Skip to content
ToolGPA

LivingWriter alternatives · Writing

Open-source alternatives to LivingWriter

LivingWriter is not described as open source on its own site. 12 of the 67 other writing tools in this directory are open source, according to their own sites.

LivingWriter has a free plan. Paid plans start at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro). All of them are free or have a free plan.

12 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from

How each one differs from LivingWriter

  1. Typst

    Markup-based typesetting system with a collaborative web app

    • Typst starts at $7.99 per month, billed monthly ($79.99 billed yearly). LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
    • Only Typst lists a Linux app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Typst is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
    Typst pricing and details

  2. LibreOffice Writer

    Free, open-source word processor for Windows, macOS and Linux

    • LibreOffice Writer is free. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
    • Only LibreOffice Writer lists a Linux app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists a web app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists iOS and Android apps.
    LibreOffice Writer pricing and details

  3. LanguageTool

    Grammar and style checker for more than 30 languages

    • LanguageTool starts at $4.99 per month on a 2-year plan ($119.80); $69.90 billed annually. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
    • Only LanguageTool lists a browser extension.
    • Only LivingWriter lists an Android app.
    • LanguageTool is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
    LanguageTool pricing and details

  4. Zettlr

    Free, open-source Markdown editor for academic writing

    • Zettlr is free. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
    • Only Zettlr lists a Linux app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists a web app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists iOS and Android apps.
    Zettlr pricing and details

  5. Manuskript

    Free, open-source novel planner with an outliner and index cards

    • Manuskript is free. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
    • Only Manuskript lists a Linux app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists a web app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists iOS and Android apps.
    Manuskript pricing and details

  6. novelWriter

    Free, open-source plain-text editor for writing novels

    • novelWriter is free. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
    • Only novelWriter lists a Linux app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists a web app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists iOS and Android apps.
    novelWriter pricing and details

  7. bibisco

    Novel planning and writing software built around characters

    • bibisco starts at $3.49 per month for Everywhere sync; desktop Supporters Edition is $69 one-time. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
    • Only bibisco lists a Linux app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists a web app.
    • bibisco is open source, according to its own site.
    bibisco pricing and details

  8. Trelby

    Free, open-source screenwriting program for desktop

    • Trelby is free. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
    • Only Trelby lists a Linux app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists a web app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists iOS and Android apps.
    Trelby pricing and details

  9. Beat

    Free, open-source Fountain screenwriting app for Mac and iOS

    • Beat starts at $11.99 one-time for the iOS app. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
    • Only LivingWriter lists a web app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists Windows and Android apps.
    • Beat is open source, according to its own site.
    Beat pricing and details

  10. FocusWriter

    Free distraction-free word processor for Windows and Linux

    • FocusWriter is free. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
    • Only FocusWriter lists a Linux app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists a web app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists macOS, iOS and Android apps.
    FocusWriter pricing and details

  11. ghostwriter

    Free, open-source Markdown editor from KDE for focused writing

    • ghostwriter is free. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
    • Only ghostwriter lists a Linux app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists a web app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists macOS, iOS and Android apps.
    ghostwriter pricing and details

  12. MarkText

    Free, open-source Markdown editor with in-place live rendering

    • MarkText is free. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
    • Only MarkText lists a Linux app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists a web app.
    • Only LivingWriter lists iOS and Android apps.
    MarkText pricing and details

Common questions

Is there an open-source alternative to LivingWriter?

Yes. Typst, LibreOffice Writer, LanguageTool, Zettlr, Manuskript, novelWriter, bibisco, Trelby and 4 more are open source, according to their own sites.

Is LivingWriter open source?

LivingWriter is not described as open source on its own site. The listing was checked on Oct 6, 2026 against the pages it cites.

When was this checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices and plans without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

This page is built from the listings. A tool is here because its listing says so, and the order is how close each is to LivingWriter: the alternatives its listing names first, then the tools that share the most features with it.