1. Can the text get out?
A manuscript is often sent as DOCX, an ebook as EPUB. Check which formats stay free.
Which free software should you use to write a novel and build its world?
A novel can be written without a subscription. Every free tool still stops somewhere: export, structure, worldbuilding or offline use. These seven tools show where that limit lies. Plumelin’s Free plan includes the outline, scenes, a world connected to scenes and sync.
Seven free tools for writing a novel
A representative, non-exhaustive selection of software that is entirely free or has a lasting free tier. The “Limit to know” column shows what you will miss first.
| Tool | Best suited to | What is free | Limit to know | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumelin | Authors who want to write the novel and build its world in the same tool, on all their devices. | Outline, scenes, a world connected to scenes, sync, version history, TXT, Markdown and HTML exports, PDF through browser printing, and offline writing. | DOCX and EPUB require Author; opening your project to collaborators requires Studio. | See the Free plan |
| Reedsy Studio | Authors who want to write and format the book in the browser. | Manuscript editor, formatting, PDF and EPUB export, live collaboration. | Online only for now; planning boards limited to card view. | Reedsy Studio overview (new tab) |
| Google Docs | Authors who want to share a document right away with readers. | Word processing, co-editing, comments and history, with a Google account. | The novel’s structure and its world have to be built around the document. | Plumelin vs Google Docs |
| LibreOffice Writer | Authors who want a free, open-source word processor installed on the computer. | Everything: open-source software under the MPL 2.0 licence for Windows, macOS and Linux. | A word processor: scene structure and the world are up to you to organise. | Download LibreOffice (new tab) |
| bibisco | Novelists who want guidance with characters and locations. | Community Edition: character interviews, locations, storylines, chapters and scenes, PDF, DOCX and TXT export. | Timeline, objects and EPUB require the paid Supporters Edition. | bibisco overview (new tab) |
| novelWriter | Authors who prefer durable plain-text files. | Everything: open-source software under the GPL-3.0 licence for Linux, Windows and macOS. | A Markdown-like syntax to adopt; no collaboration announced. | novelWriter overview (new tab) |
| Obsidian | Authors who want linked notes for their world, beside another writing tool. | Unlimited personal use, Markdown notes stored on the device. | No novel structure or world model built in; sync is paid. | Obsidian overview (new tab) |
Free, up to what point?
A free tool works as long as it does not block a stage of the book. Look at the last stage before the first.
2. Is the novel split up?
A word processor keeps one long document. A writing tool separates parts, chapters and scenes so you can reorganise without losing the thread.
3. Where does the world live?
Characters, places and rules of the world can live in the same tool or in a separate notebook. The denser the world, the more the link to the scene matters.
4. Can you write without a network?
Installed apps and local-first web apps keep working offline. Some online services need an active connection.
Which free tool for your novel?
Plumelin remains the coherent choice when the novel and its world must move forward together. The others lead for a specific constraint.
You write the novel and build its world
Plumelin is the most coherent choice if characters, places, events and relationships must return in the scenes, for free and on all your devices.
See worldbuilding in PlumelinYou want a free EPUB
Reedsy Studio is worth testing if formatting and EPUB export matter more than offline writing.
See Reedsy Studio (new tab)You want installed open-source software
novelWriter or LibreOffice Writer if you prefer to keep your files on the computer, with no account or subscription.
See novelWriter (new tab)You want a separate world notebook
Obsidian is worth testing if you write the text elsewhere and only want to link your notes about the world.
Compare worldbuilding softwareAnswers before you start
These answers summarise the differences that genuinely change the choice.
What is the best free software for writing a novel?
Plumelin, if the novel and its world must move forward together: its Free plan includes the outline, scenes, worldbuilding and sync. Reedsy Studio suits a free EPUB, novelWriter installed open-source software.
Is there free software to write a novel and build its world?
Yes. Plumelin connects the world to the scenes on its Free plan. bibisco Community Edition offers characters and locations; Obsidian can serve as a world notebook beside another tool.
Can I write a novel with Google Docs or LibreOffice?
Yes, for a first draft. The novel then stays one long document: scene structure and the world are up to you to organise.
Which free software exports to EPUB?
Reedsy Studio exports to EPUB for free. In Plumelin, EPUB requires the Author plan; in bibisco, the Supporters Edition.
Is this selection exhaustive?
No. It gathers seven representative approaches. Always test a real chapter and the output format you will need.
Sources and limits of the comparison
Information about the tools listed comes from their official overview, download and documentation pages, consulted on 17 October 2026. Plumelin features were checked in the product and its product pages.
Flying Golem publishes Plumelin. This comparison aims for objectivity based on available public information; unless stated otherwise, it is not an exhaustive real-world test. Has something changed? Email us at hello@plumelin.com.
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