novelWriter
novelWriter: A free, open-source desktop app for organizing and exporting novel projects. Ranked #57 of 135 in Writing Apps by our editors (3.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for novelists who prefer structured plain-text writing.
At a glance
- Editor score3.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forNovelists who prefer structured plain-text writing
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Publishing toolsYes
- Founded2018
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Organizes projects into folders, chapters, scenes, and sub-documents
- Builds filtered manuscripts and exports to formats including DOCX and EPUB
- Includes cross-references, writing statistics, backups, and spell checking
Where it doesn't
- Desktop-only, with no mobile apps
- No verified version history or collaboration features
- macOS DMG releases are discontinued; installation uses the Python package
Our verdict on novelWriter
novelWriter is a free, open-source desktop writing application for novelists and short-fiction writers who want a structured workspace built around plain-text documents. Projects can be divided into folders, chapters, scenes, sub-documents, and notes, with Markdown-like editing, metadata syntax, and synopsis support. An outline and novel view help navigate the project, while tags and cross-references connect related material. This approach suits writers who want more organization than a single manuscript file without moving their work into a proprietary format.
Its strongest depth is in managing and assembling a manuscript. Writers can filter project content during document assembly, view documents in parallel, or use focus mode. Exports include ODT, FODT, DOCX, PDF, EPUB, HTML, Markdown, TXT, and JSON, giving the finished work several routes into editing, sharing, or publication workflows. Writing statistics with session tracking, a built-in project backup tool, spell checking, and custom word lists round out the writing environment. The plain-text foundation favors writers comfortable with metadata syntax; those seeking a visual, drag-and-drop editor may find that structure less appealing.
The product is available on Linux, Windows, and macOS, though the vendor currently lists Linux and Windows packages and says macOS DMG releases are discontinued; macOS installation remains possible through the Python package. It is desktop-only, so writers needing mobile apps should look elsewhere. No verified version history or collaboration features are described, making it a weaker fit for co-writing or teams that need tracked changes across collaborators. Choose novelWriter for a free, locally oriented workflow with detailed project organization and broad exports; consider another writing app if mobile access, collaboration, or version history is central.
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novelWriter pricing
novelWriter fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Publishing tools | Yes |
| Real-time collaboration | Not verified |
| Version history | Not verified |
| Offline mode | Not verified |
| Mobile apps | No |
| Export formats | Extensive |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux, Windows, macOS |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | novelwriter.io |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to novelWriter
- Final DraftA screenplay-focused toolkit with deep planning, production, revision, and collaboration features.9.4
- ScrivenerA structured workspace for drafting, organizing, and compiling long-form work.9.3
- CeltxScriptwriting and production planning for screenwriters working with collaborators.9.2
See all novelWriter alternatives →
Also Ranked In
novelWriter is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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