The novelWriter Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about novelWriter in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
novelWriter
The Insider’s Guide
Free, open-source plain-text editor for writing novels
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among writing tools, read from novelWriter’s own pages.
Made by The Saga Software Project · checked Oct 9, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from novelWriter’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on novelWriter’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 9, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.8
GPA, above 43 of the 69 other writing tools we grade
novelWriter is a free, open-source editor for novels, released under the GPL-3.0 license by The Saga Software Project. A book is assembled from many small plain-text documents written in a Markdown-like syntax, with meta data tags for comments, synopses and cross-references to project notes. It is built for Linux and Windows; the macOS installer has been discontinued for now.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about novelWriter, taken from its own pages and our grades.
You have to learn its own Markdown-like syntax, and it's scoped to novels and short fiction.
- 1
Best for free novel writing in plain text files
novelWriter is a free, open-source editor that builds a novel out of small plain-text files, with tags linking scenes to notes.
- 2
It is free
novelWriter has no paid plan at all. The whole application is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license. The site has a Donate link for optional contributions.
- 3
It runs on 2 platforms
Linux and Windows.
- 4
Project tree of documents
A novel is broken into as many documents as needed. They can be dragged into a custom order, organised into folders and given sub-documents.
- 5
Tags and references
Keyword and value tags in a document link it to project notes. References are clickable, and a References box lists every document that points back to the one being viewed.
- 6
Novel View and Outline View
The Novel View shows the book by headings instead of files. The Outline View lists chapters and scenes with their meta data and cross-references in configurable columns.
- 7
A 2.8 GPA, above 43 of 69
That is against the other writing tools we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
novelWriter is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
novelWriter at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- Windows, Linux
- Made by
- The Saga Software Project, since 2018
- Category
- Writing Tools
- Our grade
- 2.8 GPA, good
The report card
Best for free novel writing in plain text files
novelWriter is a free, open-source editor that builds a novel out of small plain-text files, with tags linking scenes to notes. You have to learn its own Markdown-like syntax, and it's scoped to novels and short fiction. The Mac installer was discontinued in 2026, so on a Mac it runs only through a Python install, and there's no web or phone version.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free and open source under the GPL-3.0 licence, downloadable and complete, so there's nothing to buy in a category where paid plans start around $8.33 a month in the middle. The site has a Donate link if you want to chip in. |
| Free plan and trial | A | The complete editor is free on every system it supports. There's no paid tier, no cap and nothing held back. |
| Features | C | It does the novel job fully, and that's a smaller job than most of this category: a project tree of scenes you reorder, tags linking scenes to notes, an Outline View, and Build Manuscript to Open Document, Word, PDF, HTML or Markdown. The listing scopes it to novels and short fiction. |
| Ease of use | C | No store rating on record, and you have to learn its own Markdown-like syntax and build a tree of documents before it's much use. Installing is simple on Windows and Linux; on a Mac it's a Python package now the DMG is discontinued. |
| Platforms and integrations | C | Linux and Windows 10 or newer, plus a Mac only through the Python package now the macOS installer is gone. A desktop program is still only computers, however many it runs on: no web, no mobile and no integrations on record. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who novelWriter is for
- Fits if you're on Linux or Windows and want a free editor made for novels
- Works for keeping a manuscript in version control or a synced folder, as it's all plain text
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you're on a Mac and don't fancy setting up Python, as the Mac installer is discontinued
- Not for you if you want standard Markdown, because it uses its own Markdown-like syntax
- Too light for non-fiction or academic work, since it's scoped to novels and short fiction
- Not for you if you write on a phone or in a browser, as no web or mobile version is offered
- Watch out: the Windows installer needs Windows 10 or newer, and no integrations are listed
Good to know
Good for
- Novelists on Linux or Windows who want a free plain-text editor
- Writers who keep manuscripts under version control or file sync
- Books with many scenes and cross-referenced notes
Worth knowing
- macOS DMG releases were discontinued as of release 2026.1; on a Mac it runs only by installing the Python package.
- The Windows installer is made for Windows 10 or newer.
- It is scoped to novels and short fiction and uses its own Markdown-like syntax, not standard Markdown.
- No web or mobile version is offered.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
novelWriter is free to use.
The site has a Donate link if you want to chip in.
Free
$0
The complete editor: AppImage, Flatpak and Debian packages for Linux, a setup installer for Windows 10 or newer, and a Python package.
The free plan
The whole application is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license. The site has a Donate link for optional contributions.
Read from novelwriter.io on Oct 9, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
2
Places it runs: Windows and Linux
Free, open-source plain-text editor for writing novels. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, Markdown, long-form writing.
The listing scopes it to novels and short fiction.
