A downloadable writing app for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Download NowName your own price

NOTICE: Please update to the latest version if you are experiencing a crash upon starting the program, an issue with changing my itchio username and the code checking the latest version has been fixed

StimuWrite is a companion writing app for people who are neurodivergent, addicted to social media notifications, or would benefit from extra stimulation and feedback when they draft and take notes.

While you write, StimuWrite provides visual feedback in the form of a progress bar and emoji that evolve as you hit your word count milestones. If the environment is still too calm for you to focus, you can add a video background to simulate being in a cafe or floating in space. For auditory feedback, choose from 9 fun typing sounds and 6 ambient background soundscapes. Enhance and customize your writing environment even further with additional themes and add-ons!

StimuWrite is not a replacement for your favorite writing app, it's a notepad and scratchpad for getting your ideas down and drafting scenes for pieces of a larger work. Fans of Write or Die's reward mode and Written Kitten will love this app!

Features

  • Set your word count goal and a progress bar updates as you write
  • Customizable emoji reactions to reward your writing habit
  •  12 backgrounds to simulate different environments with the ability to pause the video backgrounds
  • 9 fun typing sounds for auditory feedback of your writing progress including Bubble Wrap and Drum
  • 6 background soundscapes chosen to help you focus including Brown Noise and Outdoor Cafe
  • 6 different themes to transform the look and feel of the app
  • 7 fonts to choose from, including OpenDyslexic
  • Go full screen and hide the controls for more immersion
  • Markdown support (limited) and export to .txt
  • Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai language support with a free add-on
  • Install additional fun, beautiful, and weird themes to enhance and add variety your writing environment. Check out the additional themes and add-ons here

Installation and Update Instructions

StimuWrite 2 is compatible with the itchio app , so you can use it to download the app and automatically keep it up to date. This is the easiest way to make sure it runs and says up to date on your computer.

To update manually: Simply delete your old copy of StimuWrite and replace it with this new one. If you're using Windows, make sure the PCK file is in the same folder as the exe file. Use the itch.io app to get automatic updates.


To open on MacOS without itch.io app:

1. Double click to open the zip and then drag the app icon into your Applications folder in Finder.

2. Control click or right click on the Application icon in the Finder and select "Open" and confirm you want to open an unidentified app. You may have to do this step twice to get the "Open" option


Still having issues getting it to start?

If you are still having issues with installation or running the app, try using the itchio app. This launcher bypasses issues the unsigned apps and keeps StimuWrite up to date automatically!


Themes!

Support StimuWrite and my work by purchasing cool new themes :)

Get themes and add-ons here


Troubleshooting

If StimuWrite is crashing: 

Click on the link at the bottom titled Options, then Advanced Settings > GPU particles. Toggle this to OFF. This feature causes crashing on some user's machines and is be disabled by default in current versions.

If StimuWrite is slow: 

Click on the link at the bottom titled Options, then Advanced Settings > Typing Sounds Overlap. Turn this off. If you can also try to change the particle setting.

To recover your words:

The recovery feature is found in Options > Recover Session



Sign up for email updates here

[email list coming soon]

DISCLAIMER: This app is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical issues. It's for writing!

Updated 7 days ago
StatusReleased
CategoryTool
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
Rating
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
(122 total ratings)
AuthorClown Goddess (aka Eve Harms)
Made withGodot
TagsCreative, creative-writing, Godot, journaling, Typing, word-processor, writing
LinksGet themes and add-ons

Download

Download NowName your own price

Click download now to get access to the following files:

stimuwrite-2-linux.x86_64 245 MB
Version 2.1.4
stimuwrite-2-macos.zip 204 MB
Version 2.1.4
stimuwrite-2-windows.exe 190 MB
Version 2.1.4
stimuwrite-windows-121.exe (old version) 132 MB
stimuwrite-linux-121.x86_64 (old version) 134 MB
stimuwrite-mac-121.dmg (old version) 100 MB

Development log

Comments

Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.

