Effie
Effie is an advanced writing tool that offers various features to enhance the user's writing process. Key functionalities of this tool include making lists, min...
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What is Effie?
Effie is an AI-powered minimalist note-taking and writing app designed to maximize writing productivity. It combines a clean Markdown-based text editor with built-in mind mapping and outlining capabilities, allowing users to transform fragmented thoughts into clear, logical structures. The app provides a distraction-free writing environment that locks formats using Markdown syntax, helping users maintain focus on their content without redundant buttons or interface clutter.
Key features include one-click mind map conversion from outlines, real-time editing of tree charts and org charts, automatic cloud synchronization across all devices (Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad, Android), and flexible export options to PDF, DOCX, Markdown, EffieSheet, and multistyle images. The latest Effie AI integration acts as a personal AI assistant that can generate summaries and outlines, shorten or expand text, change tone, translate content, fix spelling and grammar, brainstorm ideas, and answer questions to make writing more effortless.
Effie is tailored for writers ranging from casual note-takers to professional creators, including students, bloggers, content marketers, researchers, and anyone who needs to organize ideas effectively. The app supports unlimited text creation with no limit on sheets or accounts, offers dark mode and light mode options, allows custom fonts and display effects, and includes built-in privacy protection with encrypted work that prevents targeted ads or intelligent recommendations.
The tool stands out for its pure native code architecture (0% JavaScript) ensuring smooth performance even with 5,000-node lists, offline writing support for location-independent creation, and automatic saving without manual file management. Users can publish work directly to WordPress from within the software and enjoy seamless switching between the text editor and visual mind map view to see both the forest and the trees when writing.
Effie pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Effie offers a freemium model with an Evaluation (free) tier that includes core note-taking, mind maps, basic exports, and essential writing tools. Paid plans include: Effie Pro at $4.99/month for multi-device syncing, image storage, file locking, and multiple export formats; Effie AI at $7.99/month for unlimited AI tools (summarization, tone adjustment, text expansion); Effie Pro AI at $12.99/month combining all Pro and AI features; and a Premium plan at $15/month for advanced building tools and priority support. Annual subscriptions are priced between $29.99-$48. A 72-hour refund policy applies for monthly subscriptions and 30 days for annual subscriptions.
Effie pros
- Distraction-free minimalist interface with no redundant buttons
- One-click conversion from outline to mind map
- Pure native code with 0% JavaScript for smooth performance
- Automatic cloud synchronization across all devices
- Unlimited text creation with no sheet limits
- Markdown syntax support for locking formats easily
- Dark mode and light mode viewing options
- Custom fonts and display effects
- Export to PDF, DOCX, Markdown, EffieSheet, and images
- Direct WordPress publishing from within the software
- Offline writing support for location independence
- Encrypted data protection with no targeted ads
- Built-in Effie AI for summarization and text expansion
- Real-time mind map and editor synchronization
- Unlimited account switching between devices
Effie cons
- Evaluation version is for evaluation only, requires subscription for full use
- No right-aligned text support (all text is left-aligned)
- Strongly discourages offline use despite supporting it
- Permanently deleted items cannot be restored
- Syncing requires stable network connection
- Browser-based programs not used (may limit accessibility)
- No file management system (all work in one place)
- Mac App Store and iOS App Store cancellations managed by iTunes only
Frequently asked questions about Effie
What is the difference between the Evaluation version and Full version of Effie?
The Evaluation version is for evaluation only and includes basic features. The Full version requires a paid subscription and unlocks advanced features including best cloud storage, upload of original images, WordPress publishing from within the software, customizable settings for writing efficiency, customizable exported file footers, and customizable exported image options.
Does Effie offer a refund policy?
Yes. If you're not satisfied with Effie, you can request a full refund within 72 hours of signing up for the monthly subscription, or within 30 days for the annual subscription. Refunds for purchases made via Mac App Store or iOS App Store must be requested through your iTunes account.
Can I use Effie offline?
Effie supports offline writing, but the company strongly recommends not using it offline. If you must use it offline, manually backup your sheets before going back online to avoid syncing problems. Syncing completes when the not syncing icon disappears and requires a stable network connection.
Is there a limit on how many texts or sheets I can create?
No, there is no limit. You can create an unlimited number of texts or sheets and write as much as you want in Effie.
How do I recover deleted sheets or folders?
On the left sidebar, click the trash can button to find your deleted sheets and folders. However, permanently deleted items cannot be retrieved. To empty trash completely, right-click the trash can button and choose 'Empty Trash...' which will permanently delete all sheets and folders.
Can I switch between multiple Effie accounts?
Yes, there is no limit on how many accounts you can switch between. You can switch between your accounts anytime without restrictions.
Does Effie support right-aligned text?
Unfortunately not. All text in Effie is left-aligned at the moment.
How do I change the font in Effie?
In the menu bar, click File > Preferences. Here you'll be able to change the font to your preference.
How do I switch between Dark mode and Light mode?
In the menu bar, click View > Appearance, then switch from Light mode to Dark mode or vice versa.
How do I adjust the size of the left sidebar?
Move your mouse cursor to the middle of the sheet list and the editor. When the mouse cursor displays a double-sided arrow, drag and drop to adjust the size of the left sidebar.