Cold Turkey Writer

Active

Country: Canada (CA)
Founded: 2015
Developer: Cold Turkey Software (one-person developer from Canada)
Pricing: Freemium (free version with Pro upgrade for $10 one-time)
Open source: No
Platforms: Windows, macOS

Indexes

Writing/Word Processing

Overview

Cold Turkey Writer is a distraction-free text editor that locks the user into a fullscreen mode, blocking access to all other applications until a specified time duration (1-999 minutes) or word count goal is reached. It functions like a digital typewriter, saving work as plain text (.txt) files and providing a progress bar. Designed for writers needing enforced focus, it stands out with its portable, installer-free executable and uncircumventable blocks.

Key Features

Timed Blocks - Set a writing session duration from 1 to 999 minutes.
Word Count Blocks - Lock the session until a specified number of words is typed.
Fullscreen Lock - Blocks all other apps and desktop access until goal is met.
Distraction-Free Interface - Simple typewriter-like environment with progress bar.
Portable App - No installer required; runs from USB on multiple computers.
Auto Save - Automatically saves progress as plain text (.txt).
Productivity Hacks (Pro) - Disable backspace/delete, copy/paste, arrow keys for first drafts.
Themes (Pro) - Light/dark themes and font size/type options.
Soundtracks (Pro) - Coffee shop and rain sound effects.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free	Free	Timed/word count blocks, distraction-free writing, auto save.
Pro	$10 CAD (one-time)	All free features plus productivity hacks, soundtracks, themes, copy/paste toggle.

Platforms & Requirements

Supports Windows and macOS as portable desktop apps with no installer; on macOS, drag to Applications folder. Does not support Linux, Android, iOS, or ChromeOS due to OS limitations preventing full-screen locks. Works on library/public computers via USB.

Integrations & Ecosystem

Plain text (.txt) import/export
Auto-save to .txt files
Compatible with any text editor for post-formatting

Alternatives

App	Difference
FocusWriter	Similar distraction-free writing but lacks enforced locks or app blocking.
Write or Die	Punishes slow writing with penalties rather than full computer lock.
Freedom	General productivity blocker without dedicated writer mode or word count goals.
iA Writer	Markdown-focused editor with less aggressive distraction blocking.

Reputation

Cold Turkey Writer is praised for its effective, hard-to-bypass locks that enforce writing discipline, with users noting it boosts productivity for rough drafts. The free version suffices for basics, while Pro adds useful tweaks like key disables. Criticisms include lack of mobile support and limited formatting, requiring export to other editors.

Sources (8)