One of the greatest benefits of the internet is the ability to publish freely, making communication and the exchange of ideas easier than ever, for people who could never access the traditional publishing structure. Finding the right online platform, as well as text editing software, can still be a little tricky. IO is a free service that lets anyone write and publish without distractions, so it’s potentially a very useful tool to budding creatives.

Minimalist, open writing

IO is essentially both an editor and publishing platform. Logging into the free online portal, users see a blank page with sections for headers and text. You can just start writing in here, with no distractions. This makes IO ideal for being purely expressive, like a blank canvas. The editor is very basic, so you miss out on the features in software like Microsoft Word, but of course the cost does not compare. There are some really neat extras too, such as various optional ambient sounds. If you like to work to the hubbub of a café (or the whispers of Hogwarts library!), then this is perfect for you. Works published on this software appear on a site called Bold.

Free your writing

IO may not be a great tool if you want broad publishing, since it’s limited to Bold, but if you just want to share ideas and get creative, this is excellent. The blank page is perfect for setting yourself free without distractions.