The landscape of generative AI tools is rapidly evolving, and new developments emerge frequently. For the latest updates, we recommend visiting There’s An AI For That or Generative AI Product Tracker.
Please be aware that these tools come with different usage limits and pricing models. Some may offer limited free access, while others require a paid subscription for full functionality.
Getting Started
These tools are great for starting your project, overcoming creative blocks, and sparking new ideas. Use them to explore possibilities, generate drafts, or clarify your direction as you begin your work.
| Tool |
Developer |
Main Strength |
Best For |
Notes |
| ChatGPT |
OpenAI |
Versatile general-purpose AI with strong writing and coding abilities |
Writing, summarizing, coding, ideation, Q&A |
GPT-4 model in Pro version; plug-ins and tools available |
| Gemini |
Google (formerly Bard) |
Tightly integrated with Google tools (Docs, Gmail, Search) |
Research, drafting, answering factual queries |
Uses Gemini model; strong in web-based context retrieval |
| Copilot |
Microsoft + OpenAI |
Deep integration with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) |
Productivity, document drafting, spreadsheet formulas |
Tailored for business users inside Microsoft ecosystem |
| Perplexity |
Perplexity AI |
Real-time web search with cited sources |
Research, fact-checking, up-to-date information retrieval |
Focus on accuracy and transparency of information |
| Claude |
Anthropic |
Friendly tone and strong reasoning; longer memory window |
Dialogue, brainstorming, multi-turn conversations |
Claude 3 model praised for being intuitive and safe |
| IdeaNote |
IdeaNote.io |
Idea management and innovation workflow automation |
Capturing, organizing, and evaluating ideas in teams |
Not a general-purpose chatbot, but focused on innovation management |
Concept mapping & planning
|
| Tool |
Developer |
Main Strength |
Best For |
Notes |
| Lucidchart |
Lucid Software |
Professional-grade diagrams and flowcharts |
Process mapping, system diagrams, org charts |
Collaborative features; integrates with Google, Microsoft, Slack |
| Miro |
Miro |
Digital whiteboard for real-time collaboration |
Workshops, brainstorming, project planning |
Ideal for teams; offers infinite canvas and templates |
| MindNode |
Miro |
Idea management and innovation workflow automation |
Capturing, organizing, and evaluating ideas in teams |
Not a general-purpose chatbot, but focused on innovation management |
| Tool |
Developer |
Main Strength |
Best For |
Notes |
| ChatGPT |
OpenAI |
Versatile general-purpose AI with strong writing and coding abilities |
Writing, summarizing, coding, ideation, Q&A |
GPT-4 model in Pro version; plug-ins and tools available |
| Gemini |
Google (formerly Bard) |
Tightly integrated with Google tools (Docs, Gmail, Search) |
Research, drafting, answering factual queries |
Uses Gemini model; strong in web-based context retrieval |
| Copilot |
Microsoft + OpenAI |
Deep integration with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) |
Productivity, document drafting, spreadsheet formulas |
Tailored for business users inside Microsoft ecosystem |
| Perplexity |
Perplexity AI |
Real-time web search with cited sources |
Research, fact-checking, up-to-date information retrieval |
Focus on accuracy and transparency of information |
| Claude |
Anthropic |
Friendly tone and strong reasoning; longer memory window |
Dialogue, brainstorming, multi-turn conversations |
Claude 3 model praised for being intuitive and safe |
| IdeaNote |
IdeaNote.io |
Idea management and innovation workflow automation |
Capturing, organizing, and evaluating ideas in teams |
Not a general-purpose chatbot, but focused on innovation management |
| Text Blaze |
Blaze Today Inc. |
Text snippets and automation via keyboard shortcuts |
Boosting productivity, automating repetitive writing tasks |
Browser extension; ideal for forms, templates, quick replies |
| Scrivener |
Literature & Latte |
Powerful writing tool with flexible structure and research support |
Long-form writing, academic papers, books, screenplays |
One-time purchase; available for Windows, macOS, iOS |
| Notion |
Notion Labs Inc. |
All-in-one workspace for notes, databases, and collaboration |
Project management, note-taking, personal knowledge base |
Cross-platform; popular with students and teams |
| Ulysses |
Ulysses GmbH & Co. KG |
Minimalist writing app with Markdown and publishing support |
Distraction-free writing, blogging, creative content |
macOS and iOS only; subscription-based |
| Tool |
Developer |
Main Strength |
Best For |
Notes |
| Elicit |
OTR (Nonprofit) |
AI-powered literature review assistant |
Finding relevant papers and summarizing evidence |
Free; helps with research design and hypotheses |
| Typeset.io |
SciSpace |
Manuscript writing, formatting, and AI explanations |
Writing and formatting for journals |
Includes SciSpace Copilot for interactive PDF explanations |
| Rayyan |
Rayyan Systems Inc. |
Systematic review screening and collaboration |
Systematic literature reviews |
AI-assisted tagging and inclusion/exclusion decisions |
| Explainpaper |
Independent |
Explains academic paper excerpts using AI |
Understanding difficult sections of papers |
Paste text or upload PDF; great for non-specialists |
| Connected Papers |
Independent |
Visual graph of related academic papers |
Exploring topic connections and prior work |
Great for literature mapping and discovery |
| Research Rabbit |
ResearchRabbit Inc. |
Dynamic discovery and citation tracking |
Building research collections and alerts |
Live graphs for co-citations and author networks |
| Scite |
Scite Inc. |
Citation analysis with context (supporting, contrasting) |
Evaluating how papers are cited |
Helps assess paper credibility and impact |
| Perplexity |
Perplexity AI |
Web search with citations and real-time data |
Finding updated answers from trusted sources |
Includes academic mode with paper citations |
| Semantic Scholar |
Allen Institute for AI |
Free academic search engine with filters and citations |
Searching peer-reviewed articles |
Open access; includes citation graphs and AI insights |
| Paperpile |
Paperpile LLC |
Reference manager for Google Docs and Chrome |
Managing and citing sources |
Syncs with Google Drive; supports BibTeX, PDF markup |
| ResearchGate |
ResearchGate GmbH |
Social network for researchers |
Sharing publications and connecting with peers |
Often used to request full texts directly from authors |
| ScholarGPT |
Independent / Academic Labs |
Combines GPT with Semantic Scholar search |
AI-assisted academic queries |
Experimental; good for literature Q&A |
