The yWriter Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about yWriter 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.
yWriter
The Insider’s Guide
Novel-writing software that organizes a book into scenes
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among writing tools, read from yWriter’s own pages.
Made by Spacejock Software · 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 yWriter’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on yWriter’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
3.0
GPA, above 57 of the 69 other writing tools we grade
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.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about yWriter, taken from its own pages and our grades.
On Windows it's a free download, at least, and the Mac build is an unstable beta.
- 1
Best for free scene-by-scene novel writing on Windows
yWriter is novel-writing software that splits a book into chapters and scenes you can drag into a new order, with characters, items and locations tracked per scene.
- 2
What it costs
Paid plans start at $5.49 one-time for the Android app.
- 3
There is 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.
- 4
It runs on 4 platforms
Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
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.
- 8
A 3.0 GPA, above 57 of 69
That is against the other writing tools we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Your call
A writing app at its plainest is a page that saves what you type.
yWriter at a glance
- Pricing
- Free plan, from $5.49 one-time for the Android app
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
- Made by
- Spacejock Software
- Category
- Writing Tools
- Our grade
- 3.0 GPA, very good
The report card
Best for free scene-by-scene novel writing on Windows
yWriter is novel-writing software that splits a book into chapters and scenes you can drag into a new order, with characters, items and locations tracked per scene. Only the Windows version is free; the Android app is $5.49 and the iOS app $14.99. The Mac version is an unstable beta the site says will become paid, Linux means running it under Wine, and the Android page says Google Drive support isn't working.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | The full Windows program costs nothing, and registering it, at $11.95 or $24.95, is optional. The Android app is $5.49 once and the iOS app $14.99 once. No subscription anywhere, in a category that mostly charges about $8.33 a month. |
| Free plan and trial | A | yWriter7 for Windows is free to download and use, with no adverts and no cap. An unregistered copy only shows 'Unregistered Version' in the title bar. The Mac beta is free for now too, though the site says it will become paid software. |
| Features | C | It covers scene-by-scene novel writing, a smaller job than most of this category: chapters and scenes drag into a new order, each scene records viewpoint, goal, conflict and outcome, a storyboard lays the book out, snapshots roll a scene back, and it exports Epub, Mobi, RTF and LaTeX. |
| Ease of use | C | No store rating on record, and the program wants a method: every scene has viewpoint, goal, conflict and outcome fields to fill in before the storyboard tells you much. On Windows it's a free download, at least, and the Mac build is an unstable beta. |
| Platforms and integrations | B | Windows, iPhone, iPad and Android, with projects shared through Dropbox, so computer and phones are both covered. The gaps keep it off an A: the Mac version is an unstable beta, there's no native Linux version, and the Android page says Google Drive support isn't working. |
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 yWriter is for
- Fits if you plan and draft a novel scene by scene
- Works for Windows users who want free novel-writing software with files kept on their own computer
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you write on a Mac, as that version is an unstable beta the site says will become paid
- Not for you if you're on Linux, because there's no native version and the Windows program has to run under Wine
- Tight if you share projects through Google Drive, as the Android page says that isn't working, which leaves Dropbox
- Watch out: only Windows is free, and the phone apps cost $5.49 on Android and $14.99 on iOS
- Skip it if you'd rather not fill in viewpoint, goal, conflict and outcome fields for every scene
Good to know
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.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$5.49 one-time
To start. There is a free plan too
yWriter has a free plan. Paid plans start at $5.49 one-time for the Android app.
An unregistered copy only shows 'Unregistered Version' in the title bar.
yWriter7 for Windows
$0
The 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)
$0
Unstable 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
$5.49
one-time purchase on Google Play
Mobile app for editing yWriter projects on the go, with projects shared through Dropbox.
yWriter for iOS
$14.99
one-time purchase on the App Store
iPhone and iPad app that shares project files with the desktop versions. Owners can also run it on Macs with Apple silicon.
The 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.
Read from play.google.com on Oct 9, 2026.
