your writing process looks like, there's an app here that will help you elevate your workflow. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top writing apps designed specifically for macOS that go beyond basic word processing. Let’s dive in!
Contents: Part 1. 8 Best Apps on Mac to Help You Write More and BetterPart 2. Bonus: Clear Cache Without Losing Important DocumentsPart 3. Conclusion
Part 1. 8 Best Apps on Mac to Help You Write More and Better
There are so many different useful tools out there for writers. I've rounded up the best apps for writers on Mac. We hope some of these apps can help creative writers boost productivity.
1. Scrivener
Scrivener is widely regarded as the go-to tool for long-form writers. Whether you're working on a novel, a thesis, or a screenplay, Scrivener lets you break down your writing into manageable chunks. Its powerful corkboard, research binder, and drag-and-drop features give you full control over your narrative structure. It also supports exporting to multiple formats like EPUB, PDF, and DOCX, making it ideal for publishing workflows.
Price: $59.99 (one-time)
Reasons to pick:
- Excellent for large, complex projects
- Highly customizable interface
- Built-in research and outlining tools
Reasons to avoid:
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- UI can feel dated compared to newer apps
2. Ulysses
Looking for the best apps for writers on Mac? Ulysses is the best one you can choose. It offers a clean, distraction-free writing environment with a beautiful interface native to macOS. It uses Markdown for formatting and supports iCloud syncing across all Apple devices. With a unified library, goal tracking, and seamless publishing to WordPress and Medium, it’s a favorite among bloggers and content writers.
Price: $5.99/month or $49.99/year
Reasons to pick:
- Sleek, minimal interface
- Goal setting and word count tracking
- Easy export to multiple formats
Reasons to avoid:
- Subscription-based pricing
- Lacks deep outlining tools for novelists
3. Pages
Apple’s own Pages app is a surprisingly capable word processor. It offers beautiful templates, iCloud integration, and collaborative features, all with a Mac-first experience. It might not have the bells and whistles of Scrivener, but for many, it's more than enough.
Related Article: Top 10 Word Processors for Mac (Free & Paid)
Price: Free (built-in on Mac)
Reasons to pick:
- Free and native to Mac
- Good for basic to intermediate writing
- Real-time collaboration
Reasons to avoid:
- Not ideal for complex writing projects
- Fewer export options compared to others
4. LibreOffice Writer
LibreOffice Writer is another word processing component of the LibreOffice suite—an open-source, free alternative to Microsoft Office. It's a powerful and feature-rich app available on macOS, Windows, and Linux, designed for everything from simple letters to complex documents with images, tables, and references.
Price: Free (open source)
Reasons to pick:
- 100% free with no subscription
- Great for users needing advanced formatting options
- Ideal for academic, legal, or business documents
Reasons to avoid:
- Interface feels a bit dated compared to modern Mac-native apps
- Slight learning curve if you're used to simpler editors
- Not as seamless in cloud-syncing compared to iCloud or Google Docs
5. Bear
Bear is also one of the best apps for writers on Mac. It is a flexible writing app perfect for note-takers and short-form writers. With a Markdown-based editor and hashtag-based organization, it’s simple to stay organized. The Pro version unlocks syncing, themes, and export options, making it a great everyday writing companion.
Price: Free, $1.49/month or $14.99/year for Pro
Reasons to pick:
- Beautiful and intuitive interface
- Quick organization with tags
- Great for notes and short content
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited formatting tools
- Best suited for short writing, not long-form projects
6. Author
If you're an Apple user in search of the best apps for writers on Mac, Author demands your attention. Author is a free, minimalist writing application designed specifically for macOS users, particularly those engaged in academic and research-intensive writing. It distinguishes itself by integrating advanced tools like concept mapping and citation management within a clean, distraction-free interface.
Price: Free, $19.99 for Full Version
Reasons to pick:
- Tailored for academic and research writing with robust citation tools
- Unique concept mapping feature aids in organizing complex ideas
- Minimalist design promotes focused writing sessions
- AI integration provides intelligent writing assistance
Reasons to avoid:
- Exporting and AI features are exclusive to the paid version
- The interface may be too simplistic for users seeking advanced formatting options
7. Grammarly
Grammarly isn’t a writing app per se, but it's essential for polishing your work. The native Mac app integrates across all writing tools and checks your grammar, punctuation, clarity, and tone. It's ideal for anyone who wants to write professionally and avoid embarrassing typos.
Price: Free, Premium from $12/month
Reasons to pick:
- Powerful grammar and style checking
- Works across all writing platforms
- Tone and clarity suggestions
Reasons to avoid:
- Premium can be pricey
- Requires internet for full functionality
8. Freedom
Freedom is one of the best apps for writers on Mac to block distractions. It helps you stay focused by blocking websites, apps, or even the entire internet across all your devices (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android). It's not a writing tool itself, but a productivity enhancer designed to give you space to write without being pulled into email, social media, or rabbit holes.
Price: Free, $8.99/month, $39.99/year or one-time payment of $99.50 for Premium
Reasons to pick:
- Seriously boosts concentration and writing time
- Easy to use and highly customizable
- Works on all devices—so distractions don’t follow you around
Reasons to avoid:
- It can feel strict (which is also the point!)
- Some features are behind a paywall (like scheduling or recurring sessions)
Part 2. Bonus: Clear Cache Without Losing Important Documents
The best apps for writers on Mac mentioned above simply make your writing time easier and more enjoyable. However, downloading too many apps may cause the Mac to run slowly. Clearing the cache can help, but doing it manually risks deleting important app data. This is where iMyMac PowerMyMac comes in.
PowerMyMac is an all-in-one Mac cleaner that safely removes junk files, including system and app cache, without touching your essential documents. It's Smart Scan feature identifies what’s safe to delete, and you can review everything before hitting “Clean.” It’s perfect for writers who want a faster Mac without the fear of losing drafts or research.
Related Article: How to Clear Cache on Mac Manually or Automatically
PowerMyMac also includes modules for uninstalling apps, monitoring CPU/memory usage, and managing extensions. PowerMyMac keeps your device running like new.
Part 3. Conclusion
Having the right writing app can completely transform your productivity. Whether you’re drafting a novel in Scrivener, blogging with Ulysses, or editing in Grammarly, these best apps for writers on Mac can help you write faster, better, and with more focus. Combine that with smart system maintenance using a tool like iMyMac PowerMyMac, and you’ll ensure your creativity flows without interruptions. Choose the tool that matches your workflow and get back to doing what you do best—writing.
