Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

FocusWriter VS Markdown for Microsoft Word

Compare FocusWriter VS Markdown for Microsoft Word and see what are their differences

FocusWriter logo FocusWriter

FocusWriter is a fullscreen, distraction-free word processor designed to immerse you as much as...

Markdown for Microsoft Word logo Markdown for Microsoft Word

Work with markdown in Microsoft Word. In app and online
  • FocusWriter Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-18
  • Markdown for Microsoft Word Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-18

FocusWriter features and specs

  • Distraction-Free Interface
    FocusWriter offers a clean, full-screen interface that helps minimize distractions, allowing writers to concentrate solely on their writing.
  • Customizable Themes
    The software provides multiple themes and customization options, enabling users to tailor their writing environment to their preferences.
  • Goal Setting
    FocusWriter includes goal tracking features such as daily word counts and session targets, which can help writers stay motivated and measure their productivity.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    FocusWriter is available on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Minimal Resource Usage
    The application is lightweight and consumes minimal system resources, ensuring smooth performance even on older machines.
  • Auto-Save and Recovery
    FocusWriter offers auto-save and session recovery features, which protect users from losing work due to accidental closures or system crashes.
  • Free and Open-Source
    The software is free to use and open-source, fostering community contributions and allowing users to modify the software if they have the technical skills.

Possible disadvantages of FocusWriter

  • Limited Advanced Features
    FocusWriter lacks some advanced features found in other writing software, such as advanced grammar checking and extensive formatting options.
  • Basic Export Options
    The application offers limited export options primarily to plain text and Rich Text Format (RTF), which may not be suitable for all users.
  • Limited Integration
    FocusWriter does not offer extensive integration with other productivity tools and services, which could be a drawback for users who require seamless workflow management.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might face a learning curve due to the minimalistic interface and lack of in-app tutorials or guides.

Markdown for Microsoft Word features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Markdown offers a simple syntax that is easy to learn and use, especially for those familiar with plain text formatting, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Integration with Word
    The Markdown for Microsoft Word add-in allows users to seamlessly convert Markdown text into formatted Word documents, combining the simplicity of Markdown with the advanced features of Word.
  • Enhanced Productivity
    Users can quickly write and edit documents using Markdown's straightforward syntax, which can streamline the writing process and improve productivity.
  • Portability
    Markdown files are plain text and can be easily transferred and edited across different platforms and devices without losing formatting.

Possible disadvantages of Markdown for Microsoft Word

  • Limited Formatting Options
    Markdown does not support all of the advanced formatting options available in Word, which can be limiting for documents requiring complex layouts or features.
  • Learning Curve
    While Markdown is simpler than Word's full feature set, new users still need to learn its syntax, which may take time depending on their familiarity with markup languages.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Users relying on specific Word features or customizations might find them incompatible with Markdown, which could complicate document workflows or require adjustments.
  • Dependence on Add-ins
    Using Markdown in Word requires additional plugins or add-ins, such as the Markdown for Microsoft Word add-in, which may not always be supported or maintained.

Analysis of FocusWriter

Overall verdict

  • FocusWriter is generally considered a good choice for writers who prioritize a clean and focused writing workspace. Its simplicity and customization options make it suitable for those who want a straightforward tool without the distractions of more complex writing software.

Why this product is good

  • FocusWriter is a popular choice for writers who seek a distraction-free writing environment. It offers a minimalist interface that helps users concentrate on writing by hiding toolbars and menus until they are needed. It is also highly customizable, allowing users to change themes, fonts, and background images to suit their preferences. Moreover, FocusWriter includes features such as daily goals, timers, and basic statistics, which can help motivate and track writing progress.

Recommended for

    FocusWriter is particularly recommended for writers, authors, bloggers, and anyone who needs a distraction-free environment to focus on their writing tasks. It is ideal for users who prefer a lightweight, simple application and do not require advanced formatting or publishing features.

FocusWriter videos

Focuswriter Review

More videos:

  • Review - FocusWriter - App Reviews
  • Review - Writing Software - FocusWriter

Markdown for Microsoft Word videos

No Markdown for Microsoft Word videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FocusWriter and Markdown for Microsoft Word)
Text Editors
94 94%
6% 6
Productivity
0 0%
100% 100
Markdown Editor
91 91%
9% 9
Note Taking
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare FocusWriter and Markdown for Microsoft Word

FocusWriter Reviews

11 Best Scrivener Alternatives
Scrivener may be more complicated than FocusWriter, but if you want simplicity or minimalism, FocusWriter is worth considering. There are no elaborate formatting options or research notes to tinker around with so all you do is write.

Markdown for Microsoft Word Reviews

We have no reviews of Markdown for Microsoft Word yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, FocusWriter seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 25 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

FocusWriter mentions (25)

  • Ensō: write now, edit later
    Reminds me of the (dead) RoughDraft mac app by 43 Folders(?). There is also FocusWriter - opensource and multi-platform. https://gottcode.org/focuswriter/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • A collection of useful Mac Apps
    FocusWriter - Price: Free Distraction-free writing app for Mac that allows you to focus on your writing. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • What do you people write on?
    You can get it here: https://gottcode.org/focuswriter/. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Is there an app to keep track of all the details when writing a story?
    Also, if you're kinda of an indie author, try Bibisco or Focuswriter. Source: about 2 years ago
  • is there a computer that can only run word a processor
    If you have a spare laptop, I recommend just disabling the Internet altogether. But before then, install a program called FocusWriter - it goes full screen. Or instead of the spare computer idea, maybe create a new user account on your computer maybe called Writing, install FocusWriter and have it launch on startup, and disable that account's Internet. Source: about 2 years ago
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Markdown for Microsoft Word mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Markdown for Microsoft Word yet. Tracking of Markdown for Microsoft Word recommendations started around May 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing FocusWriter and Markdown for Microsoft Word, you can also consider the following products

Scrivener - Scrivener is a content-generation tool for composing and structuring documents.

Markdown New Tab - Write notes in Markdown directly in the 'New Tab' page

iA Writer - Minimal Design, Maximum Focus

NotesHub - Fully cross-platform, markdown based note-taking app

Typora - A minimal Markdown reading & writing app.

NotePlan - Make plans inside an individual markdown note for every day in your calendar. Use it as a journal for your daily tasks and plan todos in advance. For Mac, iPhone and iPad.