Quick Answer
calmly-writer.exe is safe. It's the official executable for Calmly Writer, a distraction-free text editor that uses a lightweight, single main process with small background tasks.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\CalmlyWriter\CalmlyWriter.exe
Warning
Mostly safe, check for extra instances
Some background autosave tasks may spawn small worker processes
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can close Calmly Writer; to prevent startup adjust in Windows Startup or app settings
What is calmly-writer.exe?
calmly-writer.exe is the main executable for Calmly Writer, a minimal distraction-free text editor designed for focused writing. It launches to present the editor, load documents, and manage autosave and exports.
This process handles the user interface, document rendering, autosave, and optional cloud sync. It runs as a lightweight single main process with auxiliary background tasks to manage autosave and plugins.
Quick Fact: Calmly Writer was designed to minimize distractions; its engine prioritizes fast load times and clean UI rendering.
Types of Calmly Writer Processes
- Main Editor Process: UI and document rendering for the active window
- Autosave/Background Worker: Handles autosave and background tasks
- Spell/Grammar Service: Optional language features
- Export Process: PDF/Markdown/RTF exports
- Cloud Sync Agent: Syncs documents with cloud storage (optional)
- Plugin Host: Runs editor plugins if installed
Is calmly-writer.exe Safe?
Yes, calmly-writer.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from CalmlySoft Inc downloaded from official sources (calmlywriter.com or trusted storefront).
Is calmly-writer.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real calmly-writer.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if calmly-writer.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\CalmlyWriter\CalmlyWriter.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\CalmlyWriter\CalmlyWriter.exe. Any calmly-writer.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "CalmlySoft Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Idle CPU usage should be low; editing may raise CPU/memory modestly. Abnormally high usage when the app is closed is suspicious.
- Behavior: Calmly Writer should not background-run if the app is closed. Unexpected background services indicate malware.
Red Flags: If calmly-writer.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData\\Roaming, or System32), runs when Calmly Writer isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus. Watch for similarly-named files like "calmly-writer64.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is calmly-writer.exe Running on My PC?
calmly-writer.exe runs when you open Calmly Writer or when the app is set to run in the background for autosave, cloud sync, or plugin activities.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Editing Session: You're currently editing a document—the main editor process renders UI and content.
- Autosave and Backups: Autosave and local backups run in the background to protect your work.
- Cloud Sync Operations: If you enabled cloud sync, background tasks synchronize documents with the cloud.
- Startup or Background Launch: Calmly Writer can be configured to start with Windows or stay resident in the background.
- Plugins and Extensions: Installed plugins or language services may run as separate background tasks.
Can I Disable or Remove calmly-writer.exe?
Yes, you can disable calmly-writer.exe. It's safe to close Calmly Writer when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer another editor.
How to Stop calmly-writer.exe
- Close Editor: Click the close button or use Alt+F4 to exit Calmly Writer
- End Background Tasks: In Task Manager, locate Calmly Writer related processes and End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Calmly Writer
- Stop Autosave/Sync: In Calmly Writer Settings → Autosave and Cloud, disable background features
- Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → Calmly Writer → Uninstall
How to Uninstall Calmly Writer
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Calmly Writer → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Calmly Writer
- ✔ Consider using an alternative editor such as Typora, FocusWriter, or Notepad++
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If calmly-writer.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Large or Complex Documents: Split large documents, enable outline view, and use autosave efficiently.
- Background Autosave: Reduce autosave frequency or disable if not needed.
- Plugins or Extensions: Disable or uninstall unnecessary plugins in Settings.
- Cloud Sync: Limit sync frequency or disable syncing during work.
- Outdated Software: Update Calmly Writer to the latest version.
- Memory Leaks in Plugins: Disable plugins and report memory leaks to developers.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Calmly Writer Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to identify heavy tasks
2. Close unused documents or tabs
3. Disable unnecessary plugins in Settings
4. Check for updates: Help → Check for Updates
5. Reset to default settings if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is calmly-writer.exe safe?
Yes, the legitimate calmly-writer.exe from CalmlySoft Inc is safe when downloaded from official sources. Verify the path: C:\Program Files\CalmlyWriter\CalmlyWriter.exe.
Why is calmly-writer.exe using CPU?
Editing documents, autosave, and plugin services can use CPU. Use Task Manager to identify the task and close or disable the culprit.
Can I delete calmly-writer.exe?
You can uninstall Calmly Writer from Windows Settings if you no longer need it. This will remove the executable and associated data unless you back up.
Can I disable calmly-writer.exe?
Yes, you can prevent startup and background activity via Task Manager → Startup; and disable autosave/cloud in Settings.
Where are Calmly Writer drafts stored?
Drafts are typically saved in your user profile, e.g., C:\Users\YourName\Documents\CalmlyWriter\Drafts or under the app's configured save location.
How do I export documents from Calmly Writer?
Use File → Export to export to PDF, TXT, Markdown, or DOCX depending on your version.