Quick Overview
- 1#1: Scrivener - Comprehensive writing studio for organizing research, outlines, and manuscripts into a single project.
- 2#2: Final Draft - Industry-standard software for professional screenplay and script formatting.
- 3#3: Ulysses - Distraction-free markdown writing app with seamless organization and publishing for long-form stories.
- 4#4: Campfire - All-in-one toolkit for world-building, character development, and story planning.
- 5#5: Sudowrite - AI-powered assistant that generates ideas, expands prose, and brainstorms plots for fiction writers.
- 6#6: NovelAI - AI-driven storytelling tool for generating, continuing, and customizing interactive fiction narratives.
- 7#7: Plottr - Visual plotting software for creating timelines, character arcs, and scene cards.
- 8#8: LivingWriter - Cloud-based novel writing app with built-in outlining, goal tracking, and smart editing.
- 9#9: Dabble - Online novel writing platform with real-time collaboration, plotting, and revision history.
- 10#10: Atticus - All-in-one writing and formatting tool for authors to compose and publish professional ebooks.
We curated and ranked these tools by evaluating key factors: robust feature sets (including organization, formatting, and collaboration), consistent usability (intuitive design, cross-device accessibility), performance reliability (accuracy, adaptability), and overall value (blend of cost and capability), ensuring each entry delivers exceptional utility.
Comparison Table
Discover how leading story writing tools like Scrivener, Final Draft, Ulysses, Campfire, Sudowrite, and more stack up in this comparison table, breaking down key features, workflow tools, and unique strengths. Whether you’re crafting novels, scripts, or other narratives, the table simplifies identifying the software that aligns with your process, from outlining to formatting.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scrivener Comprehensive writing studio for organizing research, outlines, and manuscripts into a single project. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Final Draft Industry-standard software for professional screenplay and script formatting. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Ulysses Distraction-free markdown writing app with seamless organization and publishing for long-form stories. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Campfire All-in-one toolkit for world-building, character development, and story planning. | creative_suite | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Sudowrite AI-powered assistant that generates ideas, expands prose, and brainstorms plots for fiction writers. | general_ai | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | NovelAI AI-driven storytelling tool for generating, continuing, and customizing interactive fiction narratives. | general_ai | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Plottr Visual plotting software for creating timelines, character arcs, and scene cards. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 8 | LivingWriter Cloud-based novel writing app with built-in outlining, goal tracking, and smart editing. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Dabble Online novel writing platform with real-time collaboration, plotting, and revision history. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Atticus All-in-one writing and formatting tool for authors to compose and publish professional ebooks. | creative_suite | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
Comprehensive writing studio for organizing research, outlines, and manuscripts into a single project.
Industry-standard software for professional screenplay and script formatting.
Distraction-free markdown writing app with seamless organization and publishing for long-form stories.
All-in-one toolkit for world-building, character development, and story planning.
AI-powered assistant that generates ideas, expands prose, and brainstorms plots for fiction writers.
AI-driven storytelling tool for generating, continuing, and customizing interactive fiction narratives.
Visual plotting software for creating timelines, character arcs, and scene cards.
Cloud-based novel writing app with built-in outlining, goal tracking, and smart editing.
Online novel writing platform with real-time collaboration, plotting, and revision history.
All-in-one writing and formatting tool for authors to compose and publish professional ebooks.
Scrivener
specializedComprehensive writing studio for organizing research, outlines, and manuscripts into a single project.
The Corkboard view, which lets writers drag and rearrange virtual index cards representing scenes for intuitive visual plotting and reorganization.
Scrivener is a robust writing application tailored for long-form projects like novels, screenplays, and non-fiction books, allowing users to organize manuscripts into a hierarchical binder structure with scenes, chapters, research notes, and character sheets. It provides powerful tools such as the Corkboard for visual index card planning, Outliner for structural overviews, and a Compile feature for exporting to multiple formats like PDF, EPUB, or Word. Designed for serious writers, it supports distraction-free full-screen composition while keeping all project elements accessible in one file.
Pros
- Exceptional project organization with binder, Corkboard, and Outliner for complex stories
- Integrated research, character, and location sheets streamline world-building
- Versatile Compile tool exports polished manuscripts in professional formats
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and non-intuitive interface
- Lacks robust real-time collaboration or cloud syncing for teams
- Can feel bloated for simple short-form writing tasks
Best For
Professional novelists, screenwriters, and authors managing large, intricate story projects with extensive research and outlining needs.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $59 USD for Mac/Windows, $23.99 for iOS/iPadOS; includes 3 years of updates, with discounted upgrades thereafter.
Final Draft
specializedIndustry-standard software for professional screenplay and script formatting.
Automatic industry-standard formatting that intelligently parses and adjusts script elements as you type
Final Draft is the industry-standard screenwriting software trusted by Hollywood professionals for writing and formatting scripts for film, television, and theater. It features automatic industry-compliant formatting for elements like scene headings, action lines, character names, and dialogue, allowing writers to focus on storytelling without manual adjustments. Additional tools include collaboration via Final Draft Everywhere, revision tracking, beat boards for story outlining, and integration with production software like Movie Magic.
