There are several different platforms and options available for typing an essay, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing where to type your essay, it’s important to consider factors like formatting needs, collaboration abilities, portability, and whether a typed or handwritten draft is preferred.
Microsoft Word is likely the most popular option for typing essays. Word is installed on most computers and available as a web-based and mobile app through Office 365 subscriptions. It offers robust formatting and editing tools to structure essays with headings, citations, tables, and more. Track changes and comments allow collaborating with peers or professors on drafts. Word auto-saves frequently which prevents losing work. Downsides include needing an Office license and files may not open properly on all devices.
Google Docs has become a common free alternative to Word for online essay writing. Like Word, it offers formatting tools and collaboration features through shared links. Auto-save prevents losing work and documents can be accessed from any device with internet. Formatting is sometimes lost when opening files between Word and Docs. Storage is limited to 15GB on free accounts. There are fewer advanced reference tools compared to Word.
Apple Pages is Apple’s equivalent to Word/Docs optimized for Mac and iOS devices. Integration with other Apple services like iCloud provide seamless access across devices. Formatting and collaboration features are robust but slightly more limited than Word. Pages files sometimes have compatibility issues opening on Windows or Android. Storage is also limited compared to paying for more iCloud storage.
Evernote is a note taking app that can also be used for drafting essays. It syncs notes across all your connected devices through cloud storage. Organization features like notebooks and tags help manage research and ideas. It lacks robust formatting and reference insertion compared to dedicated word processors. Collaboration is limited unless exporting to a shared format.
Dropbox Paper is a collaborative word processing platform within the Dropbox storage ecosystem. It allows real-time collaboration on essays through shared access. Formatting tools are basic but sufficient for drafts. It lacks advanced reference management of Word or advanced file organization of other apps. Storage is also limited compared to paying for more Dropbox space.
Some students prefer typing initial essay drafts by hand on paper. This allows fully focusing on the creative writing process without technology distractions. Handwritten notes can also be easier to organize and restructure than typed documents. Transitioning to a typed final draft requires re-typing the entire document or using optical character recognition (OCR) software which may degrade quality and formatting. Physical copies also lack the portability, backup, and collaboration abilities of digital formats.
Online word processors like Google Docs, Dropbox Paper or even Google sites/blogs offer an alternative. They allow typing while retaining some of the portability of physical paper drafts through cloud access. Pages-like formatting is also available while enabling collaboration through sharing links online. An internet connection is still required and advanced reference tools are usually more limited than desktop word processors.
When choosing where to type an essay, considering needs around formatting, references, collaboration, device/platform compatibility and storage limitations will help determine the best fit. For a final submitted draft, traditionally Word or a similarly robust desktop word processor is preferable. But lighter online/mobile options work well for initial brainstorming drafts when portability and collaboration take priority over formatting. Ultimately, the location that suits writing and editing workflow needs the most is ideal.
For many college students, Microsoft Word remains the top choice for typed essays due to its prevalence, robust feature set and desktop-focused formatting controls. But free cloud-based alternatives like Google Docs and Dropbox Paper offer sufficient functionality for drafting on a budget, especially when collaboration is important. For some, handwriting initial ideas can spark creativity, but a digital final draft allows greater organization, portability and accessibility. Overall, selecting the word processing platform best matching individual work style and needs leads to the most productive essay writing experience.