Side by side
Apostrophe vs novelWriter
Both stand on writing apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Linux
Choose Apostrophe if you use Linux and want a distraction-free Markdown writing space with live preview and several export formats. Look elsewhere if you need an app for a platform other than Linux.
Visit Apostrophe
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
novelWriter offers structured document organization and manuscript export for fiction projects across Linux, Windows, and macOS. Mac users should note that releases are discontinued, though the Python package remains an installation option.
Visit novelWriterThe facts
| Apostrophe | novelWriter | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | novelWriter |
| Website | apps.gnome.org | novelwriter.io |
| On writing apps | #43 of 135 | #39 of 135 |
Apostrophe: what it does well
- Free plan costs nothing.
- Live preview updates as you write.
- Includes spellchecking and document statistics.
- Offers dark, light, and sepia themes.
- Exports to PDF, ODT, Word, HTML, and LaTeX.
What to know first
- Available for Linux only.
- PDF export and formula display use the TexLive plugin.
novelWriter: what it does well
- Free and open source.
- Organizes documents with tags and cross-references.
- Builds manuscripts for print and multiple export formats.
- Project files can use sync tools and version control.
- Critical error reports are not automatically submitted.
What to know first
- Current downloads list Linux and Windows packages.
- macOS releases are discontinued.
- Not intended for technical writing or research organization.
- Update checks contact GitHub’s public API.
Alternatives to Apostrophe Alternatives to novelWriter The whole list