From Draft to Masterpiece: 8 Free and Open-source Novel Text Editors for Linux, Windows and macOS
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Whether you're drafting your first novel, organizing a sprawling epic, or just trying to stay focused without the clutter, the right writing tool can make all the difference. In this post, we’ve curated 8 powerful, free, and open-source text editors designed specifically for long-form fiction, from distraction-free writing to smart story structuring.
These tools help you plan, write, organize, and revise with ease, no subscriptions, no bloat, just pure creativity. Perfect for pantsers, planners, and especially plantsers (those who start free and structure later). Whether you’re using Linux, macOS, or Windows, there’s something here for every writer.
Hazem Abbas
Why these tools matter:
They empower writers with full control over their work, support versioning and backups, integrate with productivity workflows, and keep your data safe in plain text, future-proof and accessible for decades.
Hazem Abbas
We’ve covered similar topics before: note-taking apps, infinitive canvas tools, digital sketching software, and writing productivity systems, because great ideas deserve great tools. Over the years, we’ve explored how tech can elevate creativity, not hinder it.
Ready to find your perfect writing companion? Let’s dive in!
1- novelWriter
novelWriter is a plain text editor for writers, using Markdown-like syntax to organize novels from many small files. It features metadata for synopsis, comments, and cross-references, stores projects in simple XML and JSON files, and works seamlessly with version control and sync tools, all while keeping your work clean, open, and future-proof.
The most amazing thing for this beautiful app, is that it works on Windows, Linux, and macOS! You can even install it as a Python package.
vkbo
2- CyberKitty
CyberKitty is a revolutionary human-AI hybrid novel editor reimagining storytelling in the age of AI. Designed for queer and niche writers, it empowers creators to draft, outline, and refine stories with intelligent assistance, elevating creativity, not replacing it.
It is built for collaboration, discovery, and high-level writing abstraction. Try the free demo at cyberkitty.ai and experience the future of literary creation.
It is important to note that app did not get any update since two years.
JuliaMerz
3- WareWoolf
WareWoolf is a minimalist, mouse-free novel writing app designed for fiction writers. No fonts, no clutter, just three clean panels: Chapters, Editor, and Notes. Write fast with keyboard shortcuts, import files, auto-format manuscripts, and send drafts via email. Built for standalone devices like writerDecks. Perfect for focused, distraction-free storytelling.
WareWoolf's features
- All-keyboard navigation designed for pleasant use without a mouse.
- Distraction-free writing: Each of the three panels can be toggled on/off at the press of a button. Write with only your manuscript visible.
- Plain text import/conversion tools
- Options to parse a simplified version of Markdown (MarkdownFic) or interpret custom markers for detecting italics, headings, etc.
- Detect custom strings marking chapter breaks or break text into chapters at each heading, etc.
- Easily re-order chapters and automatically re-number them in headings after doing so ("Chapter One," "Chapter Two," etc.)
- Compile chapters into single manuscript or export into individual files for each chapter
- Send Via Email: Email drafts of individual chapters or the entire manuscript to yourself at the press of a button.
- Built In File Manager: Rename, delete, copy, move, and organize files within WareWoolf (for use in a writerDeck).
- Built In Wi-Fi Manager: turn wi-fi on/off, connect to new networks, etc. (Linux only, for use in a writerDeck).
- Word Counts / Goal: See total count, chapter count, session count, and set a goal to see a progress bar showing how close you are to completion.
- Each chapter is saved as an individual file only loaded when you are working on that chapter. This keeps very long novels from slowing the application at all, even with low-memory computers such as a Raspberry Pi.
- Outliner (very simple as is, but plan to improve drastically)
- Adjust width of text editor and how large text is displayed.
- Spellcheck, but it must be run after writing (no form of auto-correct or red squiggles or godawful grammar advice).
