Campfire
Modular novel writing and worldbuilding app with per-module pricing
What is Campfire?
Campfire is a writing and worldbuilding app built from 18 modules, including a manuscript word processor, character sheets, timelines, interactive maps and an encyclopedia. It runs in a browser, as a Mac and Windows desktop app with an offline mode, and as the CF Creators mobile app. Every module can be used free up to a limit, then unlocked one at a time or all together, by subscription or lifetime purchase.
Campfire has a free plan. Paid plans start at $0.50 per month for one module; $12 per month for all modules (Standard). See every plan
Good for
- Fantasy and science-fiction authors who keep detailed world notes beside the manuscript
- Writers who want to pay only for the planning tools they use
- Co-writers and editors, since collaborators need only a free account
Worth knowing
- The free plan caps every module (25,000 manuscript words, 10 characters); elements past a limit are read-only on browser and desktop.
- Offline work is limited to the Mac and Windows desktop app. No Linux app is listed, and the mobile app needs an internet connection.
- The mobile app leaves out the Arcs, Calendar, Languages and Relationships modules.
- Monthly subscriptions are non-refundable; annual and lifetime purchases can be refunded within 30 days.
Key features
- Manuscript module
- A word processor with chapters shown as index cards, focus mode, word-count goals and version history. It imports DOCX and EPUB files and exports EPUB and PDF.
- Worldbuilding modules
- Separate modules cover characters, locations, species, cultures, religions, magic systems, invented languages, calendars and an encyclopedia of wiki-style articles.
- Timelines and arcs
- The Timeline module tracks story and historical events across several timelines and comes with more than 10 free story-structure templates.
- Interactive maps
- Upload a map or link one from Inkarnate, then add pins for story elements, nest other maps inside it and mark up regions.
- Collaboration and sharing
- Any number of people can be invited to view, comment on or edit a project, and they need only a free account. Link sharing gives view-only access.
- Desktop and mobile apps
- The desktop app for Mac and Windows syncs with the browser version and can work offline. CF Creators for iOS and Android covers most modules and needs a connection.
Campfire pricing
- Starts at
- $0.50 per month for one module; $12 per month for all modules (Standard)
- Free plan
- Free account with limited use of all 18 modules: 25,000 manuscript words, 10 characters, 20 timeline events, 2 maps, 5 encyclopedia articles and similar caps on the rest. No credit card required.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Limited use of every module, such as 25,000 manuscript words, 10 characters, 20 timeline events and 2 maps. |
| Build Your Own | From $0.50per module / month; annual and lifetime options | Unlimited use of only the modules chosen, at $0.50 to $2 a month each; every other module stays on the free limits. |
| Standard Monthly | $12per month, billed monthly | Unlimited use of all 18 modules. Shown against a crossed-out $19.00, the sum of the modules' separate monthly prices. |
| Standard Annual | $99per year, billed annually | The same unlimited access billed once a year. Shown against a crossed-out $160.00. |
| Standard Lifetime | $336one-time purchase | Permanent access to every module, including modules Campfire releases later. |
Read from campfirewriting.com on Oct 6, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Campfire before you buy.
Ways to pay less
- Annual discountAbout 31% less on the annual Standard plan
Standard costs $12 a month or $99 a year. Twelve monthly payments come to $144, so the annual plan works out about 31% cheaper.
Stated on campfirewriting.com - Lifetime licenseLifetime access to all modules for $336
Standard Lifetime is a one-time purchase covering every module and any released later. Individual modules can also be bought for life, without future modules.
Stated on campfirewriting.com
Works with
- Inkarnate
Campfire alternatives
- Campfire vs World Anvil
Free plan
- Campfire vs Plottr
Free trial · from $60/yr
- Campfire vs Novelcrafter
Free trial · from $4/mo
- Campfire vs Scrivener
Free trial · from $23.99 one-time
- Campfire vs LivingWriter
Free plan · from $15/mo
Common questions
Is Campfire free?
Campfire has a free plan. Free account with limited use of all 18 modules: 25,000 manuscript words, 10 characters, 20 timeline events, 2 maps, 5 encyclopedia articles and similar caps on the rest. No credit card required. Paid plans start at $0.50 per month for one module; $12 per month for all modules (Standard).
How much does Campfire cost?
Campfire lists 5 plans. Free: $0. Build Your Own: from $0.50 per module / month; annual and lifetime options. Standard Monthly: $12 per month, billed monthly. Standard Annual: $99 per year, billed annually. Standard Lifetime: $336 one-time purchase. Prices were read from campfirewriting.com on Oct 6, 2026.
What platforms does Campfire work on?
Campfire is available on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
Does Campfire offer any discounts?
Campfire publicly lists the following: About 31% less on the annual Standard plan; Lifetime access to all modules for $336.
Does Campfire have a Linux app?
No Linux app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. Campfire is listed for Web, macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
Is Campfire open source?
Campfire is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 6, 2026.
Does Campfire work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
What does Campfire integrate with?
Campfire's listing names Inkarnate. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes Campfire?
Campfire is made by Campfire Technology LLC. It dates from 2018.
What are the alternatives to Campfire?
The closest alternatives to Campfire in our directory are World Anvil, Plottr, Novelcrafter, Scrivener and LivingWriter. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Campfire.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 6, 2026.