Manuskript AlternativesTop Novel Authoring & Note-taking Tools like Manuskript

Manuskript is described as 'Open-source tool for writers, with outliner, character management, plot development, distraction-free editor, etc' 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 Microsoft Word, Scrivener, Org mode and Dendron.

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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. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Manuskript.
Manuskript iconManuskript
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Manuskript is an open-source tool for writers, with outliner, character management, plot development, distraction-free editor, etc.

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Manuskript alternatives page was last updated Apr 11, 2025
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  1. Zettlr icon

    Zettlr

     227 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.

    160 Zettlr alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    Zettlr Main Window (dark mode)

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Zettelkasten note method
    3.  File Tagging
    4.  Multiple export options
    5. Zotero icon  Zotero integration
    6.  Note organization
    7.  Link files
    8.  Built-in themes
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Export to LaTeX
    11.  Works Offline
    12.  Write files in markdown

    Zettlr VS Manuskript

     
    Comments about Zettlr as an Alternative to Manuskript
    Quard2
    Positive Feb 24, 2025
    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 focusedManuskript is not according to our users
  2. Microsoft Word icon

    Microsoft Word

     927 likes
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    Microsoft's leading word processor, enables professional-quality document creation with SmartArt graphics, seamless PDF support, and extensive search capabilities. Compatible across desktop, online, and mobile platforms with necessary subscription or standalone purchase options.

    91 Microsoft Word alternatives

    License model

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    New document view

    Top Microsoft Word Features

    1.  Convert Word documents to PDF
    2.  Document structure management
    3.  Ribbon Interface
    4.  Text to Speech
    5.  Real time collaboration
    6.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    7.  Spell Checking
    8.  Cloud Sync
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Full-Text Search
    11.  Works Offline
    12.  PDF annotation

    Microsoft Word VS Manuskript

     
    Comments about Microsoft Word as an Alternative to Manuskript
    alternative1234
    Negative Jul 31, 2019
    8

    MS Word does not have the organizational tools of Manuskript

    Guest
    Negative Apr 18, 2021
    0

    Not a novel writing software

    Manuskript Icon
    Microsoft Word icon

    • This alternative is disputed. Microsoft Word is a legitimate Manuskript alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Microsoft Word is the most popular Android, iPhone, iPad & Android Tablet alternative to Manuskript.

    • Microsoft Word is the most popular commercial alternative to Manuskript.

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

    Scrivener

     257 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.

    108 Scrivener alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac
    • Wine
    Scrivener screenshot 1

    Top Scrivener Features

    1.  Corkboard
    2.  Document compiler
    3.  Character database
    4.  Scene Management
    5.  Visual Organization
    6.  Split files into sections
    7.  Support for scripting
    8. LaTeX icon  Support for LaTeX
    9.  Multi-document View
    10.  Integrated Search
    11.  Folders
    12.  Word counter

    Scrivener VS Manuskript

     
    Comments about Scrivener as an Alternative to Manuskript
    Top Positive Comment
    alternative1234
    Jul 31, 2019
    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.

    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Positive Apr 11, 2025
    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!

    Guest
    Positive Mar 20, 2021
    0

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

    Show more comments
    3 of 5 comments
    Manuskript Icon
    Scrivener icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Scrivener is a great Manuskript alternative.

    • Scrivener is Paid and ProprietaryManuskript is Free and Open Source
  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 ...

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    Learn More
  6. Org mode icon

    Org mode

     139 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.

    263 Org mode alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • GNU Emacs
    Org mode screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Customizable
    4.  Keyboard focused

    Features

    1.  Literate programming
    2.  Task Time Tracking
    3. GNU Emacs icon  Emacs integration
    4.  Plain text file
    5.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    6.  Outliner
    7.  Hierarchical Structure
    8.  Portable
    9.  Command line interface
    10.  Export to HTML
    11.  Web-Based
    12.  Search by tags

    Org mode VS Manuskript

     
    Comments about Org mode as an Alternative to Manuskript
    Quard2
    Positive Feb 24, 2025
    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. Dendron icon

    Dendron

     68 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.

    192 Dendron alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • International

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Visual Studio Code
    Dendron screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Local Storage
    2.  Support for MarkDown
    3.  Hierarchical Structure
    4.  Block reference
    5.  Graph view
    6.  VSCode
    7.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    8.  Backlinks
    9.  Quick reference lookup
    10.  Publishing
    11.  Tagging
    12.  Bidirectional links

    Dendron VS Manuskript

     
  8. bibisco icon

    bibisco

     84 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.

    46 bibisco alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • IT flagItaly
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Electron
    • Node.JS
    Novel architecture

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Character development
    2.  Timeline
    3.  Scene Management
    4.  Tracking of plots
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  WYSIWYG Support
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Spell Checking
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Works Offline
    11.  Hierarchical Structure
    12.  Portable

    bibisco VS Manuskript

     
    Comments about bibisco as an Alternative to Manuskript
    andgregorik
    Positive Sep 17, 2019
    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
  10. yWriter icon

    yWriter

     67 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.

    68 yWriter alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • AU flagAustralia

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    Main screen on Windows XP

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Portable
    2.  Outline mode
    3.  Tracking of plots
    4.  Project Organization
    5.  Track Characters
    6.  Scene Management
    7.  Plot visualisation
    8.  Character database

    yWriter VS Manuskript

     
    Comments about yWriter as an Alternative to Manuskript
    Guest
    Positive Mar 22, 2019
    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.

    Manuskript Icon
    yWriter icon

    • Almost everyone thinks yWriter is a great Manuskript alternative.

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

    Ulysses

     67 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.

    115 Ulysses alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Ulysses screenshot 1

    Ulysses Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Distraction-free Writing
    3.  Export to PDF
    4.  Support for styluses
    5.  Export to EPUB
    6.  Tabbed interface
    7.  Sync with iCloud
    8.  Brainstorming

    Ulysses VS Manuskript

     
  12. Story Architect (STARC) icon

    Story Architect (STARC)

     13 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.

    39 Story Architect (STARC) alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • International

    Platforms

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

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Support for Themes
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Outliner
    2.  Screenwriting
    3.  Writing assistance
    4.  Tracking of plots
    5.  Track Characters
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Spell Checking
    8.  Real time collaboration
    9.  Portable
    10.  Autocompletion
    11.  Hierarchical Structure
    12.  No Coding Required

    Story Architect (STARC) VS Manuskript

     
  13. Quoll Writer icon

    Quoll Writer

     36 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.

    66 Quoll Writer alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • AU flagAustralia

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Quoll Writer screenshot 1

    Top Quoll Writer Features

    1.  Track Characters
    2.  Character database
    3.  Outliner
    4.  Distraction-free Writing
    5.  Dark Mode
    6.  WYSIWYG Support
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  No registration required
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Writing statistics
    11.  Writing assistance
    12.  Export to EPUB

    Quoll Writer VS Manuskript

     
    Comments about Quoll Writer as an Alternative to Manuskript
    Guest
    Positive Mar 22, 2019
    0

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

    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
10 of 109 Manuskript alternatives