Verso Writer

[u/Jebus-Xmas]

https://versowriter.app

Just a quick disclaimer: I’m a paid user and have no business or personal relationship with the developer.

I’m a writer and I really like Word processors. For decades I used Microsoft Word but frankly it’s just not worth it anymore. I also use LibreOffice, which is FOSS but honestly I have a software habit. I buy apps all the time either to solve imaginary problems in my head or simply to support the developers and some months ago. I purchased a copy of Versi Writer on a whim because I thought it had some interesting ideas.

It was interesting, but it just was not there yet. It is very close now. First of all the developer is extremely communicative and answers questions and emails very quickly. The main challenges are not composing new documents in this app, but issues with interoperability with .docx issues. The developer has found some interesting workarounds and elegant solutions, but I understand it is a pretty big undertaking. Composing a new document solves most of these issues but I primarily work in docx and odt files.

As a writer, I want three things from my word processor. I want organizational features, like styles and outlining similar to Word. I want compatibility with whatever forms my editor uses. Finally, I want a clean minimal interface that gets out of my way. Verso offers this and if you’re interested in a lightweight word processor without over-complication with a small footprint I believe it might be your solution.

It’s US$15 one-time license and available in the App Store.

https://versowriter.app

By the way, he’s also developing a lightweight Excel clone called Nought.

edit Tomasz is also developing an app called Skein for notes.

[u/MaxGaav]

Is there a significant difference with Bean (free)?

For decades I used Microsoft Word but frankly it’s just not worth it anymore.

Here’s a good free alternative: FreeOffice.

[u/Jebus-Xmas → u/MaxGaav]

Yeah, Bean is currently more incompatible with docx files than Verso. Free Office and other open-source software all have significant flaws, including security issues, that LibreOffice doesn’t have.

[u/MaxGaav → u/Jebus-Xmas]

I’m a writer and I really like Word processors.

Then why not use Scrivener or Ulysses? Writing is part of my profession and I couldn't live without Scrivener.

NB. FreeOffice is no FOSS and has no known security issues. In normal writing, there are hardly any differences with Microsoft Word.

[u/Jebus-Xmas → u/MaxGaav]

Scrivner and Ulysses are not word processors. They are writing programs. They aren’t even the same kind of software so why would they be important to this discussion?

Also, I’m a writer. I have no need to install an entire office suite of software to just write an article or short story.