novelWriter review
A free, open-source desktop app for organizing and exporting novel projects.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
novelWriter pros and cons
- 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
novelWriter fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update