Side by side
OpusWriter vs Storyist
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 trial LinuxMacWindows
OpusWriter covers a fiction project from outline through publication, including tools for series continuity. Its offline, local-storage approach may suit writers who prefer desktop work, while the trial's read-only limit and listed purchase terms are worth noting.
Visit OpusWriter
Free trial iPhoneMac
Storyist brings manuscript editing, planning sheets, screenplay support, and publishing exports into one writing application. Its paid platform-specific plans and Apple-device focus should guide purchasing decisions.
Visit StoryistThe facts
| OpusWriter | Storyist | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | iPhone, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | OpusWriter: $129, paid once | See the plans |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Storyist |
| Website | opuswriter.app | storyist.com |
| On writing apps | #100 of 135 | #104 of 135 |
OpusWriter: what it does well
- Four outline views and more than 30 beat sheet structures.
- More than 50 prose-analysis tools in five languages.
- Exports print-ready PDF, EPUB 3, Word, and HTML.
- Offline workflows include planning, writing, editing, and publishing.
- One-time license covers up to three computers.
What to know first
- No built-in AI service.
- No cloud sync.
- After the 30-day trial, the app becomes read-only.
- Listed price is $129 a month, billed once.
Storyist: what it does well
- Story outlines and index cards
- Screenplay templates and formats
- Print-ready PDF and ePub output
- iOS file-sharing support
- Automatic iCloud backup versions
What to know first
- No free plan
- iOS plan costs $19 a month
- macOS plan costs $59 a month
- Platform support limited to iOS and macOS
Alternatives to OpusWriter Alternatives to Storyist The whole list