Novlr review
A browser-based novel-writing workspace with planning, goals and publishing tools.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Novlr is a browser-based creative writing workspace for novelists and other writers who want their drafting, planning and progress tracking in one place. It combines a fullscreen focus mode with project and chapter organization, notes, world-building tools, a planning grid, writing goals, streaks and progress tracking. Comments and shareable snippets support feedback, while version history offers a way to restore earlier work. Novlr syncs across devices and supports offline writing after the app has been opened online. Its emphasis on goals and long-form projects suits writers who want structure around a novel; it may be less suitable for someone seeking a native mobile app or a general-purpose document editor.
The free plan includes two projects, online syncing, notes and planning, focus mode, goals and streaks, comments and snippet sharing. Starter costs $8 per month when billed annually and raises the limit to 10 projects, adds 30-day version history and writing analytics, and includes Academy access. Studio costs $16 per month when billed annually; it adds unlimited projects and version history, Novlr Sites, a proofreader and advanced grammar and style checker, Google Drive and Dropbox backups, and priority support. A Lifetime Studio Member option costs $499 once and includes Studio features without a subscription. The free plan offers a meaningful starting point, while the paid tiers mainly expand capacity and add publishing, proofing and backup features.
Publishing is a notable part of the Studio offer: Novlr Sites supports author websites and publishing, including custom domains. Google Drive and Dropbox are listed as backup integrations. Mobile use is through web browsers on iOS and Android devices, and offline work depends on first opening the app online; writers who require a native mobile app should look elsewhere. Choose Novlr if goals, planning and novel-focused organization matter more than broad document workflows. Writers who need more than two projects without paying, or who need native mobile apps, should consider alternatives.
Novlr pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free plan includes focus mode, writing goals, planning and two projects.
- Studio adds unlimited projects, version history and proofreading tools.
- Novlr Sites and cloud backups support author publishing workflows.
- Where it doesn't
- The Free plan is limited to two projects.
- Starter limits projects to 10 and version history to 30 days.
- Mobile access is through browsers rather than a native app.
Novlr fact sheet, pricing and score →
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