PlainText - iOS Text Editor with Dropbox Sync
Mobile Document Editing: Devices and Tools
For individuals who frequently edit documents while traveling, two essential components are required. These include a portable device for document access and a text editor capable of ensuring accessibility across various locations.
A range of devices can fulfill this need, encompassing laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
The selection of a text editor is also crucial, with the key requirement being compatibility with mobile devices and the presence of cloud synchronization capabilities.
PlainText: A Recommended iOS Editor
Among the available options, PlainText stands out as a strong contender. This free iOS text editor offers seamless synchronization with your Dropbox account.
This functionality enables users to initiate document editing on their iOS devices while traveling and then effortlessly resume the process on any computer utilizing a compatible text editor.
Essentially, PlainText provides a fluid workflow, bridging the gap between mobile and desktop editing environments.
The ability to continue work across different platforms enhances productivity and ensures that your documents are always up-to-date, regardless of your location.
Organizing Files with Folders
Numerous text editors are available for the iOS platform. Beyond the capability of utilizing Dropbox for document synchronization, a key differentiator for PlainText compared to its competitors lies in its folder system. This allows for the organization of text files into folders and sub-folders.
While this feature may not be significant for users managing only a few text documents, it proves invaluable for those working with a large volume of texts.
PlainText incorporates several subtle features designed to enhance user experience. One such feature is its ability to recall your last active position within the application upon reopening.
The application’s primary view is the "Documents" view. Users should note that both documents and folders can be renamed by tapping the small arrow adjacent to their respective names.
Root Level Actions
From the root directory, several actions are possible. These include viewing documents, navigating into folders, performing text or document searches, and deleting files or folders by swiping across their names and selecting the "Delete" option.
Distinguishing between folders and documents is simple. Folders are visually identified by the presence of a small arrow on the right side of the screen.
Available Tools
The bottom of the screen houses a set of essential tools. These include Settings, Search, Add New Folder, and Add New Text File.
When working within a document, returning to the parent folder is easily accomplished by tapping the bold arrow located on the left side of the screen.
Document editing is straightforward; simply tap the text and begin typing, which will automatically summon the keyboard from the bottom of the screen. The keyboard can be dismissed by tapping the small, transparent keyboard icon positioned above it.
Integrating PlainText with Dropbox
To establish a connection between PlainText and your Dropbox account, navigate to the Settings menu and select Dropbox. Further customization options are also available within the Settings window. These include the ability to integrate TextExpander with PlainText, allowing for the expansion of short abbreviations into longer phrases.
Should PlainText already be linked to your Dropbox, the "Unlink from Dropbox Account" button facilitates altering the document storage location. Confirm your choice by selecting the "Unlink" button.
By default, PlainText will store all app-created documents within a dedicated Dropbox folder named "/PlainText". The storage location can be modified by entering the desired folder name in the "Link Folder" field. If the specified folder does not currently exist, PlainText will automatically generate it.
While you have the option to adjust the file types synchronized with PlainText, it is generally recommended to maintain the default settings.
Following this, initiate the connection to your Dropbox account by tapping the "Link to Dropbox Account" button. Enter your Dropbox account credentials – your email address and password – and then tap the "Link" button located in the screen's upper right corner.
Users of the iPad version of PlainText will find a particularly enhanced experience. The larger screen real estate of the iPad contributes to a more comfortable and productive editing environment.
Currently, PlainText stands out as my preferred text editor for iOS devices. Although some may favor Evernote, I find PlainText’s minimalistic design more appealing than Evernote’s interface.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you had the opportunity to try PlainText? Alternatively, do you have a different favorite text editor for iOS? Please share your experiences and opinions in the comments section below.
