I tried to clone Google Docs, but ended up building a calmer writing app

Code Dreamer — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 02:33:32 +0000

Writely started as my attempt to build a simple Google Docs clone.

But while working on it, I realised that copying more and more features would only create another crowded writing tool. So I changed the direction and focused on one idea: helping people write with fewer distractions.

Writely is now a calm writing workspace with autosave, browser recovery, formatting tools, document export, and optional AI assistance.

The main difference is that the AI only processes text the user deliberately selects, together with their instruction. The rest of the document is not included in that request.

I would appreciate honest feedback on:

Whether the product idea is clear
Whether the editor feels calm and useful
Whether selected-text AI is actually meaningful
Anything confusing or unnecessary

Writely: https://writely-production-ud9y.vercel.app/

DEV Community: Code Dreamer

I tried to clone Google Docs, but ended up building a calmer writing app