Product Overview of WriteMonkey
WriteMonkey is a Windows-based Zenware writing application designed to provide a distraction-free and highly customizable writing environment. Here are the key aspects and features of this software:
Core Purpose
WriteMonkey is tailored for writers who need to focus on their work without the distractions commonly found in more feature-rich word processors. It offers a minimalist user interface that helps users concentrate solely on their writing.
Key Features
Minimalist Interface and Full-Screen Mode
WriteMonkey features a very simple and clean interface, with the option to switch to full-screen mode. This mode hides all distractions, leaving only the text visible, helping users to stay focused.
Portability and Lightweight
The application is extremely lightweight, with the main executable being less than 1.6 MB in size. It does not require installation and can be run from any folder or even a USB key, making it highly portable.
Markdown Support
WriteMonkey supports Markdown Extra, Textile, and WikiCreole markup standards, allowing users to format their text using these markup languages. It also includes markup highlighting to visually discern different semantic chunks of text.
Customization
The software is highly customizable, allowing users to choose their own UI language, colors, fonts, page layout, and other aspects. Users can also customize the info bar with the items they need and scale up the text for easier reading.
Productivity Tools
WriteMonkey includes several productivity tools such as:
- Timer and Progress Meter: Allows users to set word count targets and writing sprints with a progress bar.
- Pomodoro Timer: Available as a plugin for donors, this feature is particularly useful for those using the Pomodoro Method.
- Scratchpad: For keeping notes easily accessible.
- Corkboard: A virtual corkboard for organizing ideas.
- Thesaurus and Spell Checker: Using OpenOffice dictionaries, it supports spell checking and thesaurus functions.
Navigation and Organization
The application includes features like “Jumps” for fast navigation between files, bookmarks, headings, and other marked items. It also supports creating hidden or password-protected notes and files.
Advanced Statistics and Backup
WriteMonkey provides advanced statistics about the text, including word count, character count, paragraphs, sentences, and more complex metrics like word frequencies and lexical density. It also has an automatic backup system that saves files without cluttering the working directory.
Keyboard Friendliness
All commands in WriteMonkey can be executed using simple keyboard shortcuts, making it highly keyboard-friendly. This includes scrolling, selecting text, and other functions.
Additional Features
Other notable features include:
- Typing Sounds: Optional typewriter sounds or other sound schemes.
- Segment Focus: Allows users to focus on a specific segment of the document.
- Lookups: Quick access to web resources like dictionaries, encyclopedias, or thesauruses.
- Customizable Printing: Print with current screen settings or use print-specific formatting.
- Multi-Monitor Support: Can run in full-screen mode on any connected monitor.
Plugins and Donor Features
While the basic version of WriteMonkey is free, donors receive a key that unlocks additional plugins, such as index cards, a clipboard picker, and the aforementioned Pomodoro timer. Donors also get personalized name tags in the splash screen.
Overall, WriteMonkey is a powerful yet minimalist writing tool that caters to the needs of writers seeking a distraction-free environment with a range of useful features to enhance productivity.