Are you a lover of writing, or a budding writer, but you don’t have much time to spend on the PC, so you would like to cultivate your passion even on the go, using your trusty smartphone or tablet: you are in the right place, at the right time.
If you are looking for apps for writing , with my guide today I will talk to you about those that you can conveniently download on your favorite device, to give space to your creativity, even when you are away from home. I will point out complete applications, such as the mobile version of Microsoft Word, as well as simpler applications through which you can also just write notes. You never know, the idea for writing a book could come to you at any moment: you don’t want to be caught unprepared, do you?
Have I intrigued you with this premise and would you like to know more? Then don’t waste any more time and, smartphone in hand, download the apps dedicated to writing that I will recommend with me. I will explain in detail what their main features are and I am sure that, at the end of the reading, you will have found the perfect application for you, with which you will be able to write using your smartphone. You will see that you will be satisfied with having dedicated a few minutes of time to this article. Are you ready? Very well, all that remains for me to do is wish you a good read and good luck with everything!
Index
- App for writing texts
- Microsoft Word (Android/iOS/iPadOS)
- Other apps for writing texts
- App for writing books
- Microsoft Word (Android/iOS/iPadOS)
- Other apps for writing books
- App for writing notes
- Google Keep (Android/iOS/iPadOS)
- Other apps for writing notes
- App to write on PDF
- Adobe Acrobat Reader for PDF (Android/iOS/iPadOS)
- Other apps for writing on PDF
- App to write on photos
- Snapseed (Android/iOS/iPadOS)
- Other apps to write on photos
- App to write music
- App for writing on tablet
- App for writing on Android tablet
- Apps for writing on iPad
App for writing texts
To begin with, here are the most popular and well-known text writing apps , which you can rely on for different types of use, both from smartphones and tablets, and from computers.
Microsoft Word (Android/iOS/iPadOS)
Speaking of writing apps, we absolutely have to mention Microsoft Word : you probably already know the software version, for Windows PCs and Mac computers . Do you also want to try the counterpart dedicated to smartphones and tablets? No problem, here’s how.
First, download the app for free , for Android devices from the Play Store (or an alternative store , if you do not have Google services), or from the App Store, for iOS / iPadOS . I warn you that for devices larger than 10.1″ it is necessary to activate the Microsoft 365 subscription starting from 10 euros/month, which also gives access to additional functions.
Once you have downloaded the Microsoft Word app, launch it and wait for the language to be configured, then enter your email address, phone number or Skype name to sign in and follow the procedure on the display, or tap on the Sign in later item .
If you don’t want to use the premium features at the moment, tap on Ignore for now , read the information the app offers you and then select the Close button .
In the box that appears, tap the + symbol to start creating a new document: expand the drop-down menu called Create in , to determine the destination folder for the document, then choose one of the pre-established templates , or the Blank document option . For more details, read my guide on how to use Word on your mobile phone .
If you want a broader overview of the program, including instructions for using it from a PC, read my guide on how to use Microsoft Word .
Other apps for writing texts
The solutions described so far interest you, however you would also like to evaluate other apps for writing texts , before downloading the one that is actually right for you: here you are.
- Google Docs ( Android / iOS / iPadOS ) — this is the smartphone and tablet version of the well-known online service made available by Google for writing text documents: usable even without an Internet connection, it allows you to save files directly to Google Drive .
- Apple Pages ( iOS / iPadOS ) — the writing editor developed by Apple for the Mac is presented here in its version dedicated to mobile devices: a versatile, complete and free app. More information here .
- WPS Office ( Android / iOS / iPadOS ) — is a suite that includes several applications for text, spreadsheets and presentations. It is basically free, but to unlock many features you need to upgrade to the paid version. More info here .
App for writing books
You may be considered a professional writer, or close to becoming one, so what you need are apps for writing books , so that you don’t have to stop your creativity even when you’re on the move: here are the ones I can recommend
Microsoft Word (Android/iOS/iPadOS)
There’s no way around it: the best app for writing books is still Microsoft Word . Whether you use this tool from a smartphone and/or tablet, or from a PC, you will have all the tools you need to manage spaces and layout, text justification, page numbering, and so on.
To learn how to download the Microsoft Word app and start using it, I invite you to read the previous chapter of this guide. If, then, you want to know all the details necessary to make the most of it in writing a book, also read my guide on how to write a book on Word .
Other apps for writing books
You are wondering if there is any alternative to the solution suggested above for writing your literary works: well, I am happy to introduce you to other apps for writing books .
- Scrivener ( iOS / iPadOS ) — this is a complete program for Apple devices designed for authors who need to manage text files, notes and insights. On the desktop it is also available for Windows and macOS . It is paid.
- Ulysses ( iOS / iPadOS ) — an app dedicated to devices with the bitten apple brand, it allows interaction between iPhone , iPad and Mac , for synchronized and practical management of text documents. It allows you to write in a custom format of the Markdown language with many advanced export options. It is a paid app and requires a subscription, but it is also included in the Setapp service which for $9.99/month (after 1 month of free trial) allows you to access many apps for macOS and iOS/iPadOS without purchasing individual licenses. More information here .
