Loam vs iA Writer
iA Writer is a focused writing app for plain text and Markdown, with a library of files. Loam is a notebook that also keeps notes as Markdown files, and adds links, tasks, collections, plugins and a command line. Pick iA Writer if you mostly write and want the calmest editor on every device. Pick Loam if you also want to organize, link and automate your notes.
Last updated November 3, 2026
Loam vs iA Writer at a glance
Published capabilities, checked on official sites in November 2026.
| Dimension | Loam | iA Writer |
|---|---|---|
| Where notes live | Plain Markdown files in a folder you choose, called a vault | Plain text and Markdown files, in iCloud or a folder |
| Focus | A notebook: links, tasks, collections, boards | A writing app: focus mode, syntax highlight, Word and PDF export |
| Platforms | macOS 26 or later, on Apple silicon | Mac, iPhone, iPad and Windows |
| Sync | Git sync, with an optional encrypted remote | None of its own: iCloud Drive, Dropbox or any folder provider |
| Backlinks and tasks | Backlinks, tags and tasks across the vault | Not its focus: it is a writing app |
| Plugins | Every feature is a plugin. Install from the catalog or a Git URL; an agent can write one | No plugin system |
| Command line and agents | Yes: the loam command runs every action of the app | Apple Shortcuts and URL commands; no command line |
| Price | Free | A paid app, bought once per platform, with no subscription |
Sources: iA Writer ↗ · iA Writer pricing ↗
Two apps on the same files
iA Writer and Loam both treat Markdown files as the source of truth, so you do not have to pick one for good. Open the same folder in both: Loam for the vault, iA Writer for drafting long text.
Writing or knowledge work
iA Writer is made for writing. Focus mode, syntax highlighting of parts of speech and a restrained interface help you finish a text, and export to Word and PDF is polished.
Loam covers the writing and adds structure around it: backlinks and search, tasks, daily notes, collections and boards.
Extending and automating
iA Writer has no plugin system and no command line; it offers Apple Shortcuts and URL commands. In Loam every feature is a plugin, and the loam command line runs every action of the app, so an AI agent can read and write the vault. See Agents.
Which one to pick
Choose Loam if
- You want backlinks, tasks, collections and boards over your Markdown notes
- You want plugins, a command line and agents
- You prefer an open source app that costs nothing
Choose iA Writer if
- You write long texts and want the calmest editor
- You need Windows, iPhone or iPad
- You want polished export to PDF or Word
Switching from iA Writer to Loam
- iA Writer works on plain files, so there is nothing to export. Open the folder as a vault in Loam, as described in Your first vault.
- Check the links between files: only standard Markdown links feed backlinks and renames in Loam. See Import notes.
- Keep iA Writer for drafting if you like. Both apps read the same files.
Loam vs iA Writer: questions
Is Loam an alternative to iA Writer?
For notes, yes. Loam keeps Markdown files like iA Writer does, and adds backlinks, tasks, collections and plugins. For long-form writing, iA Writer is more focused.
Can I use iA Writer and Loam on the same folder?
Yes. Both read plain Markdown files, so you can open the same folder in both.
Is iA Writer free?
iA Writer is a paid app. Loam is free and open source.
Does Loam run on iPhone?
No. Loam runs on macOS 26 or later, on Apple silicon.