Authorcise

Screenshots

About the App

Authorcise is an intentionally simple macOS writing app designed and built by one person (a full-time author) to help you start and maintain a daily writing ritual.

It was built to remove friction so you can sit down and write without overthinking it. Select a time limit, get your prompt, and start writing. No bloated settings, totally private, and absolutely free. Save your writing in a plain, universal text file directly on your device.

Features

• Distraction-Free Focus: Open to a warm, paper-like canvas that simply asks, "Ready to write?"
• Four Writing Modes: Choose your flow. Use Freewriting, spark ideas with Prompts, lock in with Typewriter, or practice letting go with Mandala (a temporary mode where saving is not allowed).
• Strictly Local Storage: Save your work as plain, universal text (.txt) files directly to your device. No cloud syncs, no tracking, and no accounts required.
• Fully Accessible: Built to strict macOS accessibility standards. Includes complete VoiceOver support, accessible touch targets, and visual indicators so everyone can write without friction.

Tips & More Info

I originally built Authorcise as a web tool to sustain my own writing practice during the pandemic, and I later rebuilt it for the Mac to be cleaner, faster, and distraction-free.

This app works best if you use it every single day, and it works even better if you sometimes use Mandala Mode to write without saving. The goal is to build a writing habit, but to also internalize the fact that not every string of words is precious. Learning to let go is a liberating practice and much healthier for a writer's long-term routine and sense of personal creative abundance.

Privacy Policy

The app does not collect any personal data, uses zero third-party analytics, and contains no tracking whatsoever. All of your writing stays securely on your device.