Calmly Writer
User Guide
How to get the most out of Calmly Writer on Windows, Mac, Linux and Android, from the first document to backups and shortcuts.
Installing, the trial and the license, and what is on the screen when you open the app.
Formatting as you type, lists, links, images, tables, comments, punctuation and search.
Focus Mode, themes, fonts, the word counter and the typing sounds.
Formats, saving and autosave, backups, changes on disk, export and cloud folders.
What is different on a phone, a tablet or a Chromebook.
Every keyboard shortcut, and where your documents are.
Common questions
Can I write screenplays with Calmly Writer? You can write anything you like in Calmly Writer, screenplays included. But if screenwriting is what you do, we have made an app just for that: Calmly Script. It has the same clean, calm interface, and lays out your screenplay in industry-standard pages, with Fountain and Final Draft files.
Is there a trial? The desktop app has one: 14 days for free with all features enabled. Once it ends, you can still open, view and export your documents, but editing is disabled until you enter a license key. The Android app has no trial, because Google Play does not allow trials for paid apps; it comes with the same 30-day money-back guarantee instead. See Trial and license.
Does my desktop license work on the Android app? No. The desktop license covers Windows, Mac and Linux, all three with a single purchase, and the Android app is bought separately on Google Play. They are independent purchases, and both are one-time payments with no subscription.
Are my documents sent anywhere? No. Calmly Writer works fully offline, both on the desktop and on Android. Your documents, backups and previous versions are stored only on your device. See Privacy, offline and no AI.
How do updates work? On Windows, Mac and Linux an update downloads in the background and installs when you close the app. On Android, updates come through Google Play. See Install and update.
Can I use it on a Chromebook? Yes: the simplest way is the Android app from Google Play. See Android and Chromebook.
How can I support the development of Calmly Writer? Calmly Writer is an independent project, made and maintained by a small team without any investors or big company behind it. Every license purchase directly funds new features, improvements and bug fixes, so just by buying the app you are already helping a lot. Beyond that, the most valuable thing you can do is simply spread the word: tell a friend who likes writing, mention Calmly in a blog post, share a screenshot on social media, leave a review somewhere, or recommend it to your writing group. Word of mouth is what keeps a small, independent app like this alive, and any bit of it is hugely appreciated. Thank you!
Suggestions or bugs? We appreciate user suggestions and requests for improvements. If you have features you would like to see added, or have a bug to report, please send us a message at [email protected], on Bluesky or on Reddit. Thank you!