Viewing most recent comments 1 to 40 of 108 · Next page · Last page
(+1)

lost my copy of the app somehow, so downloading again!! this is such a brilliant programm, I love it very much! really helps me with my adhd

I’m so glad it’s helped you <3

(2 edits) (+3)

NOTICE: ​Please update to the latest version if you are experiencing a crash upon starting the program, an issue with changing my itchio username and the code checking the latest version has been fixed

Been loving this app so far to write my stories! But currently there's an issue with the latest build on Mac where it crashes 3 seconds after booting up. I've tried restarting my laptop to see if it was a memory issue, but it's still persisting :( 

(+1)

Hi sorry about this, I’ve figured out the issue and will release a fix asap. In the meantime, the app should work offline if you turn off your internet. It happened because I changed my itchio username, so the version check is failing in a way I didn’t expect.

(+1)

I absolutely love this. I stumbled across it on tumblr when it went semi-viral for a short while. I'm so happy I can try it out now that I have an actual working laptop. Which brings me to one of two questions I have. 

Are there plans for an app version or at the least a browser version of this? 

And will there be a version that saves progress like word does? I just had to update my computer to see if it would stop the hideous non-plugged-in-lag that's driving me nuclear and realized I lost my last 200 words T_T.

Have you tried going to Options > Recover Session?

Fun fact: I tried to make a theme with the tutorial you posted a few comments below and it all went wrong lmao

I will be patiently waiting for new themes from you hahaha

(+1)

ah, I’m sorry you weren’t able to get it to work! If you like, you can email me your theme files and I’ll take a look :) stimuwrite@eveharms.com

hi, at some point last year (june?) i had a version of stimuwrite that i managed to be able to use and i really really loved it. that was the most i wrote in a long time. i remembered it recently and downloaded the new update, and i can't seem to get it to run at all. the program closes after showing the title screen for a few seconds, no error popups or anything. it does the same thing even when launching it through the itchio app. please help, i really want to be able to use it again!

(+1)

Hello! I'm sorry you are having issues with the program. Please try this:

1. Navigate to the StimuWrite user data folder in your computer

Windows: %APPDATA%\Godot\app_userdata\StimuWrite\
macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Godot/app_userdata/StimuWrite/
Linux:  ~/.local/share/godot/app_userdata/StimuWrite/

2. Delete the file stimuwrite.cfg and the addons folder (if there is one )

3. Start StimuWrite

Let me know if this fixes the issue.

Hi, there! I seem to be having the same issue as the user above. I've deleted the listed file, but it doesn't seem to be working. I've also deleted and re-installed the app just in case: I seem to be able to run the older version with no issues, so I'll use that in the meantime! Any thoughts on why the new version might not be working? (I'm on a Mac running Ventura 13.4.1, if that helps). Thanks for the wonderful app! Truly a life-saver. 

I’m sorry you’re having issues. Please email me we’ll see if we can sort it out stimuwrite@eveharms.com

Thanks so much, and no trouble at all! I've just emailed you. Appreciate the help! :)

Deleted 16 days ago
(+1)

Hi, so first off, I unequivocally love this program. It's so helpful for my brain, and I give it 5 stars. When I use it with timed sprints, it's usefulness just skyrockets. The only feedback I want to leave is I'd really appreciate a spellcheck/grammar feature. I understand this program is meant to just get words down, and you're supposed to paste it into a different writing program. But the way I use it, and several other friends, we often copy and paste directly from Stimuwrites 2 into the chat, sending snippets to each other. And editing in different programs is unwelcome to us, and we prefer to just keep and polish first drafts for technical issues. That's why a built-in spellcheck feature could be really useful. I understand if it's difficult to code it though, and I'm leaving a 5 star review anyways because Stimuwrites 2 totally achieves what it promises---being an ADHD friendly writing app that stimulates you to write.

(+1)

i really love this app and writing is so satisfying now <3 i only wish you could open other files using it

(+2)(-1)

Love love love this app! My one complaint is that there are certain backgrounds can't be used with the two clear themes because text is hard/impossible to see. A semi-transparent one would be great, though that's only my suggestion.

That's a great idea, thank you!

Just downloaded! Seems real nice to write with, but the resolution of the text seems very pixel-y? I wonder if it's something weird about my mac since the screenshots look much crisper. Maybe my eyes will adjust though.

