Ulysses Alternatives

Ulysses is described as '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' and is a popular Text Editor in the news & books category. There are more than 50 alternatives to Ulysses for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone and iPad. The best alternative is Obsidian. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Joplin or Zettlr. Other great apps like Ulysses are Typora, Microsoft Word, CherryTree and Scrivener.

Ulysses alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Novel Authoring Tools. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Ulysses.

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Ulysses

Paid • Proprietary
Text Editor

Mac
iPhone
iPad

Ulysses is a text editor for creative writers. Used by bloggers, poets, students and published novelists all over the...

Learn more about Ulysses

Obsidian
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Snapcraft
Flathub
157 alternatives to Obsidian
Powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.
Suggest and vote on features
Obsidian Features
1. Support for MarkDownObsidian supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Works OfflineObsidian can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Obsidian without registration.
4. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsObsidian can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
5. Dark ModeObsidian supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. No TrackingObsidian will not track you or use your personal data.
7. Support for LaTeXObsidian supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
8. PortableObsidian can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Local Storage
Graph view
Bidirectional links
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
Backlink
Knowledge Management
Custom themes
Knowledge Base structuring
Note organization
Wiki-like local linking
Joplin
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
AppImageHub
Snapcraft
Google Chrome
Flathub
Homebrew
Chocolatey
Termux
Firefox
591 alternatives to Joplin
Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application, which can handle a large number of notes organised into notebooks. The notes are searchable, can be copied, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor.
Suggest and vote on features
Joplin Features
1. Support for MarkDownJoplin supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
3. End-to-End EncryptionJoplin has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedJoplin is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Joplin.
6. Works OfflineJoplin can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Ad-freeJoplin doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Joplin.
9. LightweightJoplin consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Local Storage
Android Sync
Encrypted Notes
WebDAV Support
Tagging
Write files in markdown
Synchronization
Multiplatform
Plugin system
Sync with Dropbox
Joplin vs Ulysses
Most users think Joplin is a great alternative to Ulysses.
Typora
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
Electron / Atom Shell
134 alternatives to Typora
Typora gives you a seamless experience as both a reader and a writer. It removes the preview window, mode switcher, syntax symbols of markdown source code, and all other unnecessary distractions. Instead, it provides a real live preview feature to help you concentrate on the...
Suggest and vote on features
Typora Features
1. Support for MarkDownTypora supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
3. Distraction-freeTypora has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
4. WYSIWYG SupportTypora integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
5. Support for LaTeXTypora supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
6. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Typora.
7. LightweightTypora consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
8. Code FormattingTypora supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
9. Spell CheckingTypora can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
Write files in markdown
Save as Markdown
Simple text editor
Code Syntax Highlighting
Export to PDF
Clean design
Multiplatform
Nested Folders
Minimalistic
Multiple languages
Typora vs Ulysses
Most users think Typora is a great alternative to Ulysses.
wonderwarthog
Also features a handy files panel to the left. Display and editing is distraction free and very clean (cleaner than Ulysses).
Positive comment• ago

