6 ways to write productively

Ulysses is an easy-to-use writing app that combines a distraction-free environment, with the ability to manage all your documents without leaving the app. Versatile enough to craft anything from a haiku to a blog post to a white paper, Ulysses offers a slew of useful tools in a simple design. For those new to the app, here are a few tips to get started.

With most writing apps, you manage documents in Finder that takes you out of the app, interrupting your writing flow. Ulysses keeps all your documents right in the app’s Library pane and lets you organise them into folder-like groups and subgroups. For example, you could have one group for your journal, one for your blog and another for the novel you’re working on. Whenever you need to open a doc, it’s just a click or two (or a quick search) away, and you don’t have to leave your writing zone.

Ulysses’ default layout shows your library on the left, the sheet list in the middle column and the editor (where you write) on the right. But when you want to focus on writing, you can hide everything but the editor by clicking the sidebar button in the toolbar; then switch to full-screen mode (View > Enter Full Screen) so no other open apps will distract you.

If you need some motivation, attach a goal to any document: a number of words, paragraphs or pages you want to complete. Choose Edit > Attach > Goal and enter the goal, then set a due date. (Set a goal for a group of sheets instead by Control-clicking the group and choosing Goal.) As you type, track your progress on a satisfying circular meter.

Speaking of distractions, with Ulysses you no longer have to remember to save your work. The app automatically saves your documents every few seconds and periodically creates a backup of your entire library. Should you ever lose a document, browse your backups and restore from them via the app’s Settings window (Ulysses > File > Browse Backups).

Format headings, create numbered lists, add links and more using simple Markdown syntax. If you’re not familiar with Markdown, choose Window > Markup to view Ulysses’ Markup panel. Click a formatting style in the panel to insert it at the current cursor position in the sheet.

You never know where inspiration will strike. Download Ulysses for iPhone and iPad so you’ll always be ready. All three versions synchronise, so whichever device you choose to work on, your sheets (and even your progress towards goals) are always up to date.

Ulysses: Writing App

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