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iA Writer vs Effie: catalog facts
iA Writer	Effie
Paid A paid purchase or subscription is required, depending on platform.	Freemium Free to download, with paid plans listed on the pricing page.
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Syntax control highlights adjectives, conjunctions and filler words Plain Markdown files in your own folders, with no proprietary library	Writing, outlining and mind maps in one app Clients for desktop and mobile platforms
Paid on every platform, with separate purchases in places Deliberately few features; it is not an organiser or notebook	Proprietary, closed source AI features and plan details are tied to the paid tiers
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

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