(+1)

ive loved the old version so when i saw the new one, i had to try it out!! and can i say i owe u my life for this writing app cause ive always been in such a writing block, and yet every time i use this, i end up writing like 200 or more words somehow SO TYYY

oh I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for letting me know :)

i'm assuming the answer is no, but would you ever be willing to tell people how to make their own themes?

(+2)

Hi! So I did publish a template on github with instructions on how to make your own theme but haven't really publicized it yet because it's a work in progress. If you want to give it a try, feel free and feel free to reach out to me (stimuwrite@eveharms.com) for support during the process.  https://github.com/beastly-eve/stimuwrite-theme-template

(+2)

A lifesaver. I loved using the old version, really hyped for the upgrade!

I’m so glad to hear you find it helpful!

(+1)

Ooh, this is embarrassing, but I accidentally closed the "update" box and I didn't see what the new changes were! Anything noteworthy?

(+1)

Hi! It's mostly under the hood changes to make the app faster, more stable, and compatible with more machines but there are a few features and bug fixes you can read about here https://eveharms.itch.io/stimuwrite/devlog/620466/stimuwrite-21-is-faster-more-s...

(+1)

Hello! I wanted to ask, is it normal for the app to significantly slow down when using the typing sounds function? or is it a "writing session too long, need cooldown" feature?

(+1)

It’s an issue on a some computers but I’m releasing an update soon that will improve performance and compatibility and should fix this issue. Stay tuned!

Thanks! Apart from that this app REALLY hacked my dopamine, and I plan to use the "unreadable" font soon, can't feel self conscious about my creative writing if I don't have a clue if I miss spelled 

Hello! Please try the updated version to see if it runs better on your computer. I recommend turning overlapping sounds off in advanced settings for even better performance.

*insert appreciative expletive here* that was fast! 

Hehe good timing! Please let me know if it’s working better for you when you get a chance to try it again 

Hey! is there anyway we could make our one themes?

like mabey you could have the Godot source up on git?

(Or is this more of a personal project that you want to make more money off of?)

(1 edit) (+2)

I’m planning on releasing a free template that people can open and edit in Godot to make their own themes, but i have to finish the iOS and Android versions first. Hopefully soon.

As for open sourcing it, that will probably never happen because it will add more work (project management, code refactoring, support, and administrative work) that I don’t have the time and energy for. I have to be able to work on the project at my own pace for it to be sustainable.

(+1)

👍 Yeah, this is great!  Cant wait to make my own themes!

I've created a custom theme template and documentation for it, and put it on github. Give it a try if you like. You'll be a bit of a guinea pig here as it's a work in progress and you'll be one of the first people to use it https://github.com/beastly-eve/stimuwrite-theme-template

I honestly don't know what I'm doing wrong, I've read through the docs a few times now and I keep getting errors.

I’ll reach out to you on discord

(+2)

luv this! picked up two of the themes, fingers crossed for some animal emojis!

i love that idea! Thank you

(+1)

I really enjoy this program, I was just wondering if you are planning on adding the ability to upload your own emojis/sounds/backgrounds in the future.

Further emoji and background customization are features I’m definitely considering! I’m not sure about custom sounds though 

(+2)(-1)

So far, I've adored this program. I'm such a fan of it--bought it and bought the custom themes pack, too. It's genuinely so pretty, so easy to get into the spirit, and I've hit my goal every day I've used it. I catch myself looking for excuses to use it. You did a wonderful job.

I've talked elsewhere about wishing the "secondary emojis" were more customizable, as an autistic girl with a personal discomfort around faces who very much likes a simple, pleasant, faceless setup. I swear, if an emoji pack ever releases with more emoji options and customizability, I will pay $50 on it and immediately go and write 4,000 words. That's my pledge. It would make my day.

That being said, I've been cranky enough about this one tiny silly thing. This program has wonderful sounds (big fan of the ASMR options, I'd love more expansion of the soundscape in the future, too!) and a great, simple UI. The backup feature saved my bacon last week, and everything is almost completely stable and pleasant to use. Aside from the "timer" others have requested, this program is everything I ever wished Write-or-Die could have been, and I'm going to keep using it for a long time to come. I'm going to use buying the rest of the themes as an incentive for finishing my projects.