Pros
- Unmatched automatic formatting ensures professional screenplay standards
- Powerful collaboration and real-time sharing across devices
- Comprehensive story development tools like Beat Board and Outline mode
Cons
- High upfront or subscription cost may deter casual users
- Steep learning curve for advanced features beyond basic formatting
- Less optimized for prose novels or non-script story formats
Best For
Professional screenwriters, TV showrunners, and production teams requiring precise script formatting and collaborative workflows.
Pricing
One-time purchase $249.99 or annual subscription $99/year ($9.99/month equivalent).
Ulysses
specializedDistraction-free markdown writing app with seamless organization and publishing for long-form stories.
The unified library system that scales effortlessly from single sheets to complex multi-group story structures
Ulysses is a minimalist writing app for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS, tailored for distraction-free composition of long-form content like novels and stories. It features a hierarchical library system for organizing sheets into groups, Markdown-based formatting, customizable goals for word counts and sessions, and direct publishing to platforms like WordPress or ePub exports. While versatile for story writing, it prioritizes simplicity and focus over advanced plotting tools.
Pros
- Intuitive library for organizing chapters, scenes, and notes in nested groups
- Seamless sync across Apple devices with offline support
- Custom goals and progress tracking to maintain writing momentum
Cons
- Subscription-only model with no one-time purchase option
- Limited to Apple ecosystem, no Windows or web access
- Basic outlining lacks advanced tools like corkboards or mind maps found in Scrivener
Best For
Apple-using authors who value a clean, Markdown-focused environment for drafting and organizing linear narratives.
Pricing
$39.99/year or $5.99/month subscription across all Apple platforms, with a 14-day free trial.
Campfire
creative_suiteAll-in-one toolkit for world-building, character development, and story planning.
Interlinked modules that dynamically connect characters, locations, items, and plot events for a cohesive story bible.
Campfire is a modular world-building and story planning platform tailored for fiction writers, particularly those crafting complex narratives in fantasy, sci-fi, and other genre fiction. It provides specialized tools for organizing characters, locations, magic systems, timelines, encyclopedias, and relationships, with visual aids like maps and charts. While it supports basic writing, its strength lies in pre-writing organization and collaboration for solo or team projects.
Pros
- Highly customizable modular system for targeted world-building tools
- Excellent visualization features like interactive timelines and relationship maps
- Strong collaboration and export options for sharing projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to numerous interconnected modules
- Limited advanced prose writing and editing capabilities
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple modules or advanced plans
Best For
Epic fantasy or sci-fi authors needing robust tools for intricate world-building and plot organization.
Pricing
Modular subscriptions from $4/month per module (e.g., Characters, Timeline), with Pro plans at $12-$36/month; annual discounts and occasional lifetime licenses available.
Sudowrite
general_aiAI-powered assistant that generates ideas, expands prose, and brainstorms plots for fiction writers.
Canvas, an interactive visual brainstorming board for plotting scenes, characters, and world-building.
Sudowrite is an AI-powered writing assistant tailored for fiction authors, helping users generate story continuations, enhance descriptions, brainstorm plots, and organize narratives. Key features include the Write tool for expanding drafts, Describe for sensory details, Canvas for visual story mapping, and Story Bible for tracking characters and lore. It leverages advanced language models to mimic user style while combating writer's block.
Pros
- Specialized fiction tools like Describe and Canvas excel at creative enhancement
- High-quality AI prose generation that adapts to user voice
- Comprehensive story organization with Story Bible
Cons
- Credit-based system limits heavy usage on lower plans
- AI outputs sometimes require significant editing for consistency
- No offline access or native desktop app
Best For
Fiction writers and novelists seeking AI to expand ideas, refine prose, and structure complex stories.
Pricing
Tiered subscriptions starting at $19/month (225,000 words) up to $99/month (Unlimited), with a 4,000-word free trial.
NovelAI
general_aiAI-driven storytelling tool for generating, continuing, and customizing interactive fiction narratives.
Lorebook system for injecting contextual details dynamically into generations, enabling complex, consistent narratives
NovelAI is an AI-powered platform specializing in story generation, interactive fiction, and novel writing using fine-tuned language models optimized for creative narratives. It provides advanced tools like Lorebooks for dynamic world-building, Memory and Author's Notes for maintaining context in long-form stories, and integrated AI image generation to visualize characters and scenes. The service excels in producing uncensored, genre-specific content, particularly in fantasy, sci-fi, and anime-inspired tales.
Pros
- Sophisticated context management with Lorebooks, Memory, and modules for consistent long-form storytelling
- High-quality, customizable text generation tailored to creative genres
- Integrated AI image generation enhances story visualization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for optimal prompting and feature utilization
- Limited free tier; full capabilities require paid subscription
- Outputs can occasionally repeat or deviate without refined inputs
Best For
Aspiring novelists and interactive fiction creators who want AI assistance for immersive world-building and genre fiction.
