Cold Turkey Writer
What Cold Turkey Writer is
Cold Turkey Writer is a desktop writing tool that blocks other computer use until a writing target is reached. Users can choose a timed block from 1 to 999 minutes or a word-count block. Writer opens and saves plain-text .txt files and automatically saves drafts to the Documents folder every 10 seconds. The free plans include timed blocks, word-count blocks, distraction-free writing, and autosave. Writer Pro adds productivity hacks, soundtracks from Coffitivity and RainyMood, a dark theme, and copy-and-paste toggles. The maker says settings are stored locally and everything typed remains offline. Writer supports Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.12 or later. Linux, ChromeOS, Android, and iOS are unsupported. There are no publishing tools, real-time collaboration, or mobile apps. Pro is sold as a pay-once license with lifetime updates and a 30-day refund option.
Who it suits
It suits writers who want enforced focus on Windows or macOS using timed or word-count goals. It is less suited to collaborative, mobile, or publishing-focused workflows.
What it does well
- Timed blocks range from 1 to 999 minutes
- Word-count blocks support writing goals
- Autosaves drafts every 10 seconds
- Settings and typed content stay offline
- Free plans include core writing blocks
What to know first
- No Linux, ChromeOS, Android, or iOS support
- No publishing tools or real-time collaboration
- No mobile apps
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Distraction-free writing environment | Free |
| Writer Pro | Additional Writer features | On request |
| Writer Free | Timed blocks · Word count blocks · Distraction-free writing · Auto save | Free |
| Writer Pro - Lifetime Access | Pay once, own forever · Productivity hacks · Soundtracks · Dark theme · Toggle copy/paste · Free lifetime updates · Email support | On request |
As getcoldturkey.com lists them, read 24 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Cold Turkey Writer centers writing around blocks that prevent other computer use until a goal is met. Its free plans cover core focus features, while Pro adds extras; platform and collaboration limits matter for broader workflows.
Facts from Cold Turkey Writer's own pages
- Autosave
- Writer automatically saves drafts to the user's Documents folder every 10 seconds. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Real-time collaboration
- No · getcoldturkey.com, 24 Sept 2026
- Company history
- Felix says he started working on Cold Turkey in 2010 and began working on it full time in 2017. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Export formats
- basic · getcoldturkey.com, 24 Sept 2026
- File format
- Writer opens and saves plain text (.txt) files. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · getcoldturkey.com, 24 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Cold Turkey Software, Inc. is based in Ontario, Canada. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- One purchase covers all computers the customer personally uses and includes lifetime updates. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Mobile apps
- No · getcoldturkey.com, 24 Sept 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says Writer settings are stored locally and everything typed in Writer stays offline. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Pro features
- Writer Pro adds productivity hacks, soundtracks, a dark theme, and toggles for copy and paste. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Publishing tools
- No · getcoldturkey.com, 24 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- Writer turns a computer into a typewriter that blocks other computer use until the user reaches a writing goal. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Refund
- A full refund can be provided within 30 days of purchase if the customer is not satisfied. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Soundtrack integrations
- Background soundtracks are provided by Coffitivity and RainyMood. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The developer says phone calls and screen sharing are unavailable, and replies may take a few workdays. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- Writer supports Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.12 or later; Linux, ChromeOS, Android, and iOS are not supported. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Timer range
- Timed blocks can be set from 1 to 999 minutes. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Writing goals
- Users can set a timed block or a word-count block. · getcoldturkey.com, 12 Oct 2026
Where Cold Turkey Writer stands on Freedom251
- Writing Apps#64 of 135