Why use apps for writing poetry?
Apps can help poets organise ideas, find inspiration, and polish their verses on the go. Whether you are scribbling your first haiku or refining an epic, the right app keeps your creativity flowing without fuss. (I once tried writing poems on napkins until my cat staged a rebellion.)
Examples:
- Poets who want to capture ideas anywhere
- Writers looking for rhyme or rhythm assistance
- Anyone keen to experiment with forms and structures
Tips:
- Choose apps that fit your style of writing
- Use apps to spark ideas but don’t rely solely on them
- Experiment with several before settling on your favourites
Further reading: The Poet’s Companion by Kim Addonizio and Dorianne Laux
What are some top apps for poetry writing?
Examples:
- Evernote: Great for organising notes and drafts across devices
- RhymeZone: Helps find rhymes, synonyms and definitions
- Poet’s Pad: Designed specifically for poets with writing prompts and idea starters
- Scrivener: Perfect for organising longer poetry collections or mixed projects
- HaikuJAM: Collaborative app for co-writing haiku and short poems
Tips:
- Use rhyme and thesaurus apps to expand your vocabulary
- Try apps with prompts to overcome writer’s block
- Keep a digital journal for spontaneous verse ideas
Further reading: Writing Poetry by Sheila Bender
How can apps help improve poetic form and structure?
Many apps offer templates for classic forms like sonnets, villanelles or haikus. These tools guide poets through tricky rules and inspire creativity within constraints. (A sonnet without a template can end up sounding like a confused shopping list.)
Examples:
- Poet’s Pad’s form templates and prompts
- RhymeZone’s syllable and meter suggestions
- Evernote for drafting and rearranging stanzas
Tips:
- Use templates to learn and practise new forms
- Experiment freely and don’t let rules stifle your voice
- Review and revise drafts easily with app editing tools
Further reading: The Making of a Poem by Mark Strand and Eavan Boland
Can poetry apps connect you with other poets?
Yes, some apps have communities or social features that let you share work and get feedback. This can be a great way to find your tribe and get fresh perspectives.
Examples:
- HaikuJAM’s collaborative poem creation
- AllPoetry’s feedback and contest forums
- Instagram poetry communities supported by writing apps
Tips:
- Share selectively and be open to critique
- Engage with other poets to build connections
- Use social features to stay motivated
Further reading: Poetry Communities Online by Joshua Marie Wilkinson
How do I choose the right poetry app for me?
Think about your goals, writing habits and tech comfort level. Some apps are simple and straightforward, others offer bells and whistles that might overwhelm.
Examples:
- Simple note apps for jotting ideas quickly
- Dedicated poetry apps for structure and inspiration
- Full-featured writing software for serious projects
Tips:
- Test free versions before committing
- Look for apps with good user reviews and updates
- Choose apps that sync across your devices
Further reading: Choosing the Right Writing Tools by Joanna Penn
Here’s a comprehensive list of poetry writing apps to suit various needs.
✍️ Writing & Drafting Tools
| App | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Poet’s Pad | iOS | Rhyming dictionary, thesaurus, syllable counter, and form templates for structured writing. |
| Rhymer’s Block | iOS, Android | Real-time rhyme suggestions with color-coded highlighting and SoundCloud embedding. |
| Quill | iOS | Rich text editor with AI assistance for tone adjustment, poetic devices, and formatting options. |
| Poemify | Android | AI-powered poetry generator that transforms ideas into poems instantly. |
| Lyric Notepad | Android | Tracks rhyme schemes, syllables, and includes a thesaurus for lyric and poetry writing. |
| Word Palette | iOS | Generates randomized word banks to inspire creativity and expand vocabulary. |
| iA Writer | iOS, macOS | Distraction-free writing environment with Markdown support and cross-document linking. |
| Ulysses | macOS, iOS | Minimalist text editor with Markdown support, ideal for long-form poetry projects. |
| Notion | Cross-platform | Highly customizable workspace for organizing ideas, drafts, and research. |
🌐 Community & Sharing Platforms
| App | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Poetizer | iOS, Android | Social platform for sharing original poetry, discovering new works, and connecting with poets. |
| Miraquill | iOS, Android | Creative writing platform with design tools to showcase poems and stories visually. |
| HaikuJAM | iOS, Android | Collaborative app for co-writing haiku and short poems with a global community. |
| AllPoetry | Web | Largest poetry community with forums, contests, and feedback opportunities. |
| iOS, Android | Visual platform popular among poets for sharing poems and engaging with followers. |
📚 Learning & Inspiration
| App | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Poetry Foundation | iOS, Android | Access to a vast collection of poems, poet biographies, and articles on poetry. |
| Poetry Magazine | iOS, Android | Digital edition of Poetry magazine, featuring contemporary poems and essays. |
| Reedsy | Web | Offers a directory of writing apps, including poetry tools, with user reviews and ratings. |
🧠 AI & Experimental Tools
| App | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Phraselette | Web | AI-powered tool designed to assist experimental poets in finding, processing, and shaping text. |
| RiTa | Web | Open-source toolkit for generative writing and English natural language processing. |
🧩 Multi-Purpose Writing Apps
| App | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Scrivener | macOS, Windows | Comprehensive writing software with templates for various writing forms, including poetry. |
| LivingWriter | Web | Cloud-based writing app with a clean interface, suitable for poetry collections and mixed projects. |
Each of these apps offers unique features tailored to different aspects of the poetry writing process!