novelWriter
Free open-source plain text editor for novels and notes
- #9 of 10 in best novel and long-form writing apps
- Free and open source
- Free to use
- Open source
- LinuxWindowsmacOS
Ranked 9 of 10 in best novel and long-form writing apps
Free, open source under GPL-3.0 and updated in 2026, with synopsis and cross-reference metadata. It is a desktop program with no mobile version listed.
Best for Free open-source writing on Linux, Windows or macOS
About novelWriter
novelWriter stores each scene and note as a plain text file in a project folder, which keeps the work portable and easy to back up. Files carry metadata for comments, synopses and cross-references, so one file can link to another. The editor uses a Markdown-like syntax and is built for novels and larger collections of short documents.
The program is free and open source under GPL-3.0. Its 2026.2 release line is current, and its repository was updated in October 2026. The project discontinued DMG files for macOS with release 2026.1, so Mac users install it from PyPI in a Python environment. The site lists no mobile app and describes no sync service, so backups and sharing rely on your own tools.
Key features
- Plain text project files
- Synopsis and comment metadata
- Cross-references between files
- Python package on PyPI
- Runs on Linux, Windows and macOS
Strengths
- Free and open source under GPL-3.0
- Plain text files you can back up and move
- Synopsis and cross-reference metadata per file
Limits
- No macOS installer since release 2026.1
- Desktop only, with no mobile app listed
Where novelWriter ranks
How novelWriter compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Planning tools | Export formats | Storage and sync |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#6 Vellum | 87.5 | Paid | macOS | Imports a finished manuscript | EPUB 2 and 3, print PDF/X-1a | Local Mac app |
#7 Novelcrafter | 86.5 | Subscription | Web | Codex wiki and single-page outline | Export included; formats not listed | Browser app, nothing to install |
#8 Dabble | 85.5 | Paid | WebiOSAndroid | Plot grid and drag-and-drop chapters | Word and text file | Browser, iOS and Android apps |
| #9novelWriter | 83.5 | Free and open source | LinuxWindowsmacOS | Synopsis and cross-reference metadata | Plain text files with Markdown-like markup | Local plain text files |
| #10yWriter | 76.5 | Free | Windows | Scenes with goal and conflict fields | RTF, EPUB and MOBI | Local project files; FTP backups |
The full comparison table for best novel and long-form writing apps has all 10 products.
Related rankings
Questions about novelWriter
- Is novelWriter free?
- novelWriter can be used without paying: Free under GPL-3.0; macOS users install through Python. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is novelWriter open source?
- Yes. novelWriter publishes its source code under the GPL-3.0 license.
- Which platforms does novelWriter support?
- novelWriter is available on: Linux, Windows, macOS.
- What is novelWriter best for?
- Free open-source writing on Linux, Windows or macOS. In our ranking of novel and long-form writing apps it is number 9 of 10 with a score of 83.5.
- What are the best alternatives to novelWriter?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Scrivener, Atticus, Ulysses, Reedsy Studio.
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