4
Zettlr
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
130 alternatives to Zettlr
Zettlr is a supercharged markdown editor that combines many writing editor features and collect them in one application. It aims at speeding up your workflow and help you write without any interruptions.
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Zettlr Features
1. Support for MarkDownZettlr supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. File TaggingZettlr can organize and highlight your files with tags and labels.
3. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
4. Dark ModeZettlr supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Privacy focusedZettlr is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
6. Ad-freeZettlr doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. Pomodoro TimerPractice the Pomodoro Technique in Zettlr to stay focused and productive.
8. LightweightZettlr consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
Zettelkasten note method
Multiple export options
Zotero integration
Note organization
Built-in themes
Export to LaTeX
Link files
Integrated Search
Sync with Nextcloud
Tasklists
Microsoft Word
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Word Processor
Mac
Windows
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
Windows Phone
iPad
85 alternatives to Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word, part of the Microsoft 365 (Office) but also sold as a standalone application, is Microsoft's word processor. Its proprietary (but open-specification) DOC format is considered a de-facto standard, although from 2007 and...
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Microsoft Word Features
1. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Microsoft Word simultaneously.
2. Dark ModeMicrosoft Word supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
3. Spell CheckingMicrosoft Word can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
4. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
5. PDF annotationMicrosoft Word support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
6. Works OfflineMicrosoft Word can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Convert Word documents to PDF
Document structure management
Ribbon Interface
Custom styles
Export to PDF
Text boxes
Digital Signage
Integrated PDF Viewer
Onedrive integration
Cross-references
CherryTree
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Windows
Linux
PortableApps.com
Mac
496 alternatives to CherryTree
A hierarchical note taking application, featuring rich text and syntax highlighting, storing data in a single xml or sqlite file.
Suggest and vote on features
CherryTree Features
1. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with CherryTree.
2. Syntax HighlightingCherryTree supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
3. Support for MarkDownCherryTree supports MarkDown for document formatting.
4. Code FormattingCherryTree supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
5. PortableCherryTree can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Tree structure
Infinite hierarchical depth
Includes images in notes
Outliner
Tree view
Text-manipulation
Tree-style
Customizable
Internal linking
Support for Android Things
Scrivener
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Novel Authoring Tool
Note-taking Tool
Word Processor
Mac
Windows
iPhone
iPad
PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)
Wine
93 alternatives to Scrivener
Typewriter. Ring-binder. Scrapbook. Scrivener combines everything you need to craft your first draft, from nascent notion to final full stop.
Suggest and vote on features
Scrivener Features
1. Support for scriptingScrivener supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
2. Support for LaTeXScrivener supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
Corkboard
Integrated Search
Document compiler
Multi-document View
Visual Organization
Scene Management
Character database
Folders
Split files into sections
Word counter
Scrivener vs Ulysses
Almost everyone thinks Scrivener is a great alternative to Ulysses.
Guest
Not convenient about keyboard shortcuts on formatting on windows platform
Top negative comment• ago

0

Guest
Scrivener is a terrible alternative to Ulysses. It's not a markdown editor, the interface is cluttered, and there are so many features that are cumbersome and unintuitive that it takes forever to figure them out. With Ulysses, it's more what you see is what you get. You can focus more on writing. You don't have to try to learn the app as much, and it's markdown, so you can focus on content, not formatting.
Negative comment• ago

0

walker3jacq
Scrivener is all about the metadata, while Ulysses is about writing.
Negative comment• ago

1

Guest
Ulysses is WYSIWYM, while Scrivener is WYSIWYG. It can be extremely time-consuming to set the font styling right in every dialog box that controls the fonts. Ulysses, on the other hand, has one font setting, then the styles dictate how the editor is displayed. It's much more focused on content than appearance.
Negative comment• ago

3

wonderwarthog
Doesn't use Markdown format. Focus on tons of features instead of distraction-free writing.
Negative comment• ago

-5
Manuskript
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Novel Authoring Tool
Note-taking Tool
Project Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
FLATHUB
100 alternatives to Manuskript
Manuskript is an open-source tool for writers, with outliner, character management, plot development, distraction-free editor, etc.
Suggest and vote on features
Manuskript Features
1. Support for MarkDownManuskript supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. File VersioningManuskript has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
Outliner
Tree structure
Tracking of plots
Distraction-free Writing
Tracking of characters
Plot visualisation
Track Characters
Visual Organization
Tracking of locations
Outline folding
Roam Research
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Online
Android
iPhone
115 alternatives to Roam Research
As easy to use as a word document or bulleted list, and as powerful for finding, collecting, and connecting related ideas as a graph database. Collaborate with others in real time, or store all your data locally.
Suggest and vote on features
Roam Research Features
1. Full-Text SearchRoam Research lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
2. Works OfflineRoam Research can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Support for MarkDownRoam Research supports MarkDown for document formatting.
4. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Roam Research simultaneously.
5. Kanban BoardRoam Research allows you to organize your workflow by moving cards with drag-and-drop functionality between multiple columns.
6. End-to-End EncryptionRoam Research has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
7. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
8. Pomodoro TimerPractice the Pomodoro Technique in Roam Research to stay focused and productive.
9. Syntax HighlightingRoam Research supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
Bidirectional links
Block reference
Query Engine
Backlinks
Graph view
Outliner
Knowledge Base structuring
Hyperlinks
Dynamic content
Note organization
Dendron
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Self-Hosted
Visual Studio Code
213 alternatives to Dendron
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Dendron Features
1. Support for MarkDownDendron supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Dendron.
3. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsDendron can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
4. Privacy focusedDendron is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
Local Storage
Block reference
Graph view
VSCode
Backlinks
Quick reference lookup
Publishing
Tagging
Bidirectional links
Built-in themes