# Do you have any recommendations for minimalist Mac writing apps? **URL:** \ **Category:** Other Software & Development\ **Tags:** macos\ **Created:** [June 1, 2026, 2:23pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936 "2026-06-01T14:23:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ria13](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/user_avatar/forum.literatureandlatte.com/ria13/32/19454_2.png) [@Ria13](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/Ria13)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2026, 2:46pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/23 "2026-06-24T14:46:41Z")
Bean, in full screen mode. free app, too! > **[Bean: a macOS word processor](https://bean-osx.com/Bean.html)** > > Bean: a macOS word processor ---
**Author:** ![Ria13](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/user_avatar/forum.literatureandlatte.com/ria13/32/19454_2.png) [@Ria13](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/Ria13)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2026, 2:56pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/24 "2026-06-24T14:56:23Z")
> [@cappuccinomonkey](#): > > I moved from Scrivener to Ulysses a few years ago. I personally get put off by having to pay for a subscription. just let me pay for it once, you know? ---
**Author:** ![KB](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/e47774/32.png) [@KB](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/KB)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2026, 7:30pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/26 "2026-06-24T19:30:32Z")
Just a quick note: I deleted a reply to this thread which others have replied to, which might make the past couple of posts confusing. We delete very few posts, and anyone is generally welcome here, but creating an account especially to post a single reply to this thread with a recommendation to move from Scrivener to another piece of software, and then adding a snide dig at us as a company, is straining our hospitality a little too far. ---
**Author:** ![meebee](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@meebee](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/meebee)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2026, 8:09pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/27 "2026-06-24T20:09:39Z")
Another strong markdown app is Bear, and it looks like they are also releasing a new app [Lettera](https://blog.bear.app/2026/06/introducing-lettera-a-native-markdown-editor-for-mac-now-in-beta/) adding some requested features like folder based files. ---
**Author:** ![typewritermonkey](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/d78d45/32.png) [@typewritermonkey](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/typewritermonkey)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 4:33pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/28 "2026-06-27T16:33:28Z")
There’s always Scrivener… which has an attractive user interface, icons, etc, with more personality than many other apps. It does a great job of being interesting to look at without being visually distracting. This is especially true when you’re working on a decent size desktop screen – like 27 or 32 inch – which IMO is the most optimised screen size for serious work writing and editing a novel. The reason for this is that with a larger screen you can glance quickly at the paragraphs above and below the point where you are writing. A common issue people can have with small screens is that they loose the wider context of what they’re writing and they end up missing things and repeating themselves. To gain more contextual awareness you can use the side-by-side page view. In terms of a truly minimalist workflow, when I work with Scrivener, I keep my files in the local Documents folder, and use the automated backup feature to backup files to an iCloud folder. I set it to create a backup every time I close the file. (While you are working, you can instantly check to see if your Scrivener file is saved by looking at the Scrivener app icon in the top left of the app… greyed out means that there are unsaved edits, the normal contrast shows that there are no unsaved edits.) The local folder means that you can enjoy instantaneous document saving while having a previous version of the project on iCloud. You don’t have to wait for anything to sync or check the file’s ‘last saved date’. Another way to use Scrivener with a minimalist approach is to use the app more-or-less as it comes. In your project, folders are chapters and text files are scenes. You can call those chapters and scenes whatever you like, eg: folder: ‘hero enters castle’, first text file: ‘climbing the wall’… you can label them in a way that means something to you… compile will automatically format them into ‘Chapter One’ and properly formatted and spaced scenes. When it comes to compile you can pretty much get away with just choosing a specific font and enter your information for the front matter). Finally, the most important thing I do to keep Scrivener simple is to set up a blank project file. I choose my font, the line width and height in the editor, and my details in the front matter, so I can duplicate the file and use it for the next project without having to do that again. It’s really easy to import markdown .txt files into Scrivener and automatically have Scrivener split the markdown chapters into separate text sections. The important point I’m making here is that you can use Scrivener from the start to the end of your workflow without having to change much in the app. ---
**Author:** ![AnotherGuy](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/d9b06d/32.png) [@AnotherGuy](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/AnotherGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2026, 6:04pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/29 "2026-07-02T18:04:59Z")
@typewritermonkey, thank you. Your comment points out the primary issue with Scrivener when you want to write anywhere, anytime. You then use whatever device you happen to have at hand, such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. Finally, you bring everything together on a single computer, preferably with a large 27-inch screen. However, small snippets of text should be able to be stored in the Cloud without a complicated synchronization procedure. That is precisely the Scriveners problem when the writing isn’t done in a structured manner in a single location. ---