- Project tree of documents
- A novel is broken into as many documents as needed. They can be dragged into a custom order, organised into folders and given sub-documents.
- Tags and references
- Keyword and value tags in a document link it to project notes. References are clickable, and a References box lists every document that points back to the one being viewed.
- Novel View and Outline View
- The Novel View shows the book by headings instead of files. The Outline View lists chapters and scenes with their meta data and cross-references in configurable columns.
- Build Manuscript
- Assembles chosen files into a manuscript, an outline draft or a notes document, which can be printed or saved as Open Document, Word, PDF, HTML or Markdown.
- Plain-text storage
- Projects are stored as human-readable text files, a format the project describes as well suited to version control software and file synchronisation tools.
- Focus Mode and themes
- Focus Mode hides the project tree and view panel so the editor fills the window. Colour, icon and editor syntax themes are chosen separately, in light and dark variants.
Where it runs
- Windows
- Linux
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
novelWriter is made by The Saga Software Project, and has been around since 2018.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
43/69
Other writing tools it is graded above
novelWriter's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 43 of the 69 other writing tools we grade, and level with 13.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 58 of 69) and worst on features (C, above 0).
novelWriter has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.0 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 70 writing tools we grade, cut by the letter each got. novelWriter’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 44 of 69
- AFree plan and trialAbove 58 of 69
- CFeaturesAbove 0 of 69
- CEase of useAbove 1 of 69
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 3 of 69
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 53 writing tools. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. novelWriter is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
novelWriter is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
What you could make
- Long-form writing and Markdown: an app builder makes these well.
What you could not
- A real app for Windows and Linux. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. novelWriter’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Manuskript, bibisco, yWriter, Scrivener and Zettlr
The 5 tools novelWriter is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.8GPA
Manuskript
Free
Free, open-source novel planner with an outliner and index cards.
- Only Manuskript lists a macOS app.
- 3.0GPA
bibisco
Free plan · from $3.49/mo
Novel planning and writing software built around characters.
- Only bibisco lists macOS, iOS and Android apps.
- bibisco can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- novelWriter also covers Markdown.
- 3.0GPA
yWriter
Free plan · from $5.49 one-time
Novel-writing software that organizes a book into scenes.
- Only novelWriter lists a Linux app.
- Only yWriter lists macOS, iOS and Android apps.
- novelWriter is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.8GPA
Scrivener
Free trial · from $23.99 one-time
Manuscript writing app with a binder, corkboard and outliner.
- novelWriter has a free plan. Scrivener does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only novelWriter lists a Linux app.
- Only Scrivener lists macOS and iOS apps.
- 2.8GPA
Zettlr
Free
Free, open-source Markdown editor for academic writing.
- Only Zettlr lists a macOS app.
- Zettlr also covers linked notes and citations.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
11
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is novelWriter free?
Yes. novelWriter is free to use. The whole application is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license.
How much does novelWriter cost?
novelWriter lists one plan. Free: $0.
What platforms does novelWriter work on?
novelWriter is available on Linux and Windows.
Does novelWriter have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. novelWriter is listed for Linux and Windows.
Does novelWriter have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. novelWriter is listed for Linux and Windows.
Is novelWriter open source?
Yes. novelWriter is open source, according to its own site.
Who makes novelWriter?
novelWriter is made by The Saga Software Project. It dates from 2018.
What are the alternatives to novelWriter?
The closest alternatives to novelWriter in our directory are Manuskript, bibisco, yWriter, Scrivener and Zettlr.
How does novelWriter compare with other writing tools?
novelWriter's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 43 of the 69 other writing tools we grade, and level with 13.
Is novelWriter good value for money?
ToolGPA grades novelWriter A for value for money. novelWriter has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of novelWriter?
novelWriter is free, so making your own would save you nothing. What you could not make: A real app for Windows and Linux.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from novelWriter’s own pages on Oct 9, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from novelWriter's own pages on 9 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-05-22.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by The Saga Software Project. Prices change, so check novelwriter.io before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
3,189
Tools graded, in 94 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- novelWriter, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/novelwriter
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "novelWriter: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 9, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/novelwriter
Know someone choosing between writing tools?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/novelwriter/guide
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See our other guides
The best-graded writing tools after novelWriter, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Writing Tools Insider's GuideEvery one of the 70 writing tools we grade, compared
- Microsoft Word Insider's GuideWord processor sold with Microsoft 365, free in the browser3.4 GPA
- Beat Insider's GuideFree, open-source Fountain screenwriting app for Mac and iOS3.2 GPA
- JotterPad Insider's GuideMarkdown and Fountain editor for books, papers and screenplays3.2 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what novelWriter’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. novelWriter is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by The Saga Software Project. Prices and plans change: check novelwriter.io before you buy.