Writing Tools
Open-source writing tools
12 of the 68 writing tools in this directory are open source, according to their own sites.
All of them are free or have a free plan.
Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| LanguageToolGrammar and style checker for more than 30 languages | Free plan · from $4.99/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Browser extension |
| LibreOffice WriterFree, open-source word processor for Windows, macOS and Linux | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| TypstMarkup-based typesetting system with a collaborative web app | Free plan · from $7.99/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux |
| ZettlrFree, open-source Markdown editor for academic writing | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| FocusWriterFree distraction-free word processor for Windows and Linux | Free | Free | Windows, Linux |
| ghostwriterFree, open-source Markdown editor from KDE for focused writing | Free | Free | Windows, Linux |
| MarkTextFree, open-source Markdown editor with in-place live rendering | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| ManuskriptFree, open-source novel planner with an outliner and index cards | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| novelWriterFree, open-source plain-text editor for writing novels | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| bibiscoNovel planning and writing software built around characters | Free plan · from $3.49/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| TrelbyFree, open-source screenwriting program for desktop | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| BeatFree, open-source Fountain screenwriting app for Mac and iOS | Free plan · from $11.99 one-time | Yes | macOS, iOS |
Common questions
Which writing tools are open source?
12 of the 68 writing tools in this directory are open source, according to their own sites. They are LanguageTool, LibreOffice Writer, Typst, Zettlr, FocusWriter, ghostwriter, MarkText, Manuskript, novelWriter, bibisco, Trelby and Beat.
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 each listing names the pages it was read from.