yWriter

Overview

yWriter gives novelists a chapter-and-scene workspace with planning fields, progress tracking and tools for preparing a manuscript for publication. It works best for writers who want to manage a book as a set of movable scenes and keep a desktop project on their own computer. Its organization and free Windows edition are strong draws; mobile editing and the unstable Mac beta come with meaningful caveats.

Key features

Scenes can move between chapters by drag and drop, and unused scenes can remain in the project without counting toward totals or exports. That makes it practical to test a new structure or retain cut material without letting it clutter the manuscript being measured or exported. Each scene can record its viewpoint character, goal, conflict and outcome, and include multiple characters. These fields support deliberate planning, but writers looking for plot generation or automated creative work should look elsewhere.

Word counts are available for each project file and the whole project, with a daily log tracking words written at both levels. Automatic backups run at intervals the user sets, and the editor can save timed snapshots of scenes. Together, these tools suit long projects where tracking output and recovering earlier work matter. yWriter also includes version history, publishing tools and extensive export formats.

The Windows app stores project data on the user's computer and works offline for ordinary use. Its online connections are limited to checking for updates and, if configured, backing up to FTP. Mobile versions are intended for editing PC projects on the go using Dropbox. On Windows, project passwords are reminders only: they do not encrypt files or prevent a determined person from reading them.

Pricing

yWriter is freemium, with a free Windows desktop edition and a temporarily free macOS beta. There are no seat or usage quotas attached to the free Windows download.

• yWriter7 for Windows: free. Free to download and use, with optional registration encouraged. Requires Windows 7 SP1 or newer and .NET 4.8 or newer. This is the clearest fit for writers who want a full desktop workspace without a purchase.
• yWriter for MacOS beta: free while the maker gathers feedback; the completed software will be paid. The beta is unstable, and users are advised to back up projects before opening them. It is suitable for trying the Mac edition if instability and project backup are acceptable.
• yWriter for Android: Price not listed. The official site describes the mobile versions as available for a small charge. The app edits novels in chapters and scenes, is compatible with yWriter7 desktop projects, and is intended for editing PC projects on the go using Dropbox.
• yWriter for iOS: Price not listed. The official site describes the mobile versions as available for a small charge. It edits novels in chapters and scenes and supports transferring projects between local and cloud storage.
• Desktop: Custom pricing. The desktop plan covers Windows support and Linux use tested through Wine.

There is no stated trial period or renewal term. Linux users should expect to run the Windows edition through Wine, which the maker says has been tested on Linux.

Platforms

yWriter is available for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS; Linux desktop use is through Wine. The Windows edition supports Windows 7 SP1 and newer. The maker says it has been tested on Linux using Wine, while the macOS edition remains a beta and is explicitly unstable.

Mobile editing has different project details by platform. Android is compatible with yWriter7 desktop projects. The iOS app supports transfers between local and cloud storage. The maker describes both mobile versions as intended to edit PC projects on the go using Dropbox.

Who it's for

yWriter is a good match for novelists who plan through scenes, want to reorganize chapters without discarding unused material, and value word-count records and recovery points. It also suits Windows users who want to keep project data local and work offline. Simon Haynes, the designer and programmer, identifies himself as a published author who built the software for novelists.

It is a weaker choice for writers who want software to generate plot ideas or handle creative tasks, since yWriter leaves those decisions to the author. Mac users should weigh the beta's instability, and mobile users should account for the small charge and Dropbox-oriented desktop editing workflow.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Scene organization combines movable chapters, planning fields and the option to exclude unused scenes from counts and exports, making structural revision manageable.
• Pros: File-level and project-wide word counts, a daily writing log, automatic backups and timed snapshots provide useful progress and recovery tools.
• Pros: The Windows edition is free, works offline and keeps project data on the user's computer.
• Cons: Project passwords do not encrypt files, so they offer no meaningful protection against someone determined to read project data.
• Cons: The Mac beta is unstable and temporarily free only; the completed software will be paid.
• Cons: Linux desktop users must run the Windows edition through Wine.

Alternatives

Choose Manuskript if you want free, open-source desktop software for Linux, macOS or Windows. Pick Wavemaker Cards if you want a free option spanning desktop and mobile platforms, including web.

LivingWriter is worth considering if its free plan's one-manuscript and 25,000-word limits fit your project. Choose Novlr if a free plan with two projects, online syncing, notes and planning tools better suits your workflow.

Pagewright may fit a short book: its free plan allows one book, up to five chapters or 15,000 words, and includes all writing features. Choose Plot Factory if a limit of one story, one universe and 250 narration words per day fits your needs.

Campfire offers a free trial with limited access to writing and worldbuilding modules and requires no credit card. Author's Forge is another freemium option with a free plan.

Browse more options in Book Writing Software or Writing Apps.

Verdict

Choose yWriter if you want a free Windows tool built around scene-level novel planning, offline work and manuscript organization. Its local storage, progress tracking and recovery features make it a practical fit for writers managing a long book. Look elsewhere if you need plot generation, encrypted project files, stable Mac software today or clearly priced mobile apps.