Pricing
Subscription-based: Tablet ($10/mo, 1000 Anlas), Scroll ($15/mo, unlimited text + 10k Anlas), Opus ($25/mo, top model + 20k Anlas); free trial limited.
Plottr
specializedVisual plotting software for creating timelines, character arcs, and scene cards.
Interactive timeline view with dynamic scene cards that visually map story arcs and allow instant rearrangements
Plottr is a visual story plotting and outlining software tailored for novelists, screenwriters, and series creators, featuring drag-and-drop timelines, customizable scene cards, and built-in templates for various story structures. It enables writers to develop characters, locations, and plots in an intuitive board-based interface before exporting outlines to tools like Word or Scrivener. Primarily a planning tool, it excels at organizing complex narratives without supporting full prose writing.
Pros
- Highly visual timeline and card system for easy plot reorganization
- Dozens of professional templates for novels, screenplays, and more
- Strong export options to Word, Scrivener, Google Docs, and Final Draft
Cons
- No built-in writing or prose composition features
- Desktop-only (Mac/Windows), no mobile or web version
- Steep initial learning curve for non-visual planners
Best For
Writers who thrive on visual, timeline-based outlining and need structured tools for plotting complex stories before drafting.
Pricing
Lifetime license for $99 (one-time) or $25/year subscription; free trial available.
LivingWriter
specializedCloud-based novel writing app with built-in outlining, goal tracking, and smart editing.
Dynamic Plot Boards for drag-and-drop visual story outlining and reorganization
LivingWriter is a cloud-based writing platform designed specifically for novelists and storytellers, offering tools to plan, organize, and write long-form fiction. It features a story bible for managing characters, locations, and series, along with plot boards for visual outlining and a distraction-free editor for drafting. The software syncs across web, iOS, and Android devices, includes AI assistance for brainstorming, and supports collaboration and goal tracking.
Pros
- Comprehensive story organization with plot boards, characters, and locations
- Seamless cross-device sync and collaboration features
- Built-in AI tools for outlining and expansion
Cons
- No perpetual free tier beyond 14-day trial
- Subscription model may feel pricey for casual users
- Limited advanced formatting for non-fiction or scripts
Best For
Novelists and series authors who need robust planning tools to structure complex stories.
Pricing
Monthly: $14.99; Yearly: $11.99/mo ($143.88); Lifetime: $359; 14-day free trial.
Dabble
specializedOnline novel writing platform with real-time collaboration, plotting, and revision history.
Interactive Plot Grid for visual story mapping across acts, chapters, and scenes
Dabble is a cloud-based writing platform designed specifically for novelists and story writers, offering tools to organize plots, characters, and manuscripts into chapters and scenes. It features visual plot grids, goal tracking with deadlines, character sheets, and distraction-free writing modes to streamline the storytelling process. Users can collaborate with beta readers and export manuscripts in various formats, making it ideal for long-form fiction projects.
Pros
- Novel-specific tools like Plot Grid and Goals system for structured storytelling
- Intuitive, distraction-free interface with seamless cloud sync
- Easy collaboration and beta reader sharing features
Cons
- Subscription-only after 14-day trial, no lifetime option
- Web-based, requiring internet access with no offline mode
- Limited customization for non-fiction or short-form writing
Best For
Aspiring novelists and long-form fiction writers who need organized plotting, goal tracking, and collaborative drafting tools.
Pricing
14-day free trial; then $10/month (billed annually at $120/year) or $15/month-to-month.
Atticus
creative_suiteAll-in-one writing and formatting tool for authors to compose and publish professional ebooks.
One-click professional formatting for print books and ebooks directly within the writing app
Atticus is a desktop-based writing and formatting software tailored for authors, particularly novelists and self-publishers, offering a clean interface for drafting, organizing chapters, and setting writing goals. It excels in transforming manuscripts into professionally formatted ebooks and print-ready PDFs with built-in templates for front/back matter. The tool supports multiple export formats like EPUB, MOBI, and DOCX, streamlining the process from writing to publishing without needing additional software.
Pros
- One-time purchase with lifetime updates and no subscription fees
- Seamless integration of writing, organization, and professional formatting
- Intuitive, distraction-free interface with goal tracking and series management
Cons
- No cloud syncing or real-time collaboration features
- Limited advanced plotting or AI-assisted writing tools
- Desktop-only with occasional reported bugs in exports or updates
Best For
Self-publishing fiction authors seeking an affordable, all-in-one solution for drafting and formatting novels.
Pricing
One-time fee of $147 for lifetime access across all updates and devices.
Conclusion
From comprehensive project management to AI-driven creativity, the top tools cater to varied writing needs, with Scrivener leading as the overall choice for its all-in-one organization of research, outlines, and manuscripts. Final Draft excels as the industry staple for screenplay formatting, and Ulysses stands out for its distraction-free environment and robust organization for long-form stories, each offering distinct strengths to match different creative goals.
Unlock your storytelling potential with Scrivener—the top tool for seamless, focused writing. Whether you’re crafting a novel, screenplay, or short story, its versatile platform empowers you to bring your vision to life effortlessly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison