CreaWriter vs Byword
When comparing CreaWriter vs Byword, the Slant community recommends Byword for most people. In the question“What are the best distraction-free word processors?” Byword is ranked 1st while CreaWriter is ranked 11th.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Allows creating ambiance
CreaWriter's main selling point is the fact that it adds atmosphere to its workspace. By default there's a background with a sunset over water and a sound of trickling water, but the background and sound can be changed to anything to create the desired atmosphere.
Along with background and sound, CreaWriter has options for customizing transparency, font size, family and color, status bar information and visibility, etc.
Pro A free edition is available
If you just want to test the software out or don't need the extra features, a free version is available for download on the official site. A paid version with added functionality is available to donors (5 EUR and up).
Pro Exports to txt, rtf and doc
When saving a file, CreaWriter does not offer any options, but manually adding an extension will allow exporting to txt, rtf and doc formats.
Pro Word count support
Pro A dark theme is available
Pro Can publish directly to external services
Pro Can export to html, pdf, rtf
In addition to plaintext, Byword can export to HTML, PDF, RTF.
Pro Exemplary Markdown support
Byword de-emphasizes the syntax itself, while emphasizing its effects. It appropriately adds style, like italic and bold, to text that's designated by markdown and dims the syntax so it does not getting in the way of comprehension. Additionally, there are commonly used hotkeys (⌘b, ⌘i, etc) that can be used to apply style without having to know the syntax or having to type it out each time.
Pro Includes features that speed up writing
For example, while authoring a bulleted list hitting return automatically prepares a new bulleted line.
Pro Available for all Apple devices
Byword is available on a Mac, an iPhone and an iPad.
Pro Syncs using iCloud and Dropbox
Documents can be synced using iCloud or Dropbox from within the editor for use across all devices.
Pro Live update support
Cons
Con Windows only
Con The free version is somewhat limited
The paid version adds useful feature such as word count, text styles (bold, italic, underlined), hotkeys, autosaves, ambient sound volume and customization options such as configurable text color, text areas's color, size, position and transparency, and adjustable ambient sound volume.
Con No Windows or Linux versions
