Gorby
About Gorby

Hi, I’m Branko.
I build Gorby.

Gorby is a writing and text analysis app that I design, build, and support on my own. I started it in 2023 because I wanted a calm, private place to check my writing, without ads fighting for my attention.

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Building Gorby since 2023 No ads, ever Web, Windows, and macOS

Branimir “Branko” Rijavec, founder and developer of Gorby
Branimir “Branko” Rijavec Founder & developer

Why Gorby exists

It started with a word counter full of ads

A few years ago I kept running into the same small problem. I’d paste a draft into a free word counter or text analyzer, and the numbers I needed were buried under banner ads, pop-ups, and affiliate links. It was never quite clear what happened to my text after I pasted it, either.

So I started building the tool I wished existed: a clean page where you paste your text, see what’s going on, and get back to writing. The analysis runs right in your browser, so your writing stays on your device.

Gorby has grown a lot since then. It began as a simple text analyzer and now has readability scores, style checks, a focus mode, desktop apps, and an optional AI assistant. The idea hasn’t changed, though: an uncluttered place to write, with help when you want it.

Before web development, I earned an engineering degree in geodesy and geomatics, a field that’s mostly about measuring things very precisely. I guess I never really stopped. These days I measure sentences.

Free Word Counter Online

0 words 1 min read Readability 0

Words: 0 | Characters: 0

Flip the switch, or type in the box. The ads are made up, but you've probably seen ones just like them.

Gorby, a white cat with green eyes, peeking out of a paper gift bag under a Christmas tree
Gorby The cat behind the name

Why it’s called Gorby

Named after a sweet, much-loved cat

Gorby was my wife’s cat. She remembers him as a playful one when he was younger. By the time I met him, he’d grown into a friendly old cat who loved watching the world go by through the window and hiding under the blanket.

I only got to share a few years with him before he passed away. When it came time to name the app, I named it after him, and I like to think a little of him lives on in it: quiet, gentle, and good company while you work.

What won’t change

What Gorby will always be

However big Gorby gets, these are the things I won’t trade away.

No ads, ever

No banners, pop-ups, or affiliate links. Gorby is paid for by the people who write with it, so your attention isn’t for sale.

Your writing stays yours

Text analysis runs locally in your browser, so your words don’t leave your device. The AI features are the one exception: they send the text you pick to an AI model, and only when you ask. I’m hoping to add support for local, offline models in the future.

Clean by design

A clean editor, checks you can switch on and off, and a focus mode for the days you just want to write.

Built with you

Feature ideas and bug reports come straight to me, and the roadmap is public, so you can see what I’m working on next.

See the roadmap

Gorby so far

Built in small steps, since 2023

I share what’s new in Gorby every few months on the blog. Here are some of the bigger steps along the way.

Most of my time goes into the quieter work in between, though: going back to features Gorby already has and making them better and nicer to use. I’d rather do that than pile on new features, and when I do add something new, I try not to force it on anyone.

Read every update

  1. 2023

    The first version

    A simple, ad-free text analyzer that runs right in your browser.

  2. Sep 2024

    Saved Texts

    Drafts you can come back to, stored locally in your browser.

  3. Nov 2024

    AI Writing Assistant

    Help with rephrasing, simplifying, or changing the tone of your text, when you ask for it.

  4. Feb 2025

    Gorby on the Microsoft Store

    Install Gorby on Windows straight from the Microsoft Store.

  5. Sep 2025

    Reports

    One all-in-one report with every check for your text.

  6. Jul 2026

    Focus Mode

    A distraction-free, full-screen space to write, with ambient sound and session stats.

  7. Oct 2026

    A new desktop app

    Save your texts as files, open Word documents, and keep writing offline.

  8. Next

    Whatever helps you write better

    Have an idea for Gorby? Write to me.

Get in touch

Questions, ideas, or just want to say hi?

Write to me at contact@gorby.app. It’s the address for support, feedback, and feature ideas, and every message comes straight to me.

Thanks for reading, Branko

Come write with Gorby

Open Gorby in your browser and try it free, no sign-up required. I’d love to hear what you think.

Try Gorby free See plans and pricing