Manuskript AlternativesTop Novel Authoring & Note-taking Tools like Manuskript

Manuskript is described as 'Open-source writing tool with hierarchical outliner, distraction-free editor, character management, plot development, Snowflake method, and writing goal support' and is a very popular Novel Authoring tool in the news & books category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Manuskript for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Web-based, Linux and iPad apps. The best Manuskript alternative is Zettlr, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Manuskript are Scrivener, Dendron, Org mode and bibisco.

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Manuskript alternatives are mainly Novel Authoring Tools, but if you're looking for Note-taking Tools or Word Processors you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Novel Authoring. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Manuskript.
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Alternatives list

  1. Zettlr icon

    Zettlr

     243 likes
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    Unified writing platform offering note-taking, easy citations with Zotero integration, LaTeX/Word templates, snippets, themes, dark modes, code highlighting, multi-language support, and knowledge management with Zettelkasten for seamless writing from notes to books.

    174 Zettlr alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    Zettlr Main Window (dark mode)
     
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    1
    Comments about Zettlr as an Alternative to Manuskript
    Quard2
    Positive
    0

    I use Zettlr next to Manuskript and DoomEmacs Org-mode. Zettlr does different things to Manuskript that are faster across a directory or multiple workspaces.

    Manuskript Icon
    Zettlr icon

    • Zettlr is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Manuskript.

    • Zettlr is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Manuskript.

    • Zettlr is Free and Open SourceManuskript is also Free and Open Source
    • Zettlr is Privacy focused and LightweightManuskript is not according to our users
  2. Scrivener icon

    Scrivener

     262 likes
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    Tailored for extensive writing, this tool offers flexible structure and organization, integrates project outlines, supports various formats, and allows reorganization through drag and drop, ensuring research materials are within reach for efficient work.

    121 Scrivener alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac
    • Wine
    Scrivener screenshot 1
     
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    5
    22
    Comments about Scrivener as an Alternative to Manuskript
    Top Positive Comment
    alternative1234
    0

    Scrivener is probably best of breed for novel writers, but is unfortunately unavailable on Linux. (An extant earlier Linux release has spotty compatibility, and the Wine installation of the Windows version [which lags behind the Mac version] is also unsatisfactory.) Without this drawback, Scrivener would be the best alternative to Manuskript, even considering its cost.

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Scrivener is a heavy weight, it's what a lot of authors use. I'm sick and tired of hearing Scrivener has a steep learning curve... How do you explain Word when you open it? It looks like Star Trek!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    It's well worth the money for what it can do.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 5 comments
    Manuskript Icon
    Scrivener icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Scrivener is a great Manuskript alternative.

    • Scrivener is the most popular iPhone & iPad alternative to Manuskript.

    • Scrivener is the most popular commercial alternative to Manuskript.

    • Scrivener is Paid and ProprietaryManuskript is Free and Open Source
  4. Dendron icon

    Dendron

     71 likes
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    Dendron is an open-source, local-first, markdown-based, note-taking tool built on top of VSCode. It supports all the usual features you would expect like tagging, backlinks, a graph view, split panes, and so forth.

    202 Dendron alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Visual Studio Code
    Dendron screenshot 1
     
  5. Ad
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    Scrivener icon
    Scrivener

    Tailored for extensive writing, this tool offers flexible structure and organization, integrates project outlines, supports various formats, and allows reorganization through drag and drop, ensuring research materials are within ...

    https://www.literatureandlatte.com
    Learn More
  6. Org mode icon

    Org mode

     140 likes
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    Org mode is for keeping notes, maintaining TODO lists, planning projects, and authoring documents with a fast and effective plain-text system.

    279 Org mode alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • GNU Emacs
    • Termux
    • Terminal
    Org mode screenshot 1
     
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    2
    Comments about Org mode as an Alternative to Manuskript
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    does not have a story planning feature integrated

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Quard2
    Positive
    0

    It's not versus Manuskript, it's alongside. Org lets me manage complex items from simple idea to then export into Markdown. Manuskript import then creates the "story". Focused and very helpful. Focused on writing. I can't work without Org-mode, but having adopted Manuskript I find them complementary.

