Writing a research paper can be an incredibly daunting task, especially for students who are not used to this type of extensive writing. There are many useful apps available that can help streamline the research paper writing process and make it more organized and efficient. Here are some of the top apps for writing research papers on various devices:
Google Docs – One of the most versatile options for writing papers across devices is Google Docs. With a free Google account, you can access Docs on any computer or mobile device with an internet connection. Google Docs allows for real-time collaboration if working with partners or getting feedback from teachers. Features likecommenting, version history trackingchanges, and easy uploading of research papers to turnitin make Google Docs ideal for writing and editing papers. You can also easily insert citations from Google Scholar and format papers in APA, MLA, Chicagoand more styles with direct formatting tools in Docs.
Microsoft Word – The standard word processing software allows for powerful paper writing capabilities. With Word you can create properly formatted papers, insert citations from sources like ProQuest seamlessly into the text with just a click, and access research assistance tools to help structure and develop your paper. Automatic spelling and grammar checking helps catch errors. Versions are automatically saved so you never lose progress. Advanced paper writing and revision tools help bring research papers to completion in Word.
Evernote – For students who prefer organizing notes and research clippings digitally, Evernote is a top app. You can save web pages, clippings, photos, files and other research directly into organized notebooks within Evernote to easily reference later when writing the paper. Powerful search tools allow finding specific notes quickly. Sync between devices so research is always accessible from any computer or mobile device. Integrations with research databases let you save sources with one click. Notes can be exported or copied directly into Word or other writing programs.
Zotero – A robust citation and bibliography app specifically designed for academic research papers. With Zotero you can save, organize, and tag research from thousands of sources directly within the app. Automatically generate formatted in-text citations and bibliographies as you write in Word or Google Docs. Quickly retrieve full citations as needed. Smartgroups let you organize sources by topic, class, or other filters. Sync notes, attachments and full texts across all your devices. One of the best apps for managing citations when writing a research paper.
Scrivener – For long form research and writing projects, Scrivener stands out as a powerful desktop app option. Create documents in a modular, non-linear structure that allows moving and rearranging sections as needed. Includes outlining tools and templates to plan papers. Automatically generate tables of contents. Store research notes, full texts, images and other files related to the project all in one place and easily accessible. Distraction-free writing mode helps focus on completing drafts. Export final papers perfectly formatted in Word or PDF.
Notability – On iPad, Notability offers extensive note taking and annotation abilities to support research paper writing. Take handwritten or typed notes on PDFs and webpages. Audio record lectures. Draw and highlight on documents. All content is automatically organized by title or class. Export handwritten notes as typed text. Collaborate by sharing annotated sources or drafts. Sync via iCloud across devices. Lay the groundwork for papers by easily compiling and analyzing research sources in Notability.
Quip – A collaborative word processing tool for teams writing research papers. Create and share living documents securely online or via mobile apps. All changes are tracked and highlighted for easy review of collaborator’s contributions. Built-in features allow for feedback, comments, tasks and messaging within documents. Great for long-distance or group paper writing. Different permission levels allow controlling editor access. Docs stay current across all devices with auto-save functionality.
Mendeley – Available on desktop and mobile, Mendeley helps organize research, collaborate on papers and automatically generate bibliographies. Build a personal literature library by adding papers from research databases, PDFs or directly from PubMed, Scopus and other sources. Tag, annotate and search full texts. The reader view distills papers down for focused reading. Link full papers to highlights and notes. Share group libraries, comments and citations with collaborators. Export perfectly formatted bibliographies. A strong all-in-one app for accessing, citing and organizing research on the go or from your computer.
Overleaf – For writing research papers in LaTeX, Overleaf is the leading web-based LaTeX editor. Collaboratively edit LaTeX source code and PDF previews in real time from any device. Cite sources automatically and edit complex math formulas intuitively. Integrate with Dropbox, GitHub or direct uploads to always have your paper’s code synced and accessible. Highly recommended for writing academic papers in fields like computer science, physics or math which commonly use LaTeX formatting. Reliable tool for managing the complexities of LaTeX formatting on collaborative or solo papers.
Whether preferring apps for Windows, Mac, iOS or web-based programs, there are powerful tools available to help streamline the often tedious yet crucial process of researching and writing papers. Proper planning, staying organized and leveraging useful apps can help ensure research papers are completed efficiently while producing high quality output that adheres to academic writing standards.
Andrew Stroud