**Author:** ![kewms](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/user_avatar/forum.literatureandlatte.com/kewms/32/15720_2.png) [@kewms](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/kewms)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2026, 5:24am UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/30 "2026-07-03T05:24:30Z")
> [@AnotherGuy](#): > > However, small snippets of text should be able to be stored in the Cloud without a complicated synchronization procedure. That is precisely the Scriveners problem when the writing isn’t done in a structured manner in a single location. Some of us use Scrivener in exactly the way you describe, FWIW. ---
**Author:** ![rms](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/f6c823/32.png) [@rms](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/rms)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2026, 5:34am UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/31 "2026-07-03T05:34:06Z")
> [@AnotherGuy](#): > > However, small snippets of text should be able to be stored in the Cloud without a complicated synchronization procedure Best to remember than use of “the Cloud” is at its roots using “complicated synchronisation” procedures and algorithms. As @kewms, I routinely use Scrivener while “on the go” away from Global HQ to capture stuff for my Scrivener projects and many other thoughts. Works well for me. ---
**Author:** ![AnotherGuy](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/d9b06d/32.png) [@AnotherGuy](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/AnotherGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2026, 7:56am UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/32 "2026-07-03T07:56:32Z")
@kewms, thank you for your comment. I didn’t mean to come across as rude; I just haven’t been a huge fan of Dropbox syncing between mobile devices and Mac. I’m sure your next lightweight writing program will fix this issue. All the best, and I’m going to wrap up this discussion from my part now. ---
**Author:** ![cavalierex](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/user_avatar/forum.literatureandlatte.com/cavalierex/32/28978_2.png) [@cavalierex](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/cavalierex)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2026, 4:56pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/33 "2026-07-03T16:56:43Z")
I stopped using mobile Scrivener. I use simple text editors (like Drafts) to record brief thoughts while on-the-go, and then I paste into my Scrivener projects when back at my computer.\[1\] I’m hopeful that the New App improves on mobile writing and sync. Technologies are much different now compared to when Scrivener mobile writing and sync were first developed, so there are opportunities there. I think KB shared a bit in a post many moons ago, so we’ll see whenever the product ships. * * * 1. (My computer is a laptop, so for any serious writing on-the-go, I would be typing on the laptop anyway.) ---
**Author:** ![Terry\_Haddow](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/user_avatar/forum.literatureandlatte.com/terry_haddow/32/16040_2.png) [@Terry\_Haddow](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/Terry_Haddow)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2026, 7:28am UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/34 "2026-07-05T07:28:47Z")
I must admit - I hate these threads. Why come to a Scrivener thread to get a recommendation for software other than Scrivener. Ah well. Here is my 10 cents worth. I owned Scrivener for about 3 years before I used it. I looked at it and went - “Oh this looks like a learning curve “ and left it. My first piece of writing was 110,000 words done in Apple Pages. Worked great. I really like Pages. It did the job. Then I started looking into Scrivener. Got the basics and then realised you use as much or as little of the software as you desire. I can use it across my Mac (Mac user) and iPad anywhere I go. Set up Projects for all sorts of writing. I now use it for all my writing - ideas, full stories, short stories, even correspondence. Do I use all it is capable of or can do? Absolutely No! I am a basic user. There are a lot of videos, articles etc on any topic regarding using it. In fact, even in this forum I have found people extremely patient and helpful (especially the Scrivener people, and I’m not even sure of their connection with the company). I don’t think this answers your question regarding “Markup”, but I think that has been answered elsewhere. But basically, Scrivener can be or not be what you want it to be. The company wants to make money - Yes! But it was set up by writers for writers to help their writing journey. Use whatever you find helpful on the move ( I use Apple Notes - but for quick ideas) and transfer it into Scrivener to expand or elaborate. ---
**Author:** ![Rayz](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/user_avatar/forum.literatureandlatte.com/rayz/32/15848_2.png) [@Rayz](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/Rayz)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2026, 8:24am UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/35 "2026-07-05T08:24:51Z")
You make some excellent points. I left the Scrivener fold for a few years and wrote a book or two in the alternative. Yup, the syncing on U\*ysses was faultless, but it lacked so much other stuff (no automatic chapter numbering for example — WHHHAAATTT?) that I eventually came back. Scrivener’s combination of organisational tools, search/replace and print-ready manuscript production pretty hard to beat. The manual syncing? I just bite the bullet and get on with it. Does Scrivener have a steep learning curve? Perhaps, but so does my homemade berry-topped cheesecake, and like my homemade berry-topped cheesecake, it’s worth the payoff. ---
**Author:** ![cavalierex](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/user_avatar/forum.literatureandlatte.com/cavalierex/32/28978_2.png) [@cavalierex](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/cavalierex)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2026, 12:09pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/36 "2026-07-05T12:09:13Z")
I think people write these posts, every now and again, as they question their workflows. Scrivener is really great, but not perfect. It has a learning curve and some persistent friction points. Most of us on this forum actually love Scrivener a lot. ---
