The quest for the perfect productivity app is a familiar one, and for Stephen Headrick, a writer for Android Authority, that search may have finally ended with Craft. In a recent article, Headrick details his departure from Google Docs, citing Craft’s superior design, organization, and overall user experience as the driving factors. While not a new application – it initially launched on Apple platforms – Craft’s recent arrival on Android, albeit in beta, has proven a game-changer for at least one user.
Beyond Basic Document Editing
Headrick’s frustration with Google Docs stemmed from a lack of cohesive organization. While Google’s suite of tools – Calendar, Docs, Tasks, and Keep – are individually useful, he found them disjointed. “One of the biggest issues I faced when attempting to use Google’s suite is the lack of clear organization,” he writes. “Everything is in its own place, with no way to bring it all into one succinct home view.” Craft, in contrast, offers a centralized “Tasks” view that aggregates tasks from across all documents, providing a comprehensive overview of ongoing projects.
However, the appeal of Craft extends beyond mere organization. Headrick emphasizes the app’s aesthetic design, describing Google Docs as “stale” and Craft as feeling “like a step into the future.” This isn’t simply about superficial polish; the design choices contribute to a more engaging and enjoyable writing experience. He notes the attention to detail, from customizable document backgrounds to unique separators like “Washi Tape” designs, elevating the process beyond basic text editing.
A Focus on the User Experience
The subtle details within Craft contribute significantly to its appeal. Headrick highlights the surprisingly impactful sound design, citing the pencil-on-paper sound effect when marking a task complete and the paper-ruffling sound when creating a new document as examples of thoughtful touches. These auditory cues, while seemingly minor, add a layer of polish and satisfaction often absent in productivity applications.
Craft’s “rich blocks” feature further enhances the document creation process. Users can insert elements like whiteboards, spreadsheet-like tables, and smart links, transforming documents into dynamic workspaces. This flexibility allows for a more visually appealing and interactive experience compared to the more static nature of Google Docs.
Android Beta and Future Considerations
While enthusiastic about Craft’s potential, Headrick acknowledges the current Android version is still in beta and has some limitations. He notes that the Android app currently feels like an adaptation of the web app, lacking the smooth animations found in the iOS and macOS versions. Despite this, he praises the level of feature parity achieved in the initial Android release.
Headrick also raises two key considerations for potential users. First, Craft does not currently support end-to-end encryption, relying instead on encryption in transit and at rest. While acknowledging that Craft employs security practices common to many applications, he expresses a desire for full end-to-end encryption for sensitive data. Second, he notes the absence of Gemini integration within Craft Assistant, currently supporting only Apple, OpenAI, and Meta LLMs.
A Community-Driven Approach
Beyond the features and design, Headrick points to Craft’s active community and responsive development team as significant strengths. The company maintains active presences on Reddit and Slack, directly engaging with user feedback and rapidly iterating on the application. This commitment to community input is evident in the frequent updates and new features, as documented in the app’s release log.
Headrick’s experience with Craft highlights the importance of finding a productivity tool that aligns with individual workflows and preferences. For him, Craft has proven to be that tool, offering a combination of functionality, design, and a sense of enjoyment that was lacking in previous solutions. “In Craft, I’ve found a tool so malleable that it works across multiple facets of my life and so well-designed that I actually enjoy using it,” he concludes. Whether it will become the definitive productivity app for everyone remains to be seen, but for Headrick, the search is over.
