Manuskript

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

What Manuskript is

Manuskript is a free desktop writing tool for writers who plan and organize before drafting. Its hierarchical outliner lets users arrange thoughts and snippets and reorganize them. In distraction-free mode, writers can set a word-count or time goal before leaving the editor. The novel assistant uses the Snowflake method to develop an idea into characters, plots, and a story universe, while story notes can track characters, plots, events, and places. Manuskript works offline on Linux, macOS, and Windows. GNU/Linux downloads include Debian, Fedora, Flatpak, Snap, and source options; the Windows download is a ZIP package that runs manuskript.exe. Adding Pandoc provides further import and export formats, including ePub, OpenDocument, and DocX. LanguageTool can provide more detailed spelling and grammar checks, but it requires Java and may significantly slow loading. The maker describes Manuskript as being in early development and recommends frequent backups to reduce the risk of data loss. Older releases are unsupported, and users are asked not to report bugs for them.

Who it suits

Manuskript suits writers who want to organize ideas, characters, plots, and story settings before or during drafting. Its offline desktop availability may suit writers on Linux, macOS, or Windows.

What it does well

Works offline on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Outliner organizes and rearranges thoughts and snippets.
Novel assistant uses the Snowflake method.
Distraction-free mode supports word-count or time goals.
Free open-source writing software.

What to know first

Maker describes the software as in early development.
Frequent backups are recommended to reduce data-loss risk.
LanguageTool requires Java and may slow loading.
Older versions are unsupported.

Limits

The maker describes Manuskript as being in early development and recommends frequent backups. Older versions are unsupported. LanguageTool requires Java and may significantly slow loading.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Open-source software	GNU GPL version 3 or later · No recurring subscription price · Downloadable desktop application	On request
Manuskript	Open-source writing software	Free

As theologeek.ch lists them, read 19 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Open the Manuskript website.
Download the package for your system: a listed GNU/Linux option or the Windows ZIP.
Launch Manuskript; the Windows package runs manuskript.exe.
Organize ideas and snippets in the outliner, or start planning with story notes and the novel assistant.
Install Pandoc if you want the additional import and export formats it provides.

Verdict

Manuskript focuses on planning and organizing writing, with tools for outlines, story notes, and novel development. Its early-development status makes regular backups particularly important.

Questions

How much does Manuskript cost?

The Manuskript plan is listed as free. It is also described as open-source software under GNU GPL version 3 or later, with no recurring subscription price.

Which operating systems does it support?

It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. GNU/Linux options include Debian, Fedora, Flatpak, Snap, and source; Windows has a ZIP package.

Can I use Manuskript offline?

Yes. The listed offline mode is supported.

What formats can it import and export?

The export formats are described as extensive. Installing Pandoc adds import and export formats including ePub, OpenDocument, and DocX.

Is Manuskript open source?

Yes. The Open-source software plan lists GNU GPL version 3 or later.

How can I report a bug or request a feature?

The maker directs users to GitHub for bug reports and feature requests. Older versions are unsupported, and the maker asks users not to submit bug reports for them.

Facts from Manuskript's own pages

Development status: The maker describes Manuskript as being in early development and recommends frequent backups to reduce risk of data loss. · theologeek.ch, 11 Oct 2026
Distraction-free mode: Distraction-free mode lets writers set a word-count or time goal before leaving the editor. · theologeek.ch, 11 Oct 2026
Export formats: extensive · theologeek.ch, 19 Sept 2026
Free plan: Yes · theologeek.ch, 19 Sept 2026
Import and export: Installing Pandoc adds import and export formats including ePub, OpenDocument, and DocX. · theologeek.ch, 11 Oct 2026
Linux packages: The download page lists Debian, Fedora, Flatpak, Snap, and source options for GNU/Linux. · theologeek.ch, 11 Oct 2026
Novel assistant: The novel assistant uses the Snowflake method to develop an idea into characters, plots, and a story universe. · theologeek.ch, 11 Oct 2026
Offline mode: Yes · theologeek.ch, 19 Sept 2026
Outliner: The outliner organizes thoughts and snippets hierarchically and lets users reorganize them. · theologeek.ch, 11 Oct 2026
Purpose: Manuskript is a writing tool for writers who like to organize and plan before writing. · theologeek.ch, 11 Oct 2026
Spell and grammar check: LanguageTool can provide more detailed spell and grammar checking, requires Java, and may significantly slow loading. · theologeek.ch, 11 Oct 2026
Story notes: Users can keep notes about characters, plots, events, and places in a story. · theologeek.ch, 11 Oct 2026
Support: The maker directs users to GitHub to report bugs or request features. · theologeek.ch, 11 Oct 2026
Unsupported releases: Older versions are unsupported, and the maker asks users not to submit bug reports for them. · theologeek.ch, 11 Oct 2026
Windows package: The download page provides a Windows ZIP package that runs manuskript.exe. · theologeek.ch, 11 Oct 2026