(+1)

I'm so glad the app has been a help! I will look into adding more emoji options

(+2)

Dear Eve,

I have a lovely story to share with you.  A few months ago, me and my best friend were working on our Master's thesis-i (what is the plural, anyway). They have ADHD and I struggle with getting things done because I want to do all the things.  We both got the version of StimuWrite available at that time. They used Stimuwrite for most things, I used it when I needed to breeze through a keyboard monkey stage - translation: our workspace was filled with StimuWrite noises. Before long, most of our cohort was using StimuWrite. It was a thing of beauty to see.


Love from behind the Screen,

BDL

Thank you so much for sharing this lovely story, it makes me so happy to hear and to imagine the room full of StimuWrite sounds!!! 💜

(+1)

I know answer's probably "no", but, any chance of android app?

(+1)

I second this. I need it. Please please please

(+1)

This is in the works! Hopefully soon

Hi I just downloaded this today! It's awesome but how do I turn off the progress bar? I feel that it doesn't help me so much as hinder me.

Unfortunately that's not possible at this time but it's a feature I will probably add in the next version.

(+1)

See I wrote this in my review and then I actually started using it 😅 I don't know why, but I can use a word counter on Stimuwrite but no where else. Maybe because no other word processor is able to do what Stimuwrite does lol

(+2)

I just downloaded it today and I've gotten 700 words down for the first time in months!! The different themes, backgrounds, and ambient noises really helped me to get more comfortable while writing. I'm not a professional writer by any means and I was getting uncomfortable with just my notepad staring back at me waiting for me to type. You can bet I'm coming back once my paycheck rolls in to donate for this awesome tool!!

I'm so glad it's been helpful!

(+1)

I usually like to do my first drafts on paper because it's just too difficult for me to focus through a first draft when I'm sitting in front of a computer.  So many distractions, and the blank document screen always feels so intimidating and unwelcoming.  I still love my notebooks, but StimuWrite has made it possible for me to do first drafts on my computer with a fraction of the distraction, paralysis, and general anguish! More than that, it actually makes the process fun, comfortable, and rewarding. The "waves" background is my favorite, but I think I may buy some of the add-on themes too.  Thank you, Ms. Harms!

I have not had any issues with the app crashing, but so far I have only used it for shorter writing projects (less than an hour at a time).

Thank you! 

(+1)

Thank you so much for adding a native Linux version! Once my next payday comes around, I'll have to slip you a fiver for making something so helpful!

Thank you! I always appreciate the support :)

(+2)

Payday came for me, so a little payday comes your way as well!


Now, in light of Unity's recent insertion of their foot into their mouths, I'd like to try and learn Godot. I've also had an idea or two for a Stimuwrite theme. Would you be okay with me attempting to develop my own themes, or would you prefer to just hear it as a request or commission?

(+1)

Thank you so much for your support!

I may put together a theming guide and template soon and will let you know if I do! I wouldn’t attempt without one unless you love reverse-engineering things because it’s not straightforward. 

Fellow Linux user who apparently found this program at just the right time!

Love this!!! I haven't really been able to use it much yet, but I'm pretty sure it'll definitely be of some use (I thought the emojis would be distracting but they're very useful actually). My only two issues are as follows: is there perhaps an option for non-motion backgrounds? Sometimes they can be a little distracting. Second, and the most important thing for me, is that an option to hide the progress bar would be incredible. Seeing wordcount / word progress while I'm writing makes me focus on that instead of the words. (But seeing a progress bar for the project itself or for the project as a whole (much like nanowrimo does it) is definitely very satisfying.) Thank you, and I love the work you've done!!!

Thank you! I will take into consideration about hiding the progress bar. As for still backgrounds, the video backgrounds have a “pause” button above the dropdown you can use to make them still :)

(+1)

Thank you so much!!!

(2 edits)

I love using Stimuwrite but I was mid way through writing something around 700 words when my computer bluescreened, I tried the recovery feature but nothing that I typed showed up, is there another way to check or is it gone forever?

