Best writing tools in 2024 (free and paid)
- Franka Jakoliš
- Jul 22, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 22, 2024
For any writer, having the perfect tool to organize your thoughts and bring your stories to life is crucial. It's not uncommon for tools to overlook the one feature that could enhance our daily routines. The very tool we rely on for writing can end up being a barrier.
How to find your perfect writing tool? Do you really need all the features some tools like Scrivener use? Thankfully, several alternatives and options exist that offer similar functionalities. Let's explore some of the top options, their advantages, and their disadvantages.
*This blog post is not sponsored.
*The tools were carefully tried and tested before writing this article.
1. Scrivener
Scrivener is the tool I heard the most about when starting my writing journey. A lot of authors swear by it, saying it has everything you need in a writing tool. But I encountered a significant drawback in Scrivener. While Scrivener is a favorite choice for many because of its powerful organizational features and robust functionality, its lack of cloud-based capabilities for working on several devices. But let’s dive into a general overview:
Advantages:
Powerful organizational features for complex projects - You can basically do whatever you like, be it templates, planning, plotting, revisions, see previous versions, search for keywords, notes, comments, highlights, exports to various formats, etc.
Corkboard, outliner, and manuscript views
Flexible and customizable - you can customize themes, fonts, interface and much more
Extensive export options to various formats - you just need to be careful of how you structure your book while writing
One-time purchase with no subscription required
Extensive (written) tutorial at the beginning, but since the tool is so popular, there are many tutorials online
Disadvantages:
Limited cloud synchronization - essentially, you need to update your folder on Dropbox, open it on another device (that also has a Scrivener software with a valid license installed) and then you’re able to write on multiple devices. Not really a cloud solution.
Steep learning curve for new users and authors not experienced with complex software in general
Separate purchases needed for different devices (Mac, Windows, mobile phone)
2. LivingWriter
While LivingWriter looks much more sleek and clean compared to Scrivener, it has a lot of similar options and additional delighters which brought my attention to it. The chapter status feature is particularly impressive because it allows you to track your progress. There are other amazing options like various boards and stashing the parts that you don’t really need anymore. Also, for starting any project, there are various templates that can help you structure your documents, depending on what technique you want to use for shaping your story. Let’s look at the general overview.
Advantages:
Templates save time and help structure your work
Clean, modern interface with just enough useful functionalities
Autosave and cloud backups ensure your work is safe
Mobile and desktop accessibility
Drag-and-drop outline organization in ‘Boards’ option (manuscript, plot, elements, and research boards)
Version history with the possibility of saving and renaming them for later use
Character and setting templates
Chapter statuses
Stash option for blocks of texts you don’t need, but don’t want to delete
Collaboration features
Cloud storage and access whenever, wherever
Goals for chapters, manuscripts, and sessions, not excessive but just enough
Disadvantages:
Not as feature-rich as Scrivener in some aspects
Some users report occasional syncing issues
Higher annual cost compared to other cloud-based tools
3. Dabble
Dabble is also a tool similar to Scrivener, but cloud-based, which is automatically a big plus. The pricing is on a higher end, similar as with LivingWriter. What Dabble offers is a place to organize your manuscript, plot, characters, and story notes. Character templates with two row texts, images, and divider are customizable, and what I specifically like is the timer option for your writing sprints, integrated into the tool itself. If you seek a simpler alternative to Scrivener, this tool is for you.
Advantages:
Robust plotting tools and manuscript builder
Focus mode for distraction-free writing
Cloud-based access for syncing across multiple devices
Timer, email reminder, and goals with cute animations when you reach your goal
Advanced character sheets
Real-time collaboration features
Consistent updates and responsive customer support
Disadvantages:
Fewer customization options compared to Scrivener
Limited non-fiction writing templates
Subscription costs can add up over time
When comparing it to other similar tools, the design could be better.
There is a basic version which is affordable, but doesn’t have features like comments or plot grid
4. Ulysses
Ulysses is a sleek and clean looking tool for writing without many distractions. However, it is limited to Mac and iOS. The text editor is in markdown, which means you can write without the need to remove your hands from a keyboard. Of course, given that you’re familiar with markdown (but it’s not hard to learn). It has a solid structure and provides everything you need for a simple book writing or blog posts. It can even have direct API connection to Wordpress, Ghost, or Medium, so you can publish your texts directly to your site. But with all those great features integrated in a simple and intuitive design, it lacks some of the robust features other tools have, like scene cards, revision history, version saves, etc. Ulysses is a valuable tool for everyday writing and blogging, but it may fall short when it comes to writing a complex book.
Advantages:
Distraction-free writing environment
Organization features support various writing projects
Cloud synchronization through iCloud
Markdown support for easy formatting
Affordable annual subscription
Beautiful, minimalist interface
Writing goals
Disadvantages:
Mac and iOS exclusive, which can be limiting
Requires familiarity with Markdown for optimal use
Lacks some robust organizational features other tools have
5. Reedsy
Reedsy was my first writing tool of choice, that choice based only on the fact that it was free (and had good SEO). I continued using it to this day since it proved to be an excellent tool for putting your story down and have it organized, all in one place. But since I started working on my fantasy novel, I started looking into other tools. Reedsy alone couldn’t handle the world building, character sheets, and other elements of a fantasy novel in progress. So if you’re looking for a tool to write more simple novels or stories or even to just get your first draft out on the paper, Reedsy is definitely a much better choice than Microsoft Word of Google docs. Reedsy can offer a user-friendly interface and options that are not available in the other two mentioned. However, for all additional folders you need to organize your story, you should look for a more complex tool.
