Writing Environments

I kind of knew when working on my post about Minimal Word Processors that I ran the risk of getting a ton of questions about apps that I did not include. Of course, that’s exactly what happened. I got tons of “what about” submissions in the queue for apps that, well, are not Word Processors. Hence the reason I did not mention them.

In my mind, a Word Processor includes things like support for styles, bullets and numbering, tables, etc. Then, there are Text Editors, mainly meant for working with plain text and code, which include things like line numbering and syntax coloring. Then, there are the things which were so urgently suggested, which are… Writing Environments.

A Writing Environment is usually an app that is designed to reduce distractions, usually by employing some version of “full screen” mode, and that allow one to focus on writing. There are, generally, not the advanced styling controls that a Word Processor includes nor the syntax coloring of a Text Editor.

OK, with that explanation out of the way, let me point you to the Writing Environments, mentioned most:

Omm Writer – There is a reason I have not mentioned it here before, though I risk hearing from it’s rabid and vocal fans should I say anything untoward. Therefore, I shall refrain and stick to the facts…

Omm Writer is a distraction free writing environment that includes, three different “zen” background options, seven different kinds of “ambient” music, and seven different types of beep and click sounds to emulate keyboard noise. But hey, I guess a lot of people consider these features a benefit to their writing. It is full screen only though, so that is a help. Also, you can turn off all of these features and just have dark text on a white background, which I guess is as close as my boat will get to floating with it. That said, it sure seems to be popular amongst the readers here so who am I to judge.

Writeroom – Now here, my friends, is a Writing Environment. In my opinion, it’s the ultimate in minimalist and distraction-free writing applications for the Mac. Despite the truly distraction free, full screen, blissfuly barren interface, the preferences contain what in any civilized nation would be called a “shit ton” of configuration options. You really can tailor this to your every need…

Unless, of course, you need ambient music and keyboard noise. Here’s a ninja move for you – Fire up the Phil Glass on iTunes and get yourself a mechanical keyboard. Butter!