How to Use Hemingway Editor

Getting started with Hemingway Editor

After reading this guide, you’ll be able to use Hemingway Editor to enhance the clarity of your writing by identifying complex sentences, passive voice, and readability issues.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to hemingwayapp.com.
2. You can use the free web version without signing up. Just click on "Get Started" to access the editor.
3. If you prefer the desktop app, click on "Download the desktop app" and pay the one-time fee of $19.99.

Step 2: Your first edit

1. In the Hemingway Editor, you’ll see a blank text area. Start by pasting your text directly into this area.
2. As you paste or type, the tool will automatically highlight areas needing attention:

- Yellow highlights indicate sentences that are hard to read. - Red highlights point out very hard sentences. - Purple highlights denote passive voice. - Blue highlights show adverbs that can be removed.

1. Review each highlighted section, and edit your text based on the suggestions provided. Aim for fewer yellow and red highlights for clearer prose.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Once you've made your edits, check the readability grade at the bottom of the screen. Aim for a grade level that matches your target audience.
2. Use the right sidebar to see the number of words, sentences, and paragraphs. This helps you keep track of your writing length and structure.
3. Regularly revisit your document to refine it further, focusing on reducing complex sentences and passive voice.

Pro tip

For quicker edits, focus on the red highlights first, as these indicate the most complex sentences. Simplifying these will significantly improve your overall readability.

Common mistake to avoid

Many beginners ignore the readability grade. Make sure to pay attention to this score, as it guides you in tailoring your writing to your intended audience.