Advantages:
User-friendly interface with powerful formatting options
Cloud-based access
Focused on the entire book creation process
Access to a network of professional editors and designers
Free to use
Disadvantages:
Not a dedicated writing tool, more focused on editing and formatting
Limited offline capabilities
Lacks some robust organizational features other tools have
Professional services can be expensive
6. Notion
The additional tool I used with Reedsy was Notion. Also free, with the help of Notion I built my world wiki, character sheets, plot outlines, and everything I needed to define for my story. Notion is a powerful and versatile tool for a lot of things, not just writing, and it can be customized to serve everyone’s needs. As a very popular tool, there are a lot of templates out there to speed up the process of setting up your workspace, or you can simply build your own template from scratch. Possibilities are mostly endless. However, a learning curve accompanies such a comprehensive tool. To really understand all that Notion offers, you need to go over some tutorials and get yourself familiar with pages, folders, databases, rollups, etc. While Notion can be used for writing novels or stories, its versatility as a tool may affect certain crucial aspects. For example, there is no extensive export options or version history.
Advantages:
Versatile and highly customizable tool for note-taking, project management, writing and many more
Customizable templates for various writing projects
Collaboration features for real-time teamwork
Cloud-based with access on any device
Integration with other tools and databases
Free option available with sufficient features for many users
Disadvantages:
Because of its flexibility and wide range of features, it can be overwhelming.
A steep learning curve to set up and use efficiently
Limited offline access compared to dedicated writing apps
Lacks some features other writing tools have (Notion is not primarily a writing tool)
7. Novlr
Designed for writers, Novlr is a clean-looking tool which enables you to write your novel with little distraction. Focused on analytics and goals, it offers a lot of statistics about your writing. It also offers resources to learn and utilize your use of Novlr, making productivity an important part of your writing progress. What it lacks are the organizational features that could aid in arranging complex stories. The tool is organized using chapters and notes, but does not offer the option to connect notes with chapters or engage in more detailed planning like other tools do. So if you want a simple and easy-to-use tool for your writing, Novlr might be a great choice. It s like Reedsy (both being free), with both tools having (and lacking) some features the other one has.
Advantages:
User-friendly interface tailored for novel writing
Free starter version offers basic features and a possibility to work on five projects
Distraction-free writing environment
Chapter organization and goal setting
Analytics to track progress
Access on any device with an internet connection
Cloud-based with seamless sync across devices
Regular updates and active community support
Built-in grammar and style checker
Disadvantages:
Limited export options compared to other tools
You cannot do some basic stuff in free version, like leaving comments
You can create notes, but cannot connect them to chapters
Leaving comments on your work is available only in paid version
Pricier compared to some competitors
Comparison Table
Feature | Scrivener | LivingWriter | Dabble | Ulysses | Reedsy | Notion | Novlr |
Cloud-Based Access | Limited (requires third-party sync) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Platform Compatibility | Mac, Windows, iOS | Any (web-based) | Any (web-based) | Mac, iOS | Any (web-based) | Any (web-based) | Any (web-based) |
Focus Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Collaboration Features | Limited | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Organizational Tools | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Limited | Limited | Advanced | Limited |
Templates Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Export Options | Extensive | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Extensive | Limited | Limited |
Real-Time Sync | Requires setup | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Offline Access | Yes | No | No | Yes | Limited | Limited | No |
Grammar/Style Checker | No (third-party integration) | No (but works with browser extensions) | No (but works with browser extensions) | Yes | No (but works with browser extensions) | No (but works with browser extensions) | Yes |
Cost | Free | ||||||
Free trial | 30 days (but only counts the days you use the app, no credit card required) | 14 days (no card required) | 14-day free trial of Premium (no credit card required) | 7 days (manage subscription with iCloud account) | - | - | - |
Key Takeaways
Scrivener: Best suited for writers who need powerful organizational tools and extensive export options. It offers a onetime purchase option but lacks seamless cloud synchronization, which can be a drawback for those working across multiple devices.
LivingWriter: A great alternative to Scrivener with a modern interface and cloud-based functionality. It provides useful features like drag-and-drop organization, chapter statuses, and version history, making it ideal for collaborative and on-the-go writing. However, it comes at a higher annual cost.
Dabble: Excellent for writers who prioritize cloud-based access and robust plotting tools. Its user-friendly design, focus mode, and collaboration features are notable, though its customization options and non-fiction templates are limited. Subscription costs can add up over time.
Ulysses: Perfect for Mac and iOS users who prefer a distraction-free writing environment with Markdown support. It’s affordable an d offers solid organizational features, but lacks some advanced options available in other tools.
Reedsy: Ideal for writers looking for a free tool that focuses on the entire book creation process, including access to professional services. While it lacks the complexity and offline capabilities, its user-friendly interface and powerful formatting options are significant advantages.
Notion: A versatile tool that can be customized for various writing and project management needs. It's free, highly flexible, and supports real-time collaboration, but it has a steep learning curve and lacks some features specific to writing apps.
Novlr: Designed for novelists seeking a clean, distraction-free interface with cloud-based access. It offers robust analytics and goal-setting features but has limited organizational tools and export options. The free version has basic features, while advanced functionalities are available in paid versions.
Conclusion - how to choose a writing tool?
If you’re just starting out, choosing free tools such as Reedsy or Novlr in combination with Notion (if you need something to aid you in more complex world building) are just enough to get you going. Your writing journey will reveal what you need in a writing tool.
If you already know what you require for your writing to go smoothly, I hope this overview of writing tools has been helpful. This article didn’t cover everything, of course. If you still cannot find your perfect tool, I hope this was a good starting point to expand your search. However, writing tool is just that - a tool, one of many you will use in your writing journey. Keep in mind, what works for others may not work for you. All of the tools have free trials, and it’s okay to take your time and try them out, which can potentially save you a lot of time and money in the future.
Happy writing!
