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yWriter

Novel-writing software that organizes a book into scenes

Free plan · from $5.49 one-timeWritingChecked Oct 9, 2026
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What is yWriter?

yWriter is novel-writing software from Spacejock Software, written by author and programmer Simon Haynes. It breaks a novel into chapters and scenes that can be dragged into a new order, tracks characters, items and locations, and keeps automatic snapshot backups. The Windows version is free with optional registration, the Android and iOS apps are paid, and a macOS version is in beta.

yWriter has a free plan. Paid plans start at $5.49 one-time for the Android app. See every plan

Good for

  • Novelists who plan and draft scene by scene
  • Windows users who want free novel-writing software
  • Writers who want their work stored on their own computer

Worth knowing

  • Only the Windows version is free: the Android app costs $5.49 and the iOS app $14.99 in the US stores.
  • The macOS version is an unstable beta, free for now; the site says it will become paid software.
  • There is no native Linux version; the site documents running the Windows program under Wine.
  • The Android page says Google Drive support is not working, which leaves Dropbox for sharing projects.

Key features

Chapters and scenes
A project is split into chapters and scenes that can be dragged into a new order, with chapters renumbered automatically. A scene can be marked unused to keep it out of word counts and exports.
Characters, items and locations
Each scene has fields for its viewpoint character, goal, conflict and outcome, and can be linked to several characters, items and locations.
Storyboard and word counts
A storyboard gives a visual layout of the work. Word counts are shown for every file, and a daily log records words per file and the total.
Snapshot backups
Automatic backups are saved to sequential files at intervals the writer sets, so a scene can be rolled back to an earlier version.
Export
Exports selected chapters to RTF for proofing and re-import, to LaTeX for producing a print-ready PDF, and to Epub and Mobi ebooks.
Mobile apps
Paid Android and iOS apps open the same project files as the desktop program, for editing a novel away from the PC.

yWriter pricing

Starts at
$5.49 one-time for the Android app
Free plan
yWriter7 for Windows is free to download and use, with no adverts. Registration is optional: an unregistered copy only shows 'Unregistered Version' in the title bar.
Free trial
None listed
yWriter7 for Windows$0The full desktop program for Windows 7 SP1 and newer. Optional registration, Silver at $11.95 or Gold at $24.95, supports the developer.
yWriter for macOS (beta)$0Unstable beta for macOS 10.11 and later, free while feedback is gathered. The site says it will be paid software once it is complete.
yWriter for Android$5.49one-time purchase on Google PlayMobile app for editing yWriter projects on the go, with projects shared through Dropbox.
yWriter for iOS$14.99one-time purchase on the App StoreiPhone and iPad app that shares project files with the desktop versions. Owners can also run it on Macs with Apple silicon.

Read from play.google.com on Oct 9, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with yWriter before you buy.

Pricing in detail

Works with

yWriter alternatives

All yWriter alternatives comparedAll writing tools

Common questions

Is yWriter free?

yWriter has a free plan. yWriter7 for Windows is free to download and use, with no adverts. Registration is optional: an unregistered copy only shows 'Unregistered Version' in the title bar. Paid plans start at $5.49 one-time for the Android app.

How much does yWriter cost?

yWriter lists 4 plans. yWriter7 for Windows: $0. yWriter for macOS (beta): $0. yWriter for Android: $5.49 one-time purchase on Google Play. yWriter for iOS: $14.99 one-time purchase on the App Store. Prices were read from play.google.com on Oct 9, 2026.

What platforms does yWriter work on?

yWriter is available on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.

Does yWriter have a Linux app?

No Linux app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. yWriter is listed for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.

Is yWriter open source?

yWriter is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 9, 2026.

Does yWriter 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 yWriter integrate with?

yWriter's listing names Dropbox. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.

Who makes yWriter?

yWriter is made by Spacejock Software.

What are the alternatives to yWriter?

The closest alternatives to yWriter in our directory are Scrivener, Manuskript, bibisco, novelWriter and The Novel Factory. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with yWriter.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 9, 2026.