- WattPad ( Android / iOS / iPadOS ) — in this case it is a free app that not only integrates a text editor, but is also connected to a social community of aspiring writers and passionate readers. More information here .
For more details on the topic, read my guide to apps for writing a book .
App for writing notes
Every idea left is lost! To quickly jot down concepts and thoughts, what you might need is a note taking app : here are the ones you shouldn’t do without.
Google Keep (Android/iOS/iPadOS)
The most practical and accessible resource for writing notes, even using a smartphone or tablet, is Google Keep : it is a tool made available by the most famous search engine in the world, which can be easily accessed through your Google account .
Google Keep is also available for use online , by reaching the official application page from the browser , and can be downloaded for Android devices from the Play Store , or from the App Store for iPhone and iPad (also available for Apple Watch ).
After installing and launching the Google Keep app, press the Get Started button , then tap the + button at the bottom to add a reminder. Now choose whether you want to add a reminder starting from an image , a drawing , a list or simple text . Once you have done this, type the title of the document in the appropriate field, then use the Note section to write the text of your notes.
At this point, tap on the button with the + symbol , this time located at the bottom of the display and decide whether to use the Take photo option , to insert an image captured at the moment into your notes, or the Add image option , to select a photo from your device and add it to the note, or use the Drawing option to introduce a freehand sketch, or the Recording option to insert a voice note.
The Checkboxes option , on the other hand, allows you to insert convenient boxes in which to tick something when you draw up a list and reach a goal.
Each note session will be saved automatically, so it can be shared, using the three dots icon and can include the addition of collaborators to the writing, by selecting the Collaborator item . It will also be possible to add labels or delete the annotation
Other apps for writing notes
What do you say? Would you like to know if there are other valid note-taking apps ? Of course there are: here is a list of those that I feel like recommending.
- OneNote ( Android / iOS / iPadOS ) — this is the digital notepad developed by Microsoft and also accessible from the browser, as well as in the app version for mobile devices and Apple Watch . It allows you to type text, write and draw freehand, add photos and much more.
- Apple Notes ( iOS/iPadOS ) — Apple’s default notes app, it’s feature-rich and very easy to use.
- Evernote ( Android / iOS / iPadOS ) — intuitive, easy-to-use app for capturing thoughts and notes, and also organizing them. It’s free to use, but to unlock all the features you need to upgrade to the paid version. Learn more here .
- Bear ( iOS / iPadOS ) — this is an app that allows you to write texts in Markdown, then organize them according to tags and export them in different formats: very useful for those who write blogs , for authors and also for developers. Also available for Apple Watch . It is basically free, but the full version is paid.
- Obsidian ( Android / iOS / iPadOS ) — is a free basic app that allows you to have your own “second brain” made up of notes written in Markdown (so in plaid text) to be linked to each other dynamically via backlinks and tags (a bit like creating your own personal Wikipedia). It can be expanded with dozens of plugins that allow you to transform it into an app for concept maps, tables, to-do and much more. It is also available (or rather especially) in a desktop version.
If you want to know more about this type of practical application, also read my guide on summary apps
App to write on PDF
Sometimes managing PDF files can be a bit tricky: to make things easier, I want to suggest some apps for writing on PDF
Adobe Acrobat Reader for PDF (Android/iOS/iPadOS)
Among the best , partly free applications for reading and, in some ways, writing on PDF , we cannot fail to mention Adobe Acrobat Reader for PDF : developed by Adobe , it can also be used on a PC.
Download the Adobe Acrobat Reader app for Android devices from the Play Store (or an alternative store , if you don’t have Google services on your device), or from the App Store for iOS / iPadOS .
Open the app and decide whether to use the Sign in with Google button , the Sign in with Facebook button , or the Sign in with Apple option , through an Apple ID , or Sign in with Adobe , if you have an account with this company. If you want, you can also skip this step for now, by tapping on the X symbol , located at the top right of the card.
Accept the app’s terms of use by tapping the Continue button twice, close the page that invites you to sign up for a subscription and tap the + symbol : at this point choose one of the options available in the drop-down menu that will open, between the item Download Adobe Scan , which allows you to convert receipts, notes and more into PDF, by scanning the document, the item Edit PDF , which allows you to select a document to edit from the device or from applications connected to it, Ask the AI assistant which will allow you to obtain a summary, generate parts or simplify the document, the item Edit PDF and the item Create PDF , for a fee, starting from €9.99 per month , with a free 7-day trial , or the item Combine files , which sends you to their selection from the device or other connected apps.
However, if you want to write on a PDF without having to pay for the Adobe Acrobat Reader subscription, you can select the speech bubble icon ( Comment ) from the bottom menu, once you have opened a PDF document in the app. Now tap on a point in the PDF where you want to add the comment in question, to open the window where you can enter the text and save it by pressing the Save button .
Also from the bottom menu, you can choose the Fill & Sign option , to add text, symbols and your signature to a PDF document. For more details on using this app, read the dedicated chapter in my guide to PDF apps
Other apps for writing on PDF
The solution proposed above does not fully satisfy you, because it does not allow you to act on PDF files in total freedom? Here are some alternative options that I can suggest to you, that is, other apps for writing on PDF .
