Freewrite for Windows

A simple, open-source Windows app to freewrite.

This is a Windows port of the original macOS app, converted to Electron with a TypeScript + TailwindCSS frontend/tooling stack.

Installation

Quick Install (Pre-built)

1. Download the latest release from the releases page
2. Unzip and Run

Building from Source

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v14 or newer)
• npm (comes with Node.js)

Build the app

1. Clone this repository
2. Install dependencies:

   npm install
   

3. Build the app:

   npm run build
   

4. Find the executable in the dist folder

Dev Mode

1. Clone this repository

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install
   

3. Start the app:

   npm run start
   

4. For live development (TS + Tailwind watchers + Electron auto-restart):

   npm run dev
   

Tech Stack

• Electron (main process + desktop shell)
• TypeScript (compiled from app/main.ts and app/renderer.ts into generated/)
• TailwindCSS (compiled from app/tailwind.css to generated/styles.css)

Usage

Using this app is super simple:

1. Think of a topic to write about (ex. a breakup, a struggle at work, a new idea)
2. Click fullscreen
3. Click the timer (15 minutes)
4. Start writing. No backspaces allowed. Don't stop writing.

Once the timer is done, it'll fade back in — and you'll know to stop.

Features

• Simple, distraction-free writing interface
• 15-minute timer for focused freewriting sessions
• Fullscreen mode for complete immersion
• Automatic saving of your entries
• Font and size selection
• Integration with Claude AI and ChatGPT for feedback on your writing

Why Freewrite?

Freewriting is a writing strategy developed in 1973 — it's where you write continuously for a set time without worrying about grammar, spelling, or anything like that. A pure stream of consciousness.

Some basic rules:

• No backspaces
• No fixing spelling
• Little 5–10s breaks are fine, but try to not stop typing
• No need to stay on the topic you started with — let your mind wander
• No judgment — trust your mind!

Read more about the benefits of freewriting in the app itself!

License

MIT