Manuskript AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Novel Authoring Tools

The best Novel Authoring alternative to Manuskript is Zettlr, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Manuskript and loads of them are Novel Authoring Tools so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Novel Authoring Tool alternatives to Manuskript are Scrivener, bibisco, Pinery and yWriter.

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Manuskript alternatives are mainly Novel Authoring Tools, but if you're looking for Note-taking Tools or Story Writing Tools 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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    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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    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. 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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    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
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    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. 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
     
  7. 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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    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
  8. 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
     
  10. 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
  11. 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
     
  12. 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
     
  13. Lore Forge icon

    Lore Forge

     17 likes
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    The only app you'll need to write your novels and build your worlds. Organize your thoughts and cross-reference anything at any time.

    45 Lore Forge alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    Overview screen
     

    • Lore Forge is the most popular Web-based alternative to Manuskript.

    • Lore Forge is Free and ProprietaryManuskript is Free and Open Source
    • Lore Forge is Lightweight and Privacy focusedManuskript is not according to our users
  14. OmniOutliner icon

    OmniOutliner

     48 likes
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    OmniOutliner is a start-to-finish writing app. Perfect for collecting information, outlining Big Ideas, adding structure to any sort of writing, and much more. From grocery lists to email drafts to long-form composition.

    81 OmniOutliner alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once or Subscription
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    OmniOutliner screenshot 1
     
  15. Fantasia Archive icon

    Fantasia Archive

     17 likes
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    Free offline worldbuilding and story creation tool with dozens of templates, complex tagging options, document linking, and project-wide search. Template examples: characters, places, events, religions, currencies, magic, species, languages.

    29 Fantasia Archive alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Fantasia Archive screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about Fantasia Archive as an Alternative to Manuskript
    Cocaine Owlbear
    Positive
    0

    Fantasia Archive is much more focused in design compared to Manuskript - it's for worldbuilding first, with everything else coming second. That said, it is an excellent tool for Game Masters and wordlbuilders, whether professional or hobbyist.

    Manuskript Icon
    Fantasia Archive icon
    • Fantasia Archive is Free and Open SourceManuskript is also Free and Open Source
    • Fantasia Archive is LightweightManuskript is not according to our users
12 of 53 Manuskript alternatives