What the app costs elsewhere
Each country’s App Store price for the app, against $14.99 in the United States, in dollars at the day’s rate. The four cheapest and the four dearest of 11.
| Country | Price there | In dollars | Against the US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $19.99 | $14.05 | 6% less |
| India | ₹ 1,499 | $15.50 | about the same |
| Philippines | ₱ 999.00 | $15.90 | 6% more |
| Australia | $22.99 | $16.05 | 7% more |
| South Africa | R299.99 | $18.14 | 21% more |
| United Kingdom | £14.99 | $19.82 | 32% more |
| Brazil | R$ 99,90 | $19.96 | 33% more |
| Germany | 17,99 € | $20.16 | 34% more |
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
4
Places it runs: macOS, Windows, iOS and Android
Novel-writing software that organizes a book into scenes. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: works offline, local-first, long-form writing.
Windows, iPhone, iPad and Android, with projects shared through Dropbox, so computer and phones are both covered.
- 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.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
- iOS
- Android
What it works with
- Dropbox
yWriter is made by Spacejock Software.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
57/69
Other writing tools it is graded above
yWriter's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 57 of the 69 other writing tools we grade, and level with 6.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 58 of 69) and worst on features (C, above 0).
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 70 writing tools we grade, cut by the letter each got. yWriter’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
- BPlatforms and integrationsAbove 32 of 69
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.
Your call
A writing app at its plainest is a page that saves what you type.
You could make the core of yWriter for yourself: long-form writing. What you would give up is listed below. Whether that is worth the price is your call. At $5.49, paid once, it costs less than the weekend it would take to replace, which is the argument for keeping it.
What you could make
- Long-form writing: an app builder makes this well.
What you could not
- Apps for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android that stay in step with each other.
What this rests on. yWriter’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
Scrivener, Manuskript, bibisco, novelWriter and The Novel Factory
The 5 tools yWriter is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.8GPA
Scrivener
Free trial · from $23.99 one-time
Manuscript writing app with a binder, corkboard and outliner.
- yWriter has a free plan. Scrivener does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only yWriter lists an Android app.
- Scrivener can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.8GPA
Manuskript
Free
Free, open-source novel planner with an outliner and index cards.
- Only yWriter lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only Manuskript lists a Linux app.
- Manuskript is open source, according to its own site.
- 3.0GPA
bibisco
Free plan · from $3.49/mo
Novel planning and writing software built around characters.
- Only bibisco lists a Linux app.
- bibisco is open source, according to its own site.
- bibisco can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.8GPA
novelWriter
Free
Free, open-source plain-text editor for writing novels.
- Only yWriter lists macOS, iOS and Android apps.
- Only novelWriter lists a Linux app.
- novelWriter is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.2GPA
The Novel Factory
Free trial · from $82.50/yr
Novel-writing software with a built-in step-by-step roadmap.
- yWriter has a free plan. The Novel Factory does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only yWriter lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only The Novel Factory lists a web app.
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 yWriter free?
yWriter has a free plan. yWriter7 for Windows is free to download and use, with no adverts.
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.
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.
How does yWriter compare with other writing tools?
yWriter's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 57 of the 69 other writing tools we grade, and level with 6.
Could I make my own version of yWriter?
A writing app at its plainest is a page that saves what you type. You could make the core of yWriter for yourself: long-form writing.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from yWriter’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 Spacejock Software's own pages and its store listings on 9 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-03-16.
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 Spacejock Software. Prices change, so check spacejock.com before you buy.
- play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spacejock.ywriter&hl=en_US&gl=US
- apps.apple.com/us/app/ywriter-novel-writing/id1262381187
- spacejock.com/yWriter.html
- spacejock.com/yWriter7.html
- spacejock.com/yWriter7_Register.html
- spacejock.com/yWriterMac.html
- spacejock.com/yWriterAndroid.html
- spacejock.com/yWriterIOS.html
- spacejock.com/yWriter7_Linux.html
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
- yWriter, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/ywriter
- 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, "yWriter: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 9, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/ywriter
Know someone choosing between writing tools?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/ywriter/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded writing tools after yWriter, 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 yWriter’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. yWriter is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Spacejock Software. Prices and plans change: check spacejock.com before you buy.