- Xodo PDF Reader & Editor ( Android / iOS / iPadOS ) — a very complete app that allows you to add annotations, symbols, drawings and highlights to the PDF file: also available for use on PC, it can be downloaded for free.
- PDF Expert ( iOS / iPadOS ) — This is a free downloadable app but requires upgrading to the full paid version to unlock all features, including the ability to take notes, underline, highlight text in a PDF document, and write freehand on it.
- PDF Editor — Edit Everything! ( Android ) — app that lets you import and edit PDFs for free, up to a certain file size.
App to write on photos
You have taken some nice photos with your smartphone, or with your tablet and now you would like to add some text on them: what you need to know are some apps to write on photos and I have some solutions for this too.
Snapseed (Android/iOS/iPadOS)
One of the best apps for image editing, which also allows you to write on photos is undoubtedly Snapseed : owned by Google , it offers a rich menu of tools and is free.
To start using Snapseed, download the app for Android devices from the Play Store and alternative stores , or from the App Store for iOS / iPadOS . Once launched, tap the + symbol to open a photo and then choose the Tools item , scrolling the options menu to the Text icon , then select it.
Now choose the style you like best for your writing, set the text color and any transparency : when you are satisfied with the result, tap the check symbol and then on the Export item to save the changes.
For full details on this very versatile and valid application, read my guide on how to use Snapseed .
Other apps to write on photos
The application I suggested earlier is not enough for you, so you would like to know if there are other apps available for writing on photos : here you are.
- Android Gallery — Depending on your smartphone model, the default Gallery app may also allow you to add text labels to images from the menu that allows you to edit photos.
- iOS and iPadOS Photos — even with your Apple devices you can add text to images by writing it freehand: use the pencil icon and, for more solutions, read my guide on how to write on an iPhone photo .
- Canva ( Android / iOS / iPadOS ) — a well-known tool that can also be used online from a browser, available in an app version, which allows you to import a photo, add text and stickers to it and much more, up to composing real projects, ideal for sharing on social networks. More info here .
If you are interested in more information on the topic of this chapter, I invite you to read my guide on how to write on a photo
App to write music
If you are looking for an app to write music then I recommend using Maestro , an app available for Android (also available on alternative stores ) and iOS/iPadOS that allows you to do everything without spending a single cent. The first thing to do is download it from the respective stores, then open it on your phone.
Once you have done this, you will find yourself directly with an empty score to fill in front of your eyes, where you can start creating your music. As you can easily notice, in the top bar there are the various elements to use the app. In fact, you will find the various musical notes divided into categories, where you will have to tap on one of them and then choose it and place it in the score by tapping where you want it.
To listen to what you have just composed, tap on the box with the play, pause and stop symbols , then choose the play button from the newly opened line below. You will always find in the submenu the options to zoom in on the score, the metronome function and much more.
When you’re done, tap on the gear icon and then choose Export and choose whether to save it as an image, PDF or audio , with options to choose the file quality as well. If you don’t like this app, I’ll leave you with my guide to the best apps for writing music on the subject
App for writing on tablet
If you’re looking for the best apps for writing on a tablet , generally the ones listed so far are all fine, but I want to suggest a couple of more specific options for the occasion
App for writing on Android tablet
If you are looking for an app for writing on an Android tablet then I suggest you use Writer Plus , an app available only for Android that has the peculiarity of offering word count, characters, various types of fonts, as well as the ability to share the file in text, markdown, image and even HTML format.
Once installed, I recommend reading the welcome text, where you are shown how the app works and how to insert the various parts of text with a message that is also quite funny to read. When you are finished reading, press the back button to go to the Home of the app.
From here, press the + button to create a new text file, in which you can insert the title by tapping on the New document item and then writing what you want in the space. Below you will find your blank sheet, where you can give shape to your work using the commands shown in the welcome message.
By pressing on the three vertical dots icon you can access the menu to manage the style , activate the night mode , open the window with the number of words (but not only) and share the file via the Share button . Here you will find the various sharing options listed above, ideal for those who want to work with this app.
Apps for writing on iPad
If you are looking for apps to write on iPad , one of the best options available could be Pages , the text editor created by Apple itself and available from Mac to iPhone via iPad completely free of charge. To download it, all you have to do is go to the App Store at this link . A big advantage is that it also works with Apple Pencil, so you can use it to write freehand.
Once you open the app, you can open a file from your device by selecting it via the File option , take it from iCloud Drive , or create a new document via the + Document button . With this last option, you can then choose whether to use a preset template from the Choose a template screen .
Templates include flyers, letters, posters, books, and more, so if you have something specific in mind, it can be a great way to get something set up. But if you want to start a document from scratch, tap Blank to end up with a blank page to fill.
From here, proceed to type the content you want by composing the text. Using the buttons at the top you can also add indexes, tables, graphs, photos, videos, drawings and more. Using the brush icon you can change styles, fonts and other characteristics of the text. When you are finished, press the share button (the square icon with an arrow pointing up ) and then export your file as desired.