- Word .docx support for import/export
- Auto-saving and auto-backup options
- Saves chapters as .txt files with light Markdown-style formatting, so even if WareWoolf disappears you will always be able to read/edit the documents you create with it. This is also widely considered the most "archival" file format, so people will still be able to open your files in 100 years (if people still read then).
brsloan
4- novelibre
novelibre is a smart, LibreOffice-powered tool for writers who love planning big novels. It breaks stories into parts, chapters, and section, each packed with useful metadata. Track characters, locations, items, and plot points all in one place, linked directly to your manuscript.
No need to switch apps: it works seamlessly within LibreOffice Writer. Perfect for organized storytellers who want control without clutter. Ideal for long-term projects and revisions. Keep your world, plot, and characters in sync, effortlessly. Write with confidence!
novelibre's Features
- With novelibre, extensive novels can be broken down into parts, chapters, and sections.
- You can store data on characters, locations, and items that are important for the story. This includes the optional definition of a viewpoint character for each section.
- All of this appears as a clear and editable tree structure with listed information.
- Summaries can be entered at all these levels, from which synopses and lists can be generated.
- If you choose a narrative structure, novelibre can display stages (e.g. acts or steps) in the tree. When plotting, descriptions of these stages can be entered, from which novelibre can generate its own documentation. Prefabricated structural models can also be imported from templates.
- novelibre also allows you to create and document an underlying structure of plot lines (e.g. subplots or character arcs) apart from the chapters and sections. This can then be linked to the sections of the novel text.
- novelibre provides a plot grid with plot line notes for each section. This allows you to see the big picture and keep track of multiple subplots.
- To keep track of progress, the word count and the completion status of the sections are displayed.
- Individual chapters and sections can be flagged as "unused" to exclude them from document export.
- You can add information about the story time and duration to each section. If you enter a date, the day of the week is displayed. You can also call up the age of characters that are assigned to a section. The date and time information can be synchronised with dedicated timeline software.
- For the actual writing work, novelibre starts the Writer word processor with a structured manuscript in Open Document Text format (.odt). At the end of a work cycle, novelibre reimports the manuscript and updates the writing project. New chapters and sections can also be created in the process.
- For printing, novelibre exports a neatly designed novel manuscript that can be formatted as you wish applying Writer document templates.
- novelibre saves its data in a well-documented, XML-based file format (.novx), which can also be read as plain text and displayed with a standard web browser.
- novelibre is written in Python and should run on several operating systems, like Windows and Linux.
peter88213
5- MaweJS
MaweJS is the perfect writing companion for plantsers, writers who start freely, then structure later. Built with Electron, React, and Node.js, it blends the simplicity of Word or Notepad with the power of Scrivener-style organization. No rigid setup, no scene-by-scene editing pressure, just write first, organize later. Ideal for those who love freedom but need tools to manage complex stories.
Whether you're drafting your next novel or reworking a sprawling plot, MaweJS adapts to your flow. Try it today and write your story your way.
6- EpiCraft BookEditor
EpicCraft is the ultimate writing tool for epic storytellers crafting long-form novels, web fiction, and grand narratives. Enjoy distraction-free writing with a clean, intuitive interface. Organize chapters, scenes, and characters effortlessly.
It is perfect for aspiring and seasoned authors who want focus, flexibility, and powerful storytelling tools—without the clutter. Write your epic masterpiece with confidence.
The app is written using Svelte, TypeScript and can be installed directly from SnapCraft app store for Linux.
jeasoncc
7- Tree Writer
Tree Writer is a free simple app that enables you to Write freely with plain text, organize with #headings and wikilinks. Fold sections, link ideas, keep it simple. Your novel, your rules, just text files, forever accessible. Pure focus, zero friction.
It is written using C# and can work on Windows, may be compiled to other platforms.
Blecki
8- Fernanda (Fresh, WIP)
Fernanda is a plain text editor for long-form fiction, built for focus and flexibility. Planned for Mac and Linux, it uses modular, event-driven architecture to keep your writing simple, organized, and future-ready.
fairybow
Ready for More?
Hazem Abbas
Hazem Abbas
Hazem Abbas
Hazem Abbas
