Here are 5 benefits of utilizing Markdown apps in comparison with Google Docs, Apple Pages and Microsoft Word.
Image: Farknot Architect/Adobe Stock
Markdown-compatible apps are writing-focused applications providing simplified interfaces that assist Markdown language types. These apps have largely supplanted fundamental textual content editors.
Examples of Markdown apps fashionable amongst these utilizing iCloud, iPhones, iPads and Macs that provide compelling advantages embody Bear, Byword, iA Writer and Ulysses. I’ve come to rely upon iA Writer ($49.99 for the Mac and $49.99 whole for each iPad and iPhone variations), which minimizes my use of different writing software program.
SEE: iA Writer is the productiveness app each Apple consumer wants (TechRepublic)
Anyone who invests vital time researching and writing for work ought to know the next 5 benefits of utilizing Markdown apps.
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1. Less distraction, higher focus
Full-fledged phrase processing applications, comparable to Microsoft Word, supply a breadth of performance however are additionally notoriously distracting and complicate performing the most typical and easy duties. Popular Markdown apps supply compelling authoring options with out distracting options and views.
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Years in the past, an app referred to as WriteRoom captured my consideration due to its simplicity. The program supplied textual content enhancing on an basically full-screen clean canvas that includes nothing however the textual content you wrote. iA Writer, the Markdown app I’ve used every day for a few years now, was touted by The New Yorker employees author Julian Lucas for boasting related simplicity: “The main feature of iA Writer is not having many features.”
The result’s that iA Writer frees you to pay attention and concentrate on the work at hand. The materials you’re writing and your corresponding ideas are much less prone to be interrupted because of interplay along with your writing app and the best way wherein its consumer interface (Figures A and B) emphasizes the textual content you’re composing.
Figure A
By default, iA Writer shows iCloud organizer and library data, in addition to the file presently being composed.
Figure B
If you wish to conceal extraneous data, you’ll be able to disable iA Writer’s Organizer and Library from the lively view by toggling the menu bar or utilizing a fast shortcut key mixture.
The writing app’s clear UI and skill to allow or disable varied options, comparable to formatting, syntax alerts and spelling assists, make a giant distinction in serving to hone focus and stay on activity.
2. Fewer compatibility and formatting points
iA Writer and different Markdown-compatible apps assist a wealth of sharing choices that assist guarantee compatibility with no matter platform comes subsequent throughout the manufacturing and workflow course of. This applies whether or not you’re engaged on a Mac, iPad or iPhone; exchanging information with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace customers; or exporting work to HTML, Markdown, or PDF.
Because Markdown apps, together with iA Writer, sometimes supply a wide range of focus and formatting choices, you’ll be able to focus in your writing and particular composition elements as wanted. Since Markdown apps leverage the normal Markup textual content language designed to allow writing for the net with out being restricted to only HTML, the information produced utilizing a Markdown app and Markdown construction are broadly appropriate with different requirements and merchandise and basically eradicate compatibility and formatting snags.
3. iCloud synchronization enhances productiveness and collaboration
Markdown apps made for Apple customers normally combine with iCloud. In addition to working with iPhones, iPads and Macs, information synchronize seamlessly because of Apple’s iCloud service. As a end result, these apps empower working from wherever you need utilizing a number of Apple-based smartphones, tablets, desktops and laptops.
Markdown apps additionally leverage one other iCloud profit: file sharing. You can use iCloud to share your Markdown information with colleagues and teammates to simplify collaboration. Because information now not must be positioned on a generally shared file server, there are productiveness efficiencies, too. Using iA Writer, for instance, you’ll be able to share information through AirDrop, electronic mail, Messages and even Microsoft OneNote, amongst different choices.
4. Markdown apps are light-weight, quick and dependable
Unlike different, extra bloated phrase processing apps, iA Writer and different Markdown apps boast a small footprint. iA Writer requires simply 57MB on my Mac’s laborious drive, whereas Microsoft Word consumes 2.1GB. Subsequently, iA Writer opens rather more rapidly, strikes quickly between operations and views and requires few system assets to function easily.
Markdown apps additionally work reliably. Despite utilizing iA Writer for 1000’s of hours a yr, I can’t recall an event when the app ever crashed. Certainly, I’ve by no means misplaced knowledge or any writing utilizing this system. I can’t say the identical for bigger phrase processing applications.
5. Improved writing
Another vital side of Markdown apps is the convenience with which they assist enhance your writing. This is a significant profit as a result of composing significant textual content is a tough activity requiring effort, as evidenced by many complaining that the standard of communication is declining.
iA Writer, for instance, contains Style Checks and Focus modes to allow highlighting cliches, fillers and redundancies. The app additionally permits selectively emphasizing adjectives, nouns, adverbs and conjunctions as wanted.
A former AP bureau chief and state press secretary as soon as inspired me to enhance information releases by scrutinizing my use of adjectives and adverbs. iA Writer would have helped me on the time as this system can spotlight adjectives and adverbs (Figure C).
Figure C
iA Writer features a characteristic to mechanically spotlight particular syntax to assist spot and enhance weaknesses inside your writing.
Thanks to such options, Markdown apps can enhance your writing. Integrated assist for Focus modes that may additionally showcase the present sentence (Figure D) or paragraph you’re composing or enhancing additional assists in bettering your writing by making it simpler to coach your consideration on the particular elements of the textual content you’re creating.
Figure D
Highlighting the present sentence or paragraph is one other means iA Writer assists in bettering writing works in progress.