(2 edits) (+1)

Oh no! I'm so sorry that happened. You could check to see if the recovery file has the words, but it's a bit of a long shot. You can find it here:

Windows
>%APPDATA%\Godot\app_userdata\StimuWrite\stimuwrite_recover.txt

macOS: ~/Library/Application</span> <span class="pre">Support/Godot/app_userdata/StimuWrite/stimuwrite_recover.txt

Linux:
 ~/.local/share/godot/app_userdata/StimuWrite/stimuwrite_recover.txt

Also, if you find the app is crashing, please try turning off GPU particles. Click on the link at the bottom titled Options, then Advanced Settings > GPU particles. Toggle this to OFF. This feature causes crashing on some user's machines and will be disabled by default in future versions.

(+2)

Thank you so much for getting back to me! I couldn't find it again but I think that's just my computer's problem as it's getting quite old. I managed to re-write most of it, so nothing really lost! Thanks again for getting back to me, and I hope you have a great day. 

Found this through a Tumblr post and it looks really cool but it doesn’t seem to work on my computer? I’ll download the files and everything will download good and I’ll get past the Anti-virus thing but when I go to run it it says (and this is the exact pop up I get) 

“Your video card driver does not support any of the supported OpenGL versions.

Please update your drivers or if you have a very old or integrated GPU update it.”

I use a Windows 11 and I will admit this may just be a problem on my end because I am not at all tech savvy so I have no clue what this means but I looked and it doesn’t seem like anything needs to update? Again sorry if this is a problem on my end that I’m not understanding 

(+1)

So unfortunately because StimuWrite was created with a game engine there are certain video cards it won't work with. I will look into creating a version that's backward compatible. In the meantime, there's an app called WriteRush on itch that is inspired by StimuWrite and should work on any graphics card that you could check out.

(+2)

Thanks so much for the shoutout! It really helps!

I was looking at my analytics, and found that the top URL referrer to WriteRush was StimuWrite — which initially confused me. I looked into it and found that this comment was why, which is pretty amazing.

Thanks again!

(+2)

You're welcome :)

Hello, please try the latest version to see if it works on your computer, it has been updated to be compatible with more machines. Thank you!

(1 edit)

not exactly sure how this works or if it can be figured out but i have one issue with this, is that it uses curly quotes, and whenever i export or copy text, the curly quotes are mixed up/backwards... as in, the closing one is where it should be a starting one, vise versa. i keep having to replace all of them. is there a way around this? or a potential for just using straight quotes?

To disable smart quotes, you can go to “Options” > “Advanced Settings” > And disable/Off “Smart Quotes”

(+1)

thank you so much ^^

(+1)

Thank you!

(+1)

I really like the program and I wanna make some custom themes and sounds for it to make it feel more personal and engaging, but I'm not sure how I would go about doing that if I could. Is there any way for someone to make their own custom themes or add-ons? If it's a hassle I'd be willing to go through it, but as I said before I don't know how to do it if I can

(+1)

Very cool! I can look into creating a theming guide and template, but for sounds and add-ons there's currently no way for me to enable other people to be able to make/add them to the program. 

(1 edit)

I see, thank you!

Hi meowcifer! I've created a custom theme template and documentation for it, and put it on github. Give it a try if you like. You'll be a bit of a guinea pig here as it's a work in progress and you'll be one of the first people to use it https://github.com/beastly-eve/stimuwrite-theme-template

Woo! Thank you! Didn't see it because I've been busy as of late but I'm gonna try it now!

Fantastic application that definitely helps me do my daily writing. One minor issue is that I can’t get the alt codes to work in the app (so I have to copy some of the special characters I use regularly from notepad), but otherwise it’s remarkable and easily customisable.

(+1)

Yes, unfortunately, due to technical limitations of the engine alt codes currently don't work. May I ask what special characters you use? There's an option to turn double dashes into em dashes, maybe I could implement something similar for other ones.

Hi, sure. I’m a bit obsessive about typography, so I use ellipsis (…), Polish quotation marks („”), rounded apostrophe (’), en and em dashes (—, –) on a more regular basis. It’s really not this big a problem though: as I said, I can copy them over from Notepad, or use the Windows Emoji panel (it has got a section with special characters).

