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Kindling
What it is
Kindling is a free desktop writing app for fiction writers who plan while drafting. It keeps an outline visible through expandable scene-beat prompts, while a full-page prose editor is also available. Planning states include Fixed, Flexible, and Undefined. Tagged characters and locations can appear in a side panel with descriptions, notes, and custom fields. Kindling imports projects from Plottr, Scrivener, yWriter, Obsidian Longform, novelWriter, and Markdown, then exports to DOCX, EPUB, HTML, plain text, Markdown, Scrivener, Longform, and novelWriter. Editorial review uses a .kindling-review file for tracked suggestions and threaded comments, with feedback import and accept-or-reject controls. Screenplay projects include slugline input, page-count estimates, and one-page or five-page DOCX treatment exports. Projects stay in local SQLite files, and writing and review work offline. The app requires no account, uses no AI for writing analysis, and is open source under the MIT license.
For and against
For
- Keeps expandable scene beats beside drafting
- Imports projects from several writing tools
- Exports to DOCX, EPUB, HTML, and more
- Supports tracked suggestions and threaded comments
- Works offline without an account
Against
- No mobile version is listed
- Real-time collaboration is not available
- Runs only on Windows 10+, macOS 12+, or x86_64 Linux
- No free trial is offered because the plan is free
The verdict
Kindling combines outline-aware drafting, reference panels, broad project conversion, and offline editorial review. Its local storage, open-source license, and free plan suit writers who prefer desktop tools without accounts or AI analysis.
Who it suits
Kindling suits fiction writers who plan, including plotters, pantsers, and writers between those approaches. It also fits screenwriters and collaborators who need file-based editorial review.
Plans and prices
Kindling
No premium tiers · no subscriptions · no feature gates
Read 5 Oct 2026 · kindlingwriter.com
On the record
- AI
- Kindling does not use AI to analyze or interact with writing, and its reference auto-detection is described as a non-AI pattern-matching engine.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Editorial review
- Writers can share a .kindling-review file for tracked suggestions and threaded comments, then import feedback and accept or reject changes.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Export formats
- Kindling exports to DOCX, EPUB, HTML, plain text, Markdown, Scrivener, Longform, and novelWriter.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- For whom
- The maker describes it as built for fiction writers who plan, including plotters, pantsers, and writers between those approaches.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Import formats
- Kindling imports projects from Plottr, Scrivener, yWriter, Obsidian Longform, novelWriter, and Markdown.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- License
- Kindling is open source under the MIT license, and its source code is public.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Offline use
- The maker says writing and editorial review work offline, while automatic updates and optional feedback submissions use the internet.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Outline-aware drafting
- Scene beats appear as expandable prompts in the drafting view, and writers can also switch to a full-page prose editor.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Platform limits
- The maker lists Windows 10+, macOS 12+, and x86_64 Linux, and says there is no mobile version yet.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Privacy and storage
- The desktop app stores project data locally as SQLite files and does not require an account or include analytics, telemetry, or usage tracking.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Screenwriting
- Screenplay projects include slugline input, page-count estimates, and one-page or five-page DOCX treatment exports.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Story references
- Characters and locations tagged in a scene can surface in a side panel with descriptions, notes, and custom fields.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker links to GitHub Issues and Discord for questions and contributions.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Kindling is a desktop writing app that keeps an outline visible while fiction writers draft.kindlingwriter.com · read 5 Oct 2026
