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iA Writer vs Apostrophe: catalog facts
iA Writer	Apostrophe
Paid A paid purchase or subscription is required, depending on platform.	Free Free and open source under the GPL-3.0-or-later licence.
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Linux
Syntax control highlights adjectives, conjunctions and filler words Plain Markdown files in your own folders, with no proprietary library	Focus mode for distraction-free writing Live rendered preview
Paid on every platform, with separate purchases in places Deliberately few features; it is not an organiser or notebook	Linux only Edits single files rather than managing a notes library
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL-3.0-or-later
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.