Thank you for getting back to me!

i was super excited to give this a try, because well... like for many others here i've been struggling to write while battling with my adhd - and i just can't seem to get it to work. not sure why it's persistent on not opening after downloading but is it because i have windows 11? it seems to work fine on my mac devices but not for my windows powered ones. i wonder if its something im missing--

try downloading it through the itch.io desktop client, that usually fixes any issues people may have with opening the program :)

(+1)

Ooh this is wonderful! Giving it a go for the first time and the sound combined with the other elements makes it so much easier to get that draft out! Thank you so much!

Do you have any plans to add the ability to import fonts in the future? (I have a few favorites [*cough* comic sans *cough*] that I'm finding I miss!)

(+1)

Due to technical limitations of the engine I used to build it, it’s unlikely I’ll be able to add this feature. If you have a comic sans alternative you like that’s open source I’d be happy to include it in an update :)

Nice! Late reply (I went down a typeface rabbit hole and then subsequently forgot) but I think I've found some good ones!

Google Fonts does have its own Comic sans version, but like, it looks too *nice* and I feel like the point of typing in Comic sans is for it to look too silly to take seriously. Instead I'm going to recommend Playpen Sans.

Also, my other request would be Flow Circular. It's a really nice unreadable font that also still looks like proper paragraphs.

Thank you again for making this! You still save my life all the time!

These are fantastic, thank you! 

:3

(+2)

this is amazing! writing with ADHD can truly be the worst, however i'm having trouble with my BG selections not sticking after closing the program.. perhaps i've got a setting on or something? no idea!

So it’s an intentional design decision that the background doesn’t save, the idea is that setting the background acts as an intention setting ritual. I’m wondering if it’s not actually helpful though 🤔

(+2)

i would really like for setting to stay saved! it becomes more annoying for me than part of a ritual, tho i understand that idea

(+1)

Noted! Thanks, it helps to know what is and isn't working for people

this looks really fun but I mostly do my writing on my phone! Do you have any plans of making an iOS version?

yes! You can sign up for the email list to be notified when it’s ready :)

(+1)

oh, awesome!! thank you for the quick reply ❤️

(1 edit)

So my computer got shut down while I was writing, and I lost 700 words. I'm seeing in other comments that there's supposedly a recovery feature, but I can't find it. Can I get some directions? Can it be recovered after a computer shut down?


Edit: I found the recovery feature! I had to go digging pretty far in the comments, though. Do you think you could mention the feature somewhere in the app description for easier access?

(1 edit) (+1)

I'm glad you were able to find it! Some more detailed documentation is a good idea.

EDIT: For anyone finding this comment before additional documentation is added the recover feature is found here: Options (link at bottom of writing window) > Recover Session

(1 edit)

I've been trying Stimuwrite 2 for around two weeks and it was working wonderfully (in fact, it helped me to overcome a block so only for that I love it.) But lately it has crashed both on my tablet (surface go) and on my computer (both with Windows 10.) So each time it has crashed I lost what I had written up until that point. In the first two times I was able to more or less rewrite what I had lost because it was still fresh in my head, but not the third time. I'm so sad because this app is really a great tool and I'm willing to buy it but I need to be sure that it won't crash like this, and if it does, it would be nice if the app could somehow still retain what you wrote on the last session so that when you open it again you can recover it. 

ETA: Ok, I hadn't realized there was already a recovery feature, sorry. 

Oh geez, that's not good. I'm glad you were able to find the recovery feature but it shouldn't be crashing on you like that.


If you don't mind helping me debug this, please email stimuwrite@distant-tundra.com so I can send you a debug version that will log the error. I'm happy to send you free theme packs if you are able to help. Thank you!

(+2)

I love everything about this app!
I would like to suggest tho that with the typewriter sound, there could be a extra sound added for when you hit the enter key

That's a great idea!

A little 'ding' and zip sound, just as when you need to reset it, would be amazing!

I love this but I think I might type too fast or something, it crashes on me pretty consistently :( That said, it seriously is a wonderful program so thank you for the time+effort put into it!!! it's a lovely idea!!

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear it's crashing for you. If you don't mind helping me debug this, please email stimuwrite@distant-tundra.com so I can send you a debug version that will log the error. I'm happy to send you free theme packs if you are able to help. Thank you!

Viewing most recent comments 1 to 40 of 108 · Next page · Last page