Manuskript AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Word Processors

The best Word Processor alternative to Manuskript is Microsoft Word. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try yWriter or Story Architect (STARC). If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Manuskript and many of them are Word Processors so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Word Processor alternatives to Manuskript are Scrivener, novelWriter, Lore Forge and TextMaker.

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Manuskript alternatives are mainly Word Processors, but if you're looking for Text Editors or Novel Authoring Tools 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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More about Manuskript
Manuskript alternatives page was last updated Apr 11, 2025
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  1. 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
  2. Scrivener icon

    Scrivener

     258 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.

    111 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
  4. 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.

    69 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
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Novlr icon
    Novlr

    Advanced writing tool supporting online and offline modes, accessible from any device. Features chapter and scene organization, grammar checks, version history, and export options including docx and epub. Novlr syncs with cloud s...

    https://www.novlr.org
    Learn More
  6. 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.

    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

     
  7. novelWriter icon

    novelWriter

     23 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.

    56 novelWriter alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Qt
    Screenshot of older version

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Support for Themes
    4.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Dark Mode
    2.  No registration required
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  No Tracking
    5.  Spell Checking
    6.  Support for MarkDown
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Live Preview
    9.  Tree structure
    10.  Outline organization
    11.  Scene Management
    12.  Plot visualisation

    novelWriter VS Manuskript

     
  8. Lore Forge icon

    Lore Forge

     13 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.

    40 Lore Forge alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    Overview screen

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Distraction-free
    3.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Places tracking
    2.  Character database
    3.  Custom characters
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Works Offline
    7.  Portable
    8.  Hierarchical Structure
    9.  Spell Checking
    10.  No Tracking
    11.  WYSIWYG Support
    12.  Live Preview

    Lore Forge VS Manuskript

     

    • 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
  10. TextMaker icon

    TextMaker

     64 likes
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    TextMaker is the word processor in SoftMaker Office – fast, powerful, compatible and GDPR-compliant.

    65 TextMaker alternatives

    License model

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    TextMaker screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1. Microsoft 365 Copilot icon  Compatible with Microsoft Office
    2.  Export to PDF
    3.  Compatible with Libre Office
    4.  Portable
    5.  Export to EPUB
    6.  Autocompletion
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Spell Checking
    11.  Works Offline

    TextMaker VS Manuskript

     
  11. WriteMonkey icon

    WriteMonkey

     127 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.

    100 WriteMonkey alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • SI flagSlovenia
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Windows
    The interface, full screen.

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free
    2.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Pomodoro Timer
    2.  Support for MarkDown
    3.  Portable
    4.  Command palette
    5.  Distraction-free Writing
    6.  Fullscreen support

    WriteMonkey VS Manuskript

     
  12. Novlr icon

    Novlr

     12 likes
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    Advanced writing tool supporting online and offline modes, accessible from any device. Features chapter and scene organization, grammar checks, version history, and export options including docx and epub. Novlr syncs with cloud services for seamless access and tracks goals with analytics.

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Novlr screenshot 1

    Novlr Features

    1.  Dark Mode
    2.  Works Offline
    3. Dropbox icon  Dropbox integration
    4.  Visual Organization
    5.  Export to EPUB
    6. Google Drive icon  Google Drive integration
    7.  Export to PDF
    8.  Visual planning
    9.  Web-Based

    Novlr VS Manuskript

     
  13. Nisus Writer Express icon

    Nisus Writer Express

     14 likes
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    Nisus Writer feels like home with support for Mac OS X autosave, document versioning, and iCloud. Built from the same core as Nisus Writer Pro, Express features the same elegant user interface and compatibility that has been universally praised by both users and press alike.

    License model

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    Nisus Writer Express screenshot 1

    Nisus Writer Express Features

    1.  Support for scripting
    2.  File Versioning
    3.  Tabbed interface
    4.  Support for regular expressions
    5.  Regex substitution
    6.  Split-screen view
    7.  Search and Replace
    8.  Split windows
    9.  Replace expressions
    10.  Support for Right-to-Left

    Nisus Writer Express VS Manuskript

     
10 of 35 Manuskript alternatives