Key takeaways
- Apple Design Award winner focused on long-form writing
- Subscription model at $5.99/month or $39.99/year across all Apple devices
- Built for serious writers with goals, organization, and publishing features
FAQ
What is Ulysses app?
Ulysses is a professional markdown writing app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad designed for long-form writers with powerful organization, goals, and export features.
How much does Ulysses cost?
Ulysses costs $5.99/month or $39.99/year as a subscription that includes all Apple devices with iCloud sync.
Who competes with Ulysses?
Competitors include iA Writer, Scrivener, Bear, and Byword in the professional writing app space.
Executive Summary
Ulysses is a professional writing application for Apple devices created by Ulysses GmbH & Co. KG, a small team based in Leipzig, Germany. Founded in 2011 by Marcus Fehn and Max Seelemann—who have a 14-year history creating writing software for Mac—Ulysses won the Apple Design Award in 2016. The app's predecessor launched in 2003 as the first text processing software specifically aimed at creative writers.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | Ulysses GmbH & Co. KG |
| Founded | 2011 (Writing software since 2003) |
| Funding | Bootstrapped |
| Employees | ~16 |
| Headquarters | Leipzig, Germany |
Product Overview
Ulysses combines a distraction-free writing environment with powerful organization and publishing features. The app uses a unified library system to manage all writing in one place, with groups, filters, and keywords for organization. Built specifically for long-form writers, it includes writing goals, statistics, and direct publishing to WordPress, Ghost, and Medium.
Key Capabilities
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Library System | Unified storage for all writing with groups and filters |
| Writing Goals | Track progress with word count and deadline targets |
| Markdown XL | Extended markdown syntax with code, comments, annotations |
| Publishing | Direct export to WordPress, Ghost, Medium, ePub |
| Seamless Sync | Full iCloud synchronization across Apple devices |
Product Surfaces / Editions
| Surface | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | Native Mac app | GA |
| iOS | iPhone app | GA |
| iPadOS | iPad app with keyboard support | GA |
Technical Architecture
Ulysses uses its own internal library format based on groups and sheets, synced via iCloud. While it writes in a markdown-like syntax, files are stored in a proprietary format rather than plain .md files.
Key Technical Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Storage | Proprietary library (iCloud sync) |
| Format | Markdown XL (Ulysses-specific extensions) |
| Export | Plain text, Markdown, PDF, DOCX, HTML, ePub |
| Sync | iCloud (built-in, no extra cost) |
| Open Source | No |
Strengths
- Purpose-built for writers — Designed specifically for long-form writing with goals, statistics, and organization
- All devices included — Single subscription covers Mac, iPhone, and iPad with seamless sync
- Publishing integration — Direct publishing to WordPress, Ghost, Medium, and email
- Professional export — Clean export to ePub, PDF, DOCX with customizable styles
- Family Sharing — Subscription can be shared with up to 5 family members
Cautions
- Subscription-only — No one-time purchase option; $40/year ongoing cost
- Apple-only — No Windows, Android, or web version available
- Proprietary storage — Notes stored in library format, not plain markdown files
- Sync concerns — Some users report sync issues and occasional data reordering
- Controversial switch — 2017 move from one-time purchase to subscription upset long-time users
Pricing & Licensing
| Tier | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $5.99/month | All features, all Apple devices |
| Yearly | $39.99/year | All features, all Apple devices |
| Student | Discounted | Reduced pricing for students |
| Business | Custom | Volume licensing available |
Licensing model: Subscription with Apple Family Sharing
Hidden costs: Subscription never ends; stopping means losing access to writing features (can still export)
Competitive Positioning
Direct Competitors
| Competitor | Differentiation |
|---|---|
| iA Writer | Ulysses has more organization; iA Writer is one-time purchase |
| Scrivener | Ulysses is simpler with better sync; Scrivener has more research tools |
| Bear | Ulysses is for long-form writing; Bear is for shorter notes |
When to Choose Ulysses Over Alternatives
- Choose Ulysses when: You're a serious long-form writer who values organization and publishing
- Choose iA Writer when: You want focused writing without subscription
- Choose Scrivener when: You need research management and complex document structure
Ideal Customer Profile
Best fit:
- Long-form writers (novelists, bloggers, journalists)
- Apple ecosystem users with multiple devices
- Writers who publish directly to web platforms
Poor fit:
- Occasional note-takers
- Users who need Windows or Android
- People opposed to subscription software
Viability Assessment
| Factor | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Financial Health | Strong |
| Market Position | Leader (professional writing) |
| Innovation Pace | Steady |
| Community/Ecosystem | Established |
| Long-term Outlook | Positive |
Ulysses GmbH has operated since 2011 with a focused team of 16 people. The company's roots go back to 2003 in writing software, demonstrating long-term commitment to the space.
Bottom Line
Ulysses is the professional writer's choice in the Apple ecosystem—combining focused writing with powerful organization and publishing workflows. The subscription model funds ongoing development but requires commitment.
Recommended for: Serious long-form writers in the Apple ecosystem who value organization and publishing features.
Not recommended for: Casual note-takers, subscription-averse users, or anyone needing Windows/Android support.
Outlook: Stable leader for professional Apple writers; subscription model ensures sustainable development.
Research by Ry Walker Research • methodology