Scrivener AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Novel Authoring Tools

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

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Most Scrivener alternatives are Novel Authoring Tools, but you can also narrow the list to Story Writing Tools or Note-taking Tools. Other popular filters are Android, Linux, Open Source, Free and Online.
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Alternatives
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Alternatives list

  1. Zettlr icon
     273 likes

    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.

    293 Zettlr alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2018

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flathub
    Good alternative?
     
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    3
  2. Manuskript icon
     178 likes

    Open-source software offering a hierarchical outliner, distraction-free editor, character management, plot tools, Snowflake method support, section multi-organization, customizable writing workflows, cross-platform availability, and export to standard formats.

    182 Manuskript alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2016

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Snapcraft
    • Flatpak
    Good alternative?
     
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    10
  3. Quoll Writer icon
     44 likes

    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.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2015

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
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    7
  4. novelWriter icon
     35 likes

    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.

    117 novelWriter alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2019

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Python
    • Qt
    Good alternative?
     
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    1
  5. Ulysses icon
     73 likes

    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.

    208 Ulysses alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2009

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Good alternative?
     
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    2
  6. 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.

    79 Story Architect (STARC) alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2022

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Chrome OS
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • AppImageHub
    Good alternative?
     
  7. Pinery icon
     12 likes

    Combines Markdown writing, live preview, and powerful design controls with instant exports in ePub, PDF, and HTML formats. Open format Markdown file storage, no vendor lock-in, customizable themes, and full privacy with local or iCloud storage on Mac.

    58 Pinery alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2025

    Platforms

    • Mac
    Good alternative?
     
  8. Lore Forge icon
     27 likes

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

    93 Lore Forge alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2023

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Online
    Good alternative?
     
  9. yWriter icon
     70 likes

    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.

    124 yWriter alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2010

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    Good alternative?
     
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    8
  10. 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.

    72 Fantasia Archive alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2021

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  11. Hammer Editor icon
     10 likes

    A simple tool for building stories and the worlds they live in.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2025

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
    Good alternative?
     
12 of 120 Scrivener alternatives