    Manuskript Icon
    Org mode icon
    • Org mode is Free and Open SourceManuskript is also Free and Open Source
    • Org mode is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedManuskript is not according to our users
  7. bibisco icon

    bibisco

     85 likes
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    Desktop application for novel structuring, offering chapter and scene management, distraction-free text editing, detailed timeline, character interviews, multilingual support, export to publishing formats, revision history, relationship diagrams, and writing goal tracking.

    52 bibisco alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Electron
    • Node.JS
    Novel architecture
     
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    1
    10
    Comments about bibisco as an Alternative to Manuskript
    andgregorik
    Positive
    4

    Normally a pretty good alternative to Manuskript, but giving up the free model now hampers its chances.

    Manuskript Icon
    bibisco icon

    • Most users think bibisco is a great Manuskript alternative.

    • bibisco is Freemium and Open SourceManuskript is Free and Open Source
    • bibisco is Privacy focusedManuskript is not according to our users
  8. Pinery icon

    Pinery

     10 likes
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    The simplest way to go from first draft to a professionally published book. See your words come to life.

    24 Pinery alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    Pinery screenshot 1
     
  10. yWriter icon

    yWriter

     68 likes
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    yWriter is a writing tool that uses "scenes" as a unit of text and allows you to associate that text with all manner of story elements (characters, locations, items) as well as place it and rearrange it within the context of chapters.

    74 yWriter alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    Main screen on Windows XP
     
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    1
    9
    Comments about yWriter as an Alternative to Manuskript
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    If it's an outline you're after, this is what you need. With all the tabs and options it has, it's surprising that it's free.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Manuskript Icon
    yWriter icon

    • Almost everyone thinks yWriter is a great Manuskript alternative.

    • yWriter is the most popular Android & Android Tablet alternative to Manuskript.

    • yWriter is Freemium and ProprietaryManuskript is Free and Open Source
    • yWriter is LightweightManuskript is not according to our users
  11. Ulysses icon

    Ulysses

     69 likes
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    Ulysses is a text editor for creative writers. Used by bloggers, poets, students and published novelists all over the world, it offers an integrated environment to brainstorm, draft, revise and even submit text on a professional level.

    124 Ulysses alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Subscription
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Ulysses screenshot 1
     
  12. Quoll Writer icon

    Quoll Writer

     38 likes
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    Focus on your words not the interface. Quoll Writer is a writing application that helps you focus on your words. Clean and uncluttered. Feature rich. Features are where you would expect them to be.

    74 Quoll Writer alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Quoll Writer screenshot 1
     
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    1
    7
    Comments about Quoll Writer as an Alternative to Manuskript
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Be on the lookout for this one, it has potential.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Manuskript Icon
    Quoll Writer icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Quoll Writer is a great Manuskript alternative.

    • Quoll Writer is Free and Open SourceManuskript is also Free and Open Source
  13. novelWriter icon

    novelWriter

     25 likes
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    novelWriter is a Markdown-like text editor designed for writing novels and larger projects of many smaller plain text documents. It uses its own flavor of Markdown that supports a meta data syntax for comments, synopsis and cross-referencing between files.

    61 novelWriter alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Qt
    • Python
    Screenshot of older version
     
  14. Story Architect (STARC) icon

    Story Architect (STARC)

     14 likes
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    A smooth yet powerful writing experience for devoted authors. With only wanted features and native workflow it runs faster than all your previous apps combined.

    42 Story Architect (STARC) alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once or Subscription)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Chrome OS
    • AppImageHub
    • Flathub
    • Android
    Story Architect (STARC) screenshot 1
     
  15. WriteMonkey icon

    WriteMonkey

     130 likes
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    Writemonkey is a Windows zenware writing application with an extremely stripped down user interface, leaving you alone with your thoughts and your words.

    102 WriteMonkey alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    The interface, full screen.
     
12 of 118 Manuskript alternatives