Alternatives · Writing
Plottr alternatives
Plottr compared with 7 alternatives: Campfire, Novelcrafter, Dabble, Scrivener, World Anvil and 2 more.
Plottr is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $60 per year (Plottr); Plottr Pro is $9.99 per month or $99 per year. 4 of the 7 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.
7 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlottrThis tool | Free trial · from $60/yr | Trial only | Web, macOS, Windows |
| Campfire | Free plan · from $0.50/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Novelcrafter | Free trial · from $4/mo | Trial only | Web |
| Dabble | Free trial · from $19/mo | Trial only | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Scrivener | Free trial · from $23.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS, Windows, iOS |
| World Anvil | Free plan | Yes | Web |
| bibisco | Free plan · from $3.49/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Manuskript | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
How each one differs from Plottr
- Free plan · from $0.50/mo
Campfire
Modular novel writing and worldbuilding app with per-module pricing
- Campfire starts at $0.50 per month for one module; $12 per month for all modules (Standard). Plottr starts at $60 per year (Plottr); Plottr Pro is $9.99 per month or $99 per year.
- Campfire has a free plan. Plottr does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Campfire lists iOS and Android apps.
- Campfire also covers long-form writing.
Suits: Fantasy and science-fiction authors who keep detailed world notes beside the manuscript
- Free trial · from $4/mo
Novelcrafter
Novel writing platform with a story wiki and optional AI
- Novelcrafter starts at $4 per month, or $40 billed annually (Scribe). Plottr starts at $60 per year (Plottr); Plottr Pro is $9.99 per month or $99 per year.
- Only Plottr lists macOS and Windows apps.
- Plottr can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Novelcrafter also covers chat assistant and long-form writing.
- Plottr also covers templates.
Suits: Novelists and series writers who want a story bible tied to the manuscript
- Free trial · from $19/mo
Dabble
Novel writing app with plotting, story notes and sync
- Dabble starts at $19 per month, billed monthly (Writer). Plottr starts at $60 per year (Plottr); Plottr Pro is $9.99 per month or $99 per year.
- Only Dabble lists a Linux app.
- Dabble also covers long-form writing and grammar & style.
- Plottr also covers templates.
Suits: Novelists who want plotting, notes and the manuscript in one place
- Free trial · from $23.99 one-time
Scrivener
Manuscript writing app with a binder, corkboard and outliner
- Scrivener starts at $23.99 one-time (iOS); $59.99 one-time for macOS or Windows. Plottr starts at $60 per year (Plottr); Plottr Pro is $9.99 per month or $99 per year.
- Only Scrivener lists an iOS app.
- Only Plottr lists a web app.
- Scrivener also covers long-form writing.
Suits: Novelists and academics managing book-length projects
- Free plan
World Anvil
Web-based worldbuilding platform for writers and game masters
- World Anvil has a free plan. Plottr does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Plottr lists macOS and Windows apps.
- Plottr can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- World Anvil also covers long-form writing.
Suits: Fantasy and science-fiction writers documenting a setting as linked articles
- Free plan · from $3.49/mo
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. Plottr starts at $60 per year (Plottr); Plottr Pro is $9.99 per month or $99 per year.
- bibisco has a free plan. Plottr does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only bibisco lists Linux, iOS and Android apps.
- Only Plottr lists a web app.
- bibisco is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Novelists who want structured character and plot planning
- Free
Manuskript
Free, open-source novel planner with an outliner and index cards
- Manuskript is free. Plottr starts at $60 per year (Plottr); Plottr Pro is $9.99 per month or $99 per year.
- Manuskript has a free plan. Plottr does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Manuskript lists a Linux app.
- Only Plottr lists a web app.
- Manuskript is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Novelists who outline and plan before drafting
Limits worth knowing in Plottr
- Plottr is an outlining tool, not a manuscript editor: its docs recommend doing the bulk of the writing in another program.
- The web app, cloud sync and collaboration need Plottr Pro, which the docs say requires an internet connection. Each collaborator needs their own Pro subscription.
- The mobile app was removed from the app stores for a rebuild, and the docs say the Pro web app has no phone view. Native Linux builds are unsupported beta software.
- No refunds are given after purchase, and a Pro plan that lapses loses access to its projects until it is renewed.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Plottr?
The alternatives to Plottr in this directory are Campfire, Novelcrafter, Dabble, Scrivener, World Anvil, bibisco and Manuskript. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Plottr.
Is there a free alternative to Plottr?
Yes. Manuskript is free to use. Campfire, World Anvil and bibisco have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Plottr alternatives work on Linux?
The Plottr listing does not include a Linux app. Dabble, bibisco and Manuskript list one.
Which Plottr alternatives work on Android?
The Plottr listing does not include an Android app. Campfire and bibisco list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Plottr?
bibisco and Manuskript are described as open source on their own sites.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.