Alternatives · Writing
World Anvil alternatives
World Anvil compared with 5 alternatives: Campfire, Plottr, Novelcrafter, Scrivener and LivingWriter.
World Anvil's current pricing could not be confirmed from its own site. 2 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.
5 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 6, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| World AnvilThis tool | Free plan | Yes | Web |
| Campfire | Free plan · from $0.50/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Plottr | Free trial · from $60/yr | Trial only | Web, macOS, Windows |
| Novelcrafter | Free trial · from $4/mo | Trial only | Web |
| Scrivener | Free trial · from $23.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS, Windows, iOS |
| LivingWriter | Free plan · from $15/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
How each one differs from World Anvil
- Free plan · from $0.50/mo
Campfire
Modular novel writing and worldbuilding app with per-module pricing
- Only Campfire lists macOS, Windows, iOS and Android apps.
- Campfire can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Fantasy and science-fiction authors who keep detailed world notes beside the manuscript
- Free trial · from $60/yr
Plottr
Visual book outlining and series bible software
- 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: Novelists and screenwriters who outline visually before drafting
- Free trial · from $4/mo
Novelcrafter
Novel writing platform with a story wiki and optional AI
- World Anvil has a free plan. Novelcrafter does not, though it has a free trial.
- Novelcrafter also covers chat assistant.
- World Anvil also covers templates.
Suits: Novelists and series writers who want a story bible tied to the manuscript
- Free trial · from $23.99 one-time
Scrivener
Manuscript writing app with a binder, corkboard and outliner
- World Anvil has a free plan. Scrivener does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Scrivener lists macOS, Windows and iOS apps.
- Only World Anvil lists a web app.
- Scrivener can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Novelists and academics managing book-length projects
- Free plan · from $15/mo
LivingWriter
Cloud writing app for books and screenplays with planning boards
- Only LivingWriter lists macOS, Windows, iOS and Android apps.
- LivingWriter also covers chat assistant.
Suits: Novelists who track characters, settings and plot threads beside the draft
Limits worth knowing in World Anvil
- Free accounts are capped: the April 2024 announcement listed 2 worlds, 42 articles, 5 drafts, 2 maps with 10 markers and 100 MB of images.
- A free account over its limits can view, export and delete content but cannot edit until it is back under them.
- World Anvil describes Manuscripts and Notebooks as features for paying guild members.
- URL embeds were removed from free accounts in April 2024 and need a paid guild account.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to World Anvil?
The alternatives to World Anvil in this directory are Campfire, Plottr, Novelcrafter, Scrivener and LivingWriter. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with World Anvil.
Is there a free alternative to World Anvil?
Yes. Campfire and LivingWriter have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which World Anvil alternatives work on Windows?
The World Anvil listing does not include a Windows app. Campfire, Plottr, Scrivener and LivingWriter list one.
Which World Anvil alternatives work on macOS?
The World Anvil listing does not include a macOS app. Campfire, Plottr, Scrivener and LivingWriter list one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.