Imagine a word processor that’s both alive and dead at the same time—a digital Schrödinger’s cat, if you will. That’s the current state of Nisus Writer, a Mac word processor with a rich history and a loyal following, yet shrouded in uncertainty. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this beloved tool on the brink of extinction, or is there still hope for its survival? Let’s dive in.
Nisus Writer, comprising Nisus Writer Pro and its sibling Nisus Writer Express, has been a staple for Mac users since 1989. Unlike mainstream rivals like Apple’s Pages, Microsoft Word, or Mellel, Nisus Writer stands out with its unique features, particularly its prowess in multilingual writing, complex academic and technical documents, and advanced automation capabilities. For many, it’s not just a tool—it’s a lifeline.
And this is the part most people miss: My own journey with Nisus Writer began in the early 1990s when a grad school professor recommended it for my master’s thesis. I fell in love with it, became an authorized trainer, and even worked at Nisus Software during another stint in grad school. I later served as the product manager for Nisus Writer and authored The Nisus Way, a 600-page book dedicated to the software. Even after being laid off, I remained a loyal user, relying on it to write and edit all Take Control books to this day.
Over the years, Nisus Writer has been a cornerstone of TidBITS’ publishing workflow. Adam and Tonya Engst used it from the very beginning, thanks to its powerful macro language. A search for “Nisus Writer” on our site yields a staggering 10,000 results! Yet, my last article about it dates back to 2018, when version 3.0 was released. Since then, silence.
But here’s where it gets murky: For over a year, users have reported scattered issues—problems with the Nisus Software website, unresponsive support, lingering bugs, and more. Then, on October 22, 2025, the alarms went off. The Nisus website went down, and the app vanished from the Mac App Store. The question on everyone’s mind: Is Nisus Software out of business?
The answer isn’t straightforward. On one hand, the website is back up, the app still works, and licenses can be purchased. On the other hand, all signs point to a company on life support. The last update to the app was in November 2024, key developers have moved on, and communication from the company has all but ceased. It’s a classic case of mostly alive, mostly dead.
I’ve tried to piece together what’s happening. In April 2025, after hearing concerns from users, I reached out to Martin Wierschin, the last remaining developer, only to learn he’s now at Apple. Attempts to contact Mark Hurvitz, a former Nisus employee, and Jerzy Lewak, the founder and CEO, went unanswered. Even Jerzy’s son, Stanisław (Staś) Lewak, who expressed hope for the app’s future during a Zoom call in May 2025, has since gone silent.
Here’s the controversial part: I believe the honorable move would be for Nisus Software to open-source the app, allowing volunteers to keep it alive. Many small software companies have taken this route when faced with similar challenges. But without a public statement or clear direction, users are left in limbo. Will Nisus Writer survive the next macOS update? Or will it fade into obscurity?
The app’s market saturation, lack of engagement with customers, and the high cost of ongoing development paint a grim picture. Yet, I remain hopeful. If the Lewaks have a plan—or if a buyer emerges—Nisus Writer could still thrive. Until then, it’s a waiting game.
Here’s my challenge to you: What do you think Nisus Software should do? Should they open-source the app, sell it, or let it go quietly? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation alive. After all, Nisus Writer deserves better than an inglorious end.
