Writing Tools Directory
Browse our curated collection of the best writing tools, software, and apps for writers of all types.
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Scrivener
Writing Editors
A powerful content-generation tool for writers that allows you to concentrate on composing and structuring long and difficult documents.
Pros
- Excellent for organizing large writing projects
- Flexible structure for research and notes
- One-time payment, not subscription
- Available for macOS and Windows
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Can be overwhelming for simple projects
- Mobile app costs extra
Manuskript
Writing Editors
A free and open-source writing tool designed for writers who want a Scrivener-like experience without the cost, offering organization tools for novels, short stories, and research.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source
- Similar functionality to Scrivener
- Character and plot development tools
- Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Cons
- Less polished interface than commercial alternatives
- Fewer features than Scrivener
- Less frequent updates
- Limited mobile support
OmmWriter
Writing Editors
A distraction-free writing environment that combines simple, minimalist design with soothing backgrounds and audio to create a zen writing experience.
Pros
- Beautiful, distraction-free interface
- Soothing audio and visual elements
- Helps create a focused writing state
- Simple and intuitive design
Cons
- Limited formatting options
- Not designed for organizing large projects
- Fewer features than full-featured writing tools
- No collaboration features
NovelPad
Writing Editors
A cloud-based writing platform specifically designed for novelists, with a focus on chapter-based organization and distraction-free writing.
Pros
- Chapter-focused organization
- Cloud-based with automatic saving
- Clean, distraction-free interface
- Word count goals and statistics
Cons
- Subscription-based pricing
- Fewer advanced features than desktop alternatives
- Requires internet connection for full functionality
- Newer platform with smaller community
Ulysses
Writing Editors
A streamlined, distraction-free writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone that offers a focused writing environment with powerful organization tools.
Pros
- Clean, minimalist interface
- Markdown-based writing
- Seamless sync across Apple devices
- Excellent export options
Cons
- Subscription-based pricing
- Only available for Apple devices
- Limited customization compared to some competitors
Typora
Writing Editors
A minimal Markdown editor that provides a seamless experience between writing and reading with real-time preview and clean interface.
Pros
- Real-time Markdown preview
- Distraction-free writing experience
- Supports tables, math, diagrams
- One-time purchase with reasonable price
Cons
- Fewer organizational features than full writing suites
- Limited cloud integration
- Not specialized for long-form fiction
Grammarly
Proofreading & Editing
An AI-powered writing assistant that helps you write mistake-free and effective copy across the web.
Pros
- Works across most websites and applications
- Catches grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
- Suggests style improvements
- Browser extension available
Cons
- Best features require premium subscription
- Occasionally makes incorrect suggestions
- Privacy concerns with sending text to their servers
ProWritingAid
Proofreading & Editing
A grammar checker, style editor, and writing mentor in one package that helps you improve your writing.
Pros
- In-depth writing analysis
- Specialized reports for different aspects of writing
- Integrates with many writing platforms
- One-time purchase option available
Cons
- Interface can feel cluttered
- Processing long documents can be slow
- Some features overlap with simpler tools
Hemingway Editor
Proofreading & Editing
A writing tool that highlights complex sentences, passive voice, adverbs, and other elements to help you improve readability.
Pros
- Simple, focused interface
- Highlights readability issues
- Provides readability grade level
- Desktop app available for offline use
Cons
- Limited features compared to comprehensive editors
- No grammar checking
- Not suitable for all writing styles
ChatGPT
Prompt Generators
An AI assistant that can help with brainstorming, drafting, editing, and providing writing prompts.
Pros
- Versatile for many writing tasks
- Can generate ideas and outlines
- Helps overcome writer's block
- Free tier available
Cons
- May generate inaccurate information
- Quality varies by prompt engineering skill
- Premium tier required for latest features
- Privacy concerns
Plot Generator
Prompt Generators
A tool that randomly generates plot ideas, character names, first lines, and other creative writing prompts.
Pros
- Completely free to use
- Wide variety of generators
- Fun and unexpected results
- No account required
Cons
- Results can be hit-or-miss
- Limited customization options
- Basic interface
- Ad-supported
Inkarnate
Prompt Generators
A web-based map making tool for creating fantasy maps, world maps, and regional maps for stories and games.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for map creation
- Extensive library of assets
- Helps visualize story settings
- Community sharing features
Cons
- Best assets locked behind pro subscription
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Limited export options in free version
Campfire Blaze
Worldbuilding & Storytelling
A worldbuilding and novel-planning software suite designed for writers of novels, screenplays, and roleplaying games.
