Plain Text Editor

Plain Text Editor

By Sindre Sorhus

Plain Text Editor is a distraction-free writing tool designed for simple text files like .txt, .csv, and .md. It prioritizes focus by stripping away rich text formatting and offering a unique Brain dump mode that prevents editing or deletion during the writing process.

Overview · Full Intel report in progress

The App DNA

What makes this app unique?

For Writers and professionals seeking a minimalist environment for drafting content without the distraction of formatting tools.

Key features

Brain dump modestandard

A restrictive writing mode that disables deletion and editing to encourage continuous flow.

Format-free editingstandard

Supports standard plain text files including .txt, .csv, and .md without any rich text formatting.

Writing optimizationstandard

Features tailored line spacing, line length, and a built-in word count tool.

How much does it cost?

paid

Velocity

See all version history

Who built it?

Sindre Sorhus

13+ apps tracked · Productivity

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Explore the full publisher profile

User Sentiment

What do users think recently?

How are ratings & reviews evolving?

App Store
4.29 · 7

Not enough recent reviews to extract reliable themes yet.

Read the full review analysis

Competition

Competitive landscape for Plain Text Editor

How's the Productivity market?

The rivals identified

Runestone Text Editor
Runestone Text Editoractive nemesis

By Simon B. Støvring

Both apps target mobile text-based workflows, creating direct competition for users seeking file-based editing on iOS and iPadOS. Runestone captures the developer segment through code-specific utilities, while Plain Text Editor targets writers through a restricted, distraction-free environment.

  • Runestone includes syntax highlighting for code, whereas Plain Text Editor restricts features to basic text drafting.
  • Runestone offers free access to advanced navigation tools, while Plain Text Editor charges five dollars for a minimalist experience.
  • Runestone provides document browser integration for file management, while Plain Text Editor lacks external file system support.
Plain Text Editor vs Runestone Text Editor

Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.

Access the full report for free

The Analyst's Read

Key takeaways for Plain Text Editor

Where is it heading?

Bottom line

This is a strictly minimalist tool optimized for focused writing that intentionally excludes advanced features like printing or large file handling.

Report last updated

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with automated quality gates, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Plain Text Editor, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Cite this report

Marlvel.ai. “Plain Text Editor Intelligence Report.” Updated Apr 21, 2026. https://marlvel.ai/apps/plain-text-editor

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