Side by side
Longhand vs NovelPad
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 Mac
Longhand combines long-form writing, project organization, Markdown storage, search, and manuscript export in one macOS editor. Its free plan provides a way to start, while mobile users need another platform.
Visit Longhand
Free trial LinuxMacWeb+1
NovelPad combines scene organization, writing routines, revision history, and beta-reader sharing. Its offline desktop option differs from Pro Cloud, so choose based on whether you need sync and sharing.
Visit NovelPadThe facts
| Longhand | NovelPad | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Pro Cloud — annual: $150 a year |
| Plans published | 2 | 7 |
| Maker | Not published | NovelPad |
| Website | saturn9.studio | novelpad.co |
| On writing apps | #89 of 135 | #93 of 135 |
Longhand: what it does well
- Keeps chapters and research notes in one project
- Supports rearranging and nesting files
- Offers editing, reading, and focused modes
- Exports current files or manuscripts to PDF and DOCX
- Includes 18 themes and grammar categories
What to know first
- Available only for macOS
- No mobile apps
NovelPad: what it does well
- Scene boards cover chapters, subplots, characters, timelines, and outlines
- Desktop app works offline
- Revision tools include snapshots and deleted-scene recovery
- Beta readers can have viewer, commenter, or editor roles
What to know first
- No free plan
- Desktop license has no sync or sharing
- Cloud and web users’ content is stored on the maker’s servers
Alternatives to Longhand Alternatives to NovelPad The whole list