Pros
- Comprehensive worldbuilding tools
- Character development features
- Timeline and relationship mapping
- Modular pricing for needed features
Cons
- Subscription model can get expensive
- Learning curve for all features
- Some modules feel less polished than others
World Anvil
Worldbuilding & Storytelling
A worldbuilding tool and website that helps you create, organize and store your world setting.
Pros
- Extensive worldbuilding templates
- Community features and sharing
- Interactive maps and timelines
- RPG campaign management
Cons
- Interface can be overwhelming
- Best features require subscription
- Learning curve for full utilization
FocusWriter
Productivity
A simple, distraction-free writing environment that hides everything but your text to help you focus.
Pros
- Completely free and open source
- Customizable themes and backgrounds
- Daily goals and statistics
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Cons
- Limited formatting options
- No cloud sync built in
- Basic feature set compared to premium alternatives
Cold Turkey Writer
Productivity
A writing app that blocks everything on your computer until you reach your writing goal.
Pros
- Forces you to write without distractions
- Can't exit until you reach your goal
- Simple, clean interface
- One-time purchase for Pro version
Cons
- May be too restrictive for some writers
- Limited formatting options
- No cloud sync
- Pro features require payment
Pacemaker
Productivity
A writing planning tool that helps you set and maintain writing goals with flexible scheduling.
Pros
- Smart planning algorithms
- Adapts to your writing schedule
- Visual progress tracking
- Accommodates life events and interruptions
Cons
- Full features require subscription
- Primarily focused on word count goals
- No actual writing environment
Freedom
Productivity
An app and website blocker that helps you focus by blocking distracting websites and apps.
Pros
- Works across all devices
- Scheduled sessions
- Customizable blocklists
- Can block the entire internet if needed
Cons
- Subscription required for full features
- Can be bypassed with some technical knowledge
- Occasional syncing issues between devices
Forest App
Productivity
A productivity app that helps you stay focused by planting virtual trees that grow while you work.
Pros
- Gamifies the focus process
- Visual representation of productivity
- Plants real trees through partner organization
- Simple and intuitive interface
Cons
- Limited customization in free version
- Basic functionality compared to other focus apps
- No website blocking in mobile version
Notion
Organization
All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, wikis, and databases that can be customized for writing projects.
Pros
- Highly customizable for different writing workflows
- Combines notes, tasks, and databases
- Good collaboration features
- Works across all platforms
Cons
- Can be complex to set up initially
- Not specifically designed for long-form writing
- Offline mode has limitations
Evernote
Organization
A note-taking app that helps writers capture ideas, organize research, and manage writing projects.
Pros
- Excellent web clipper for research
- Good search capabilities
- Available on all platforms
- Integrates with many other tools
Cons
- Free plan has limited features
- Not designed specifically for creative writing
- Sync limitations in free tier
Airtable
Organization
A flexible database tool that can be used to organize characters, plot points, and research for writing projects.
Pros
- Powerful database features with visual interfaces
- Customizable views (grid, kanban, calendar)
- Good for tracking complex projects
- Collaboration features
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Free plan limitations on records and attachments
- Not writing-focused by default
Plottr
Organization
A visual book planning software that helps you outline your novel, organize your scenes, and track character arcs.
Pros
- Visual timeline for plotting
- Character and plot arc tracking
- Templates for popular story structures
- One-time payment option
Cons
- Limited writing environment
- Primarily for planning, not drafting
- Some users report occasional bugs
Inspiration & Research
A visual discovery engine for finding ideas like recipes, home and style inspiration, and more.
Pros
- Vast collection of visual inspiration
- Create mood boards for characters and settings
- Save and organize visual references
- Discover related content through algorithm
Cons
- Can become a distraction/procrastination tool
- Not specifically designed for writers
- Some content requires account to view
OneLook Thesaurus
Inspiration & Research
A reverse dictionary and thesaurus that helps you find the perfect word for any context.
Pros
- Powerful word-finding capabilities
- Concept-based search
- Wildcard search options
- No account required
Cons
- Basic interface
- Ad-supported
- Limited advanced features compared to premium tools
Google Scholar
Inspiration & Research
A freely accessible web search engine that indexes scholarly literature across many disciplines.
Pros
- Access to academic papers and citations
- Great for research-based writing
- Advanced search options
- Citation tools built in
Cons
- Many papers require institutional access or payment
- Not focused on creative writing
- Can be overwhelming for casual research
Sudowrite
Prompt Generators
An AI writing assistant specifically designed for creative writers and novelists.
Pros
- Designed specifically for creative fiction
- Helps overcome writer's block
- Character and description expansion features
- More literary focus than general AI tools
Cons
- Subscription can be expensive
- Quality varies by genre
- May lead to over-reliance on AI suggestions