Looking for the best iPad writing apps in 2025? Whether you're an author, student, or screenwriter, this in-depth guide covers the top 10 apps for writing books, essays, or screenplays on your iPad. We break down features, use cases, ratings, and which app suits your workflow best—plus tips for enhancing your writing experience with smart whiteboards like NearHub.
Let me guess: you’ve got a story to tell, a paper to write, or maybe a screenplay idea that’s been living rent-free in your head. And now, you’re staring at your iPad, wondering — what’s the best writing app for me?
Trust me, I’ve been there. Whether you’re a novelist in the making, a student buried in essays, or a screenwriter prepping the next Netflix hit, finding the best writing apps for iPad can feel like digging for gold in the App Store.
So I rolled up my sleeves, tested a bunch of writing tools, and put together this no-fluff guide to the 10 best iPad writing apps in 2025.
Before we dive in, here’s a quick preview of the top picks — including what they’re best for and my personal rating.
Quick Preview: Top 10 iPad Writing Apps in 2025
| Writing App | Best For | Main Features | My Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrivener | Book writing | Corkboard, manuscript management | 4.8 |
| Ulysses | Distraction-free writing | Markdown, iCloud sync | 4.7 |
| Final Draft | Screenwriting | Industry-standard formatting | 4.9 |
| Notability | Note-taking + writing | Audio sync, handwriting support | 4.5 |
| GoodNotes | Students and planners | PDF markup, sketching | 4.6 |
| Microsoft Word | Compatibility with everything | Cloud sync, editing tools | 4.4 |
| Pages (Apple) | Free and clean word processor | Templates, easy layout | 4.3 |
| Storyist | Novel and screenplay writers | Outline + index cards | 4.2 |
| Bear | Short-form writers & notes | Tags, minimal UI | 4.1 |
| JotterPad | Script and creative writing | Fountain script, cloud export | 4.0 |
1. Scrivener – The Best Book Writing App for iPad
Let’s start with the holy grail for long-form writers. If you're working on a novel, thesis, or even a series of blog posts, Scrivener is hands-down the best iPad app for writing a book.
Why Scrivener?
- Full manuscript organization with folders, scenes, and notes.
- Corkboard view to visually shuffle your story structure.
- Syncs with Mac and Windows, so your workflow is flexible.
LSI Keywords: long-form writing app for iPad, writing novels on tablet, iPad writing software
2. Ulysses – Best Writing App for iPad with a Clean Interface
If clutter drives you nuts, Ulysses is your best friend. Designed for minimalists, this app turns your iPad into a sleek distraction-free writing zone.
Perfect For:
- Authors who love Markdown
- Students writing research papers
- Bloggers needing seamless export to WordPress
And if you're brainstorming during a team meeting, you can even sync your work to display on a meeting room smart board like NearHub for collaborative reviews.
LSI Keywords: minimal writing app for iPad, iPad app for Markdown, focused writing experience
3. Final Draft – The Best Script Writing App for iPad
Calling all screenwriters! If you're dreaming of the big screen, Final Draft is the best script writing app for iPad—and that’s not just my opinion. It’s the industry standard.
Highlights:
- Automatic formatting for screenplays
- Scene navigation sidebar
- Collaboration features for co-writing
Pair this with a large interactive smart whiteboard for pitching your ideas visually, and you’ve got a killer setup.
LSI Keywords: screenplay writing iPad, script editor app, best screenwriting software
4. Notability – Best for Audio Notes and Writing
Notability stands out because it lets you write and record at the same time. Perfect for students or authors who like to brainstorm verbally.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Syncs audio with handwritten notes
- Great for lectures, interviews, or story dictation
- Tons of annotation tools
LSI Keywords: writing app for iPad with audio, handwriting + typing app, study notes iPad
5. GoodNotes – A Student’s Best Friend
While GoodNotes is known for its handwriting abilities, it’s also great for writing outlines, notes, or even drafting full essays.
Use It For:
- Handwritten essays and annotations
- Organizing class notes by folder
- Drawing diagrams or timelines
Bonus tip: present your notes or drafts live using a camera whiteboard for peer reviews or group work.
LSI Keywords: note-taking iPad apps, digital handwriting tools, student writing iPad
6. Microsoft Word – Best for Universal Compatibility
Classic but powerful. If your school, publisher, or editor uses .docx files, Word is still the most reliable option.
Key Features:
- Strong formatting tools
- Track changes + comments
- Cloud integration with OneDrive
LSI Keywords: writing documents on iPad, MS Word for students, classic word processor iOS
7. Pages – Apple’s Free Option That Actually Works
Apple’s native word processor is surprisingly robust. Great for essays, reports, and general writing projects.
Features You’ll Appreciate:
- Easy drag-and-drop layout tools
- Real-time collaboration with others
- Beautiful built-in templates
LSI Keywords: free iPad writing app, word processor for iPad, Apple writing tool
8. Storyist – Great for Both Authors and Screenwriters
This one flies under the radar but it’s powerful. Storyist is perfect for writers who want both novel and screenplay formatting in one app.
What’s Inside:
- Manuscript templates
- Corkboard with index cards
- Export to Final Draft or ePub
LSI Keywords: all-in-one writing app, story development iPad, book and script writer tool
9. Bear – Minimalism Meets Productivity
Bear is great if you prefer a streamlined experience for short-form writing—think journals, notes, poems.
Why It’s Great:
- Tag-based organization
- Beautiful typography
- Syncs across all Apple devices
LSI Keywords: writing journal iPad, minimalist note app, quick writing app
10. JotterPad – Best for Fountain Script Format
If you’re into screenwriting or creative writing and need something lighter than Final Draft, JotterPad is a great pick.
Perks:
- Fountain script support
- Word count goals
- Google Drive sync
LSI Keywords: lightweight script app, creative writing iPad, screenplay tool for beginners
FAQs: Best Writing Apps for iPad in 2025
Q: What’s the best book writing app for iPad in 2025?
A: Scrivener takes the crown for book writing, especially for its manuscript management tools and organization features.
Q: Can I write a screenplay on an iPad?
A: Absolutely. Final Draft and JotterPad are both excellent options, with Final Draft being the professional standard.
Q: What if I want to write offline?
A: Most of the apps listed (like Scrivener, Ulysses, and Bear) offer robust offline writing features.
Q: Is there a free writing app that’s actually good?
A: Pages is totally free and packed with solid tools. Bear also has a free version with plenty to offer.
Q: What’s the best setup for collaborative writing or brainstorming?
A: Pairing your iPad with a smart digital whiteboard or a meeting room smart board like NearHub can take your collaboration game to the next level.
Final Thoughts
Picking the best writing app for iPad depends on who you are and what you’re writing. Whether you’re outlining your first novel, crafting a thesis, or hammering out a screenplay, there’s an app on this list that’ll feel like it was made just for you.
Got a favorite writing app I missed? Or want to see how NearHub smart boards can level up your writing sessions? Let’s talk.
sales@nearhub.us
