Content Checker

Content Checker helps writers apply Government Digital Service style and content design guidance to their text. It checks for words to avoid, capitalization, spelling, formatting, and inclusive language using over 140 rules. A searchable GOV.UK A-to-Z style guide is included, and a setting can add HMRC-specific rules and style guide entries. The website can suggest URL slugs from page titles using GOV.UK URL standards and show what each rule changes. Content Checker is available on the web, Android, iOS, and macOS; editor support is listed for web, iOS, and macOS. The free app works offline. The maker says checks in the app run on the device without sending content to a server. For website checks, submitted text is sent to a server for processing and immediately discarded. The maker says the site and app do not collect, store, or transmit personal data and do not use cookies or client-side tracking scripts. Content Checker is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by GDS, GOV.UK, or HM Government. The maker lists an email address for questions, suggestions, and feedback.

Content Checker combines style checks with GOV.UK guidance and an offline app. Writers should distinguish the on-device app checks from website checks, which send text to a server for processing.

Content Checker suits content designers, publishers, and others writing for the UK government who want help applying GDS guidance. The maker says it is independent of GDS, GOV.UK, and HM Government.

Content Checker is a writing tool built around Government Digital Service style and content design guidance. It is best suited to content designers, publishers and others writing for UK government. Its free, offline app makes it a focused choice for GOV.UK-style work, while the website adds checks and URL suggestions.

Overview

The product centers on applying government content conventions, rather than offering a general-purpose writing assistant. That focus is an advantage when consistency with GOV.UK guidance is the goal, but writers looking for broader editing support should compare tools with a wider remit.

Content Checker is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by GDS, GOV.UK or HM Government. That distinction matters for teams adopting it to support a government style workflow: it is a separate tool, not an official government service.

Key features

The website checks for words to avoid, capitalisation, spelling, formatting and inclusive language. These checks cover several common sources of style inconsistency, making the site useful during web content drafting and editing.

The app checks text against over 140 rules and includes a searchable GOV.UK A-to-Z style guide. Combining rule checks with a reference makes it easier to investigate guidance while reviewing a draft; the emphasis remains on government style rather than all-purpose prose improvement.

For web publishing, the URL suggester creates slugs from page titles using GOV.UK URL standards and shows the changes made by each rule. That visibility helps writers review how a suggested URL was formed. A setting adds HMRC-specific rules and style guide entries, a useful fit for writers producing HMRC content.

The maker says app checks run on the device and text is not sent to a server. Website submissions are sent to a server for processing and immediately discarded. The maker also says the website and app do not collect, store or transmit personal data, and use no cookies or client-side tracking scripts. The difference between app and website handling is worth considering when choosing where to check sensitive drafts.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and covers the free app, which works offline. There is no free trial, but the free plan means writers can use the app without a subscription charge. This is a strong fit for individuals and teams that need the on-device checks and guide; the plan details do not establish that website or editor use is included in the same way.

Editor support is listed for web, iOS and macOS. Pricing details do not describe separate paid tiers, seat limits, quotas or renewal terms, so the practical choice is straightforward: use the free app for offline checking, and consider whether the editor platforms suit your workflow.

Platforms

Content Checker supports Android, iOS, macOS and web. Editor support is specified for web, iOS and macOS, while the free app works offline.

Who it's for

Content designers, publishers and anyone writing for UK government are the clearest audience. HMRC-specific rules extend its usefulness to department-focused content, while the searchable guide helps writers who need to check conventions as they edit. General writers who want broad rewriting or editing tools may find its government-centered rule set too narrow.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The app applies over 140 rules and includes searchable GOV.UK guidance, bringing checks and reference together.
• Pros: Offline app checking keeps content on the device, according to the maker, which suits work where local processing matters.
• Pros: HMRC-specific rules and transparent URL changes make it more relevant to particular government publishing tasks.
• Cons: Website text is sent to a server for processing, so users handling sensitive drafts may prefer the app.
• Cons: Its government-style focus limits its appeal to writers seeking a broad writing assistant.
• Cons: Editor support is stated for web, iOS and macOS, not Android, despite Android being among the supported platforms.

Alternatives

Writing Style Checkers is the broader category for readers comparing tools by writing-style needs.

DeepL Write is a freemium option for readers looking for a writing assistant across Android, browser extension, iOS, macOS and Windows; its Write Pro add-on costs €6.99 a month, billed annually with VAT included.

PerfectIt is worth considering for paid editing focused on consistency, acronyms and house styles, with a free trial and support for iOS, macOS, web and Windows.

ProWritingAid offers a free browser-extension plan with per-day report and rephrase limits for writers who want those tools.

Trinka is another freemium option for readers comparing writing software.

DeepL Translator is a freemium translation option with a stated monthly character allowance and file translation limits.

Revise is a freemium web, API and self-hosted alternative for readers comparing those deployment options.

Sapling offers a free plan with AI detector and snippet limits, alongside browser, API, self-hosted, web and Windows platforms.

StyleMCP has a free plan with 5,000 requests per month and API endpoints, for readers comparing rule-based rewrites and API access.

Verdict

Content Checker is the right choice for government content writers who want GOV.UK-focused checks, a searchable style guide and a free offline app. Its dedicated HMRC rules and URL guidance sharpen that fit. Look elsewhere if you need a general writing assistant, or if your workflow depends on Android editor support or keeping website-submitted text off a server.