**Author:** ![AnotherGuy](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/d9b06d/32.png) [@AnotherGuy](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/AnotherGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2026, 1:41pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/37 "2026-07-05T13:41:34Z")
> [@Terry\_Haddow](#): > > I must admit - I hate these threads. Why come to a Scrivener thread to get a recommendation for software other than Scrivener. Ah well. Here is my 10 cents worth. Having used Scrivener for years on both Windows and Mac, I’ve gotten pretty good at it. I don’t see any big mysteries left in it, and I don’t think the problem is with Scrivener itself. It’s more about how it syncs across different devices that gets me frustrated. Since Scrivener can’t really change that much because of its already set-up project structure, I was hoping their new lighter writing software would be something I could use if it’s available. Until then, I’ll have to look into other options. ---
**Author:** ![rms](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/f6c823/32.png) [@rms](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/rms)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2026, 1:53pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/38 "2026-07-05T13:53:27Z")
> [@AnotherGuy](#): > > It’s more about how it syncs across different devices that gets me frustrated. How do you sync? I’ve been using Dropbox (between macOS and iOS devices) for years with no issues. Works as documented and promised. ---
**Author:** ![AnotherGuy](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/d9b06d/32.png) [@AnotherGuy](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/AnotherGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2026, 2:32pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/39 "2026-07-05T14:32:09Z")
> [@rms](#): > > How do you sync? I’ve been using Dropbox (between macOS and iOS devices) for years with no issues. Works as documented and promised. I know all that. It’s not hard to grasp. The practical problem is that you first need to make sure that Scrivener on your primary computer is synchronized with Dropbox and the project is closed. When you open the iOS Scrivener, you must verify again that the iOS Scrivener is synchronized with Dropbox. After you’ve finished writing, you must sync the iOS Scrivener with Dropbox once more. It’s quite boring. ---
**Author:** ![rms](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/f6c823/32.png) [@rms](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/rms)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2026, 2:33pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/40 "2026-07-05T14:33:51Z")
> [@AnotherGuy](#): > > It’s quite boring. Yea, it’s not magic. It’s how computers and telecommunications work. What I do respect with Scrivener is that it “just works”. ---
**Author:** ![mpclemens.writes](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/user_avatar/forum.literatureandlatte.com/mpclemens.writes/32/37836_2.png) [@mpclemens.writes](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/mpclemens.writes)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2026, 3:12pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/41 "2026-07-05T15:12:08Z")
Just to further muddy the waters here 😅 I second the recommendations for basic text editors, likely because my lengthening career history _cough old coder cough_ demands it. Learning Markdown is about as lightweight as one can manage, and to me, it’s logically designed. Away from my main writing desk, if I need basic markup, I use Markdown. On a device that’s not-my-Scrivener machine, my textual storage bucket is email. Plain old email. “Sync” is a snap (send to self plus secondary accounts) and it’s right there. Yes, AI training and scraping and so on, but the joke’s on G\*\*gle: I’m emailing myself a first draft, and he who trains an LLM on my first drafts trains with trash. I try to keep life simple for myself, and for me (and maybe just me), the “main” WIP lives in Scrivener. Plain text sent to self, and then revised in the tool meant for it, or Markdown in an editor (or email) if I feel I need to format on-the-go for some reason. I rarely do. ---
**Author:** ![kewms](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/user_avatar/forum.literatureandlatte.com/kewms/32/15720_2.png) [@kewms](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/kewms)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2026, 5:51pm UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/42 "2026-07-05T17:51:46Z")
> [@AnotherGuy](#): > > The practical problem is that you first need to make sure that Scrivener on your primary computer is synchronized with Dropbox and the project is closed. When you open the iOS Scrivener, you must verify again that the iOS Scrivener is synchronized with Dropbox. After you’ve finished writing, you must sync the iOS Scrivener with Dropbox once more. It’s quite boring. FWIW, using any cloud service with any tool requires exactly this set of steps. Transporting data across the internet requires some finite amount of time, and the data won’t be accessible on the destination device until that transport has occurred. Syncing a Scrivener project is “more complex” than syncing an Apple Notes file because a Scrivener project is a larger and more complex object. If you want a more accurate comparison, look at, say, 100,000-word Word documents or gigabyte-scale DevonThink databases. ---
**Author:** ![typewritermonkey](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/d78d45/32.png) [@typewritermonkey](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/u/typewritermonkey)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2026, 8:37am UTC](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936/43 "2026-07-06T08:37:46Z")
I thought you were after the minimalist interface and workflow… but now I see now that it’s more about the sync process. Just to say that Scrivener also has a Windows version so that’s another factor that they have to consider. People, for example, who sync iPhones or iPads with a Windows PC. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a perfect sync system. I have had my fair share of issues with different ones including iCloud refusing to sync properly. I’ve found with iCloud that it usually seems to work again if I sign out iCloud on every device and then sign back in again. And don’t load beta operating systems onto any of your working devices! [Previous page](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.literatureandlatte.com/t/do-you-have-any-recommendations-for-minimalist-mac-writing-apps/153936.md?page=3)