yWriter

yWriter is novel-writing software for organizing a manuscript into chapters and scenes. It helps structure a project rather than generate plot ideas or perform creative writing tasks. Scenes can be moved between chapters by drag and drop, and unused scenes can remain in a project without counting toward word totals or exports. Each scene can record a viewpoint character, goal, conflict, and outcome, and can include multiple characters. The software tracks word counts by project file and overall, and keeps a daily writing log. Automatic backups can run at intervals chosen by the user, while the editor can save timed snapshots of scenes. Windows software stores data on the user's computer and does not need an internet connection for ordinary use. Mobile versions are intended for editing PC projects on the go using Dropbox. The MacOS beta is temporarily free, is unstable, and should be used only with project backups.

yWriter focuses on manuscript structure and progress tracking rather than generating creative content.

yWriter suits novelists who want to organize scenes, track writing progress, and keep backups. It may also suit writers who want to edit desktop projects on mobile, with Dropbox use specified for the mobile versions.

Overview

yWriter is a manuscript workspace for novelists who want to break a book into manageable chapters and scenes. It suits writers who prefer explicit planning fields, progress records and local desktop files over generative assistance. The best fit is a process-focused novelist comfortable managing structure across desktop and mobile editions.

Key features

Scenes can be dragged between chapters, so a developing outline can be reshaped without recreating material. Scenes you set aside can remain in the project while being excluded from word counts and exports, preserving discarded possibilities without contaminating the active manuscript. This is useful for revision-heavy books, although writers seeking brainstorming or automatic plot development will find no such layer: yWriter leaves creative decisions to you.

Each scene supports a viewpoint character, goal, conflict and outcome, and multiple characters can be attached. Those fields turn a scene list into a practical planning record, particularly for novels with rotating viewpoints or large casts. They are organizational prompts rather than writing assistance, so their value depends on maintaining your own outline discipline.

Progress tools show word counts for each project file and in total, then keep a daily log for individual files and the overall project. Automatic backups run at intervals you choose, while timed scene snapshots provide additional recovery points. Together they make long, iterative manuscripts easier to monitor and roll back. Version history, publishing tools and extensive export formats also support moving from draft management toward output.

The Windows program is standalone, stores data on your computer and ordinarily works without an internet connection. It checks online only for updates, or when you activate its optional FTP backup with server credentials. Mobile editions are intended to edit PC projects on the go through Dropbox; that is useful for continuity, but it adds a file-transfer workflow rather than a built-in always-online writing service.

Security is limited. Project passwords are reminders only: they do not encrypt files or stop a determined person from reading project data. Windows users get community support through a Facebook page and Google Group, where alpha and bleeding-edge releases are available. The maker, Simon Haynes, identifies himself as both programmer and published author, with the software designed for novelists.

Pricing

yWriter uses a freemium model, with a free desktop offering and mobile versions described as costing a small charge.

Desktop and Windows

yWriter7 for Windows is free, free to download and use, with optional registration. It supports Windows 7 SP1 or newer and requires .NET 4.8 or newer. The separate Desktop plan has custom pricing (price not listed), with Windows support and Linux use tested through Wine. Windows is the clearest value for writers who want local, offline files and the full desktop workflow.

macOS

yWriter for MacOS beta is free while feedback is collected. The beta is unstable and the completed software will be paid, so macOS users should back up projects before opening them and should not treat the current price as a permanent promise.

Mobile

The Android and iOS plans have custom pricing (price not listed). The official site describes each mobile version as available for a small charge. Android edits novels in chapters and scenes and is compatible with yWriter7 desktop projects; iPhone and iPad editions edit chapters and scenes and support transferring projects between local and cloud storage. These plans fit writers who need field editing, but the unspecified fee makes total cost harder to judge before purchase.

Platforms

yWriter covers Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows. Windows 7 SP1 and newer are supported, and the maker says the Windows edition has been tested on Linux through Wine. Mobile apps extend editing away from the desktop, while the macOS build remains a beta.

Who it's for

Choose yWriter if you are writing a novel and want chapter-and-scene control, explicit scene-planning fields, word-count history, backups and local Windows storage. It is especially suited to writers who work offline or want to keep project files on their own computer. Look elsewhere if you want plot generation, built-in creative collaboration, guaranteed macOS stability or a clearly published mobile price.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Drag-and-drop scene management and non-destructive exclusion make major reorganizations safer.
• Pro: Per-file and total word counts, daily logs, timed snapshots and scheduled backups give concrete progress and recovery controls.
• Pro: Offline Windows storage reduces dependence on an internet connection and keeps ordinary project data on your computer.
• Con: Passwords do not encrypt projects, so confidential manuscripts need separate protection.
• Con: The macOS release is an unstable beta, and its eventual paid status makes it a provisional choice.
• Con: Mobile editions have no stated amount beyond a small charge, complicating budget decisions.

Alternatives

Campfire is the better choice if you want writing and worldbuilding modules across Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows; its free trial has limited module access and no credit card requirement.

Novlr suits writers who want online syncing, focus mode, writing sprints and analytics, with a free plan capped at two projects.

Plot Factory is aimed at story and universe management, with a Basic plan limited to one story, one universe and 250-word narrations per day.

DragonWriter is a free, online-only Android and web option with no ads or paywall.

Novvler is for writers who specifically want AI assistance, including 15,000 AI words per month and grammar and style checking on its $9-per-month Pro plan.

LivingWriter offers a free web, desktop and mobile plan for one manuscript up to 25,000 words, with chapter and subchapter editing, PDF export and three AI requests per month.

Wavemaker Cards is a free option spanning Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows.

Dabble is the stronger fit for cloud backup, synchronization and access on any device, but its Writer plan costs $19 per month and there is no free plan.

For broader browsing, see Book Writing Software and Writing Apps.

Verdict

yWriter is a strong choice for novelists who want disciplined chapter-and-scene organization, measurable writing progress and offline Windows ownership at no desktop cost. Choose it for structure and manuscript control; look elsewhere if you need creative generation, encrypted project security, a stable macOS release or transparent mobile pricing.