9 Best Scrivener Alternatives for Fantasy Writers in 2025
Scrivener is practically synonymous with fantasy writing. It’s the software that came up time and again when I first searched for a platform suitable for the complexities of writing fantasy.
But as I explored my options, I quickly realized that many writers—myself included—were looking for a Scrivener alternative that offered more flexibility, ease of use, or better collaboration features.
With its robust outlining tools, corkboard view, and chapter structuring, Scrivener has been a favorite among fantasy authors for years. But it isn’t perfect. Some writers find it overwhelming, others dislike the lack of real-time collaboration, and some just prefer a more intuitive, streamlined workflow.
If you’ve ever wished for an easier-to-use or more adaptable alternative, you’re not alone.
Luckily, I’ve researched plenty of Scrivener alternatives, and I’ve put together a list of the best ones for fantasy writers. Whether you need a tool for worldbuilding, outlining, distraction-free drafting, or even AI-powered editing, there’s something here for you.
Here’s my top nine, complete with pros, cons, pricing, and personal tips from my own fantasy-writing toolkit.
What makes something a good Scrivener alternative?
First, let’s set expectations. A great alternative to Scrivener should:
Have easy-to-use organization features (like chapters, outlines, character profiles, magic systems, worldbuilding, etc.).
Offer an intuitive writing environment.
Support visual structuring and outlining.
Allow collaboration or easy export if needed.
Alright—let’s dive in.
9 Scrivener alternatives for fantasy writers
1. Notion (my personal favorite all-in-one alternative)
Notion isn't just a writing app—it's an entire digital workspace. If you're a fantasy writer like me and love diving deep into worldbuilding, character arcs, magic systems, and plot outlines, Notion is an excellent Scrivener alternative.
With its modular setup and drag-and-drop interface, Notion is highly customizable. You can manage your manuscript, character profiles, maps, and even brainstorming boards, all within one flexible space.
Key features:
Customizable workspace with modular setup
Visual organization tools (databases, kanban boards, calendars)
Collaborative editing and sharing
AI writing assistant for improved writing and task management
Wiki creation for team knowledge management
Pros:
All-in-one workspace (perfect for writing & worldbuilding)
Highly visual and customizable
Cloud syncing across all devices (phone, computer, tablet)
Cons:
Requires initial setup (unless you use a ready-made Notion template)
Manuscript formatting less intuitive than Scrivener
Pricing:
Free plan available
$10/month for Plus
$15/month for Business
Custom pricing for Enterprise
2. Obsidian (perfect for visual linking)
Obsidian is a markdown-based writing tool designed around the idea of visually connecting ideas. If your fantasy world feels as complex as Tolkien’s Middle-earth, Obsidian’s graph view helps visualize how each character, plot twist, and magical artifact connects.
Key features:
Graph view for visualizing connections between notes
Local-first storage with optional cloud sync
Markdown support for easy formatting
Customizable with community plugins
Backlinks and internal linking system
Pros:
Powerful visual linking (ideal for complex fantasy worlds)
Markdown-based, distraction-free environment
Entirely offline-capable
Cons:
Learning curve with Markdown
Less structured than Scrivener out of the box
Pricing:
Free for personal use
$50/year for commercial use
3. Vellum (best for formatting & publishing)
Vellum is beautifully designed for authors looking for professional-quality formatting. It’s less about worldbuilding and more about crafting polished, publish-ready ebooks or print manuscripts.
Key features:
Professional ebook and print book formatting
Box set creation tool
Preview mode for different devices
Customizable book styles and layouts
Metadata management for publishing
Pros:
Professional formatting.
Intuitive and easy to use for book production.
Ideal for self-publishing authors.
Cons:
Mac-only
No built-in outlining/worldbuilding features
Pricing:
One-time purchase of $289.99 for eBooks
$359.99 for print + eBooks
4. Google Docs (straightforward & collaborative)
Google Docs is a fuss-free Scrivener alternative, especially if you prioritize simplicity, reliability, and collaboration. It doesn’t have Scrivener’s bells and whistles, but its tabbing capabilities and outline view make it easy to structure your novel quickly.
Key features:
Real-time collaboration and commenting
Voice typing functionality
Automatic table of contents generation
Offline access and editing
Integration with other Google Workspace tools
Pros:
Reliable cloud-based storage
Collaborative editing & commenting
Free and easy to use
Cons:
Limited organizational features
Formatting for print/ebook is tricky without additional software
Pricing:
Free
5. Atticus (simplified Scrivener competitor)
Atticus bridges the gap between Scrivener’s complexity and Vellum’s publishing ease. It offers writing, formatting, and even outlining tools in one straightforward app.
Key features:
Combined writing and formatting tools
Sprint timer for productivity
Word count tracking
Export to various formats (ePub, PDF, DOCX)
Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook)
Pros:
Combines writing & formatting
Affordable alternative to Vellum & Scrivener
Clean, user-friendly design
Cons:
Still evolving—occasional minor bugs
Worldbuilding features limited compared to Notion or Obsidian
Pricing:
One-time purchase of $147
6. Squibler (intuitive & beginner-friendly)
Squibler simplifies the Scrivener experience with clean interfaces and handy templates, perfect for beginner fantasy writers or anyone overwhelmed by too many features.
Key features:
AI-generated outlines and manuscripts
Corkboard organization for ideas
Prompt generator for inspiration
Dark mode for comfortable writing
Multiple export formats (PDF, Kindle, Word)
Pros:
Intuitive and beginner-friendly
Built-in templates for novels
Easy chapter management
Cons:
Fewer advanced customization options
Limited worldbuilding integration compared to Notion or Obsidian
Pricing:
Squibler limited – free
Squibler Pro — $16/month
7. Ulysses (distraction-free and elegant)
Ulysses is the minimalist’s Scrivener alternative, featuring a distraction-free markdown-based environment ideal for drafting novels without clutter.
Key features:
Distraction-free writing environment
Markdown-based text editor
Goal setting and progress tracking
iCloud sync across Apple devices
Export to various formats (PDF, ePub, HTML)
Pros:
Distraction-free interface
Easy cloud syncing across Apple devices
Excellent markdown support
Cons:
Mac and iOS only
No visual storyboarding tools
Pricing:
$5.99/month
$39.99/year
8. Bibisco (for character-driven storytelling)
Bibisco is a free writing software that focuses on character development and in-depth story structuring. If you’re the kind of fantasy writer who spends hours developing character backstories, Bibisco might be your best bet.
Key features:
Detailed character development tools
Plot organization and visualization
Scene description and management
Writing statistics for progress tracking
Collaborative features for co-authors and beta readers
Pros:
Detailed planning tools
Completely free version available
Multi-language and multi-platform (Linux, Mac, Windows)
Cons:
Interface less polished than premium tools
Can feel cluttered initially
Pricing:
Free version available
One-time purchase of $59 for Premium
9. Manuskript (best open-source worldbuilding tool)
Manuskript is an open-source Scrivener alternative with a strong focus on structuring complex stories. If you love outlining every little detail in your fantasy world, Manuskript provides a structured yet flexible workflow.
Key features:
Hierarchical outline and binder system
Character and plot development tools
Storyboarding feature for visual plotting
Customizable metadata fields
Export to various formats (including LaTeX)
Pros:
Excellent for worldbuilding-heavy novels
Detailed outlining & scene organization
Free and open-source
Cons:
Slightly clunky and outdated UI
Occasional instability
Pricing:
Free (open-source)
How to choose the right Scrivener alternative for you
With so many options available, how do you know which Scrivener alternative is the best fit for your writing process? Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:
1. What type of writer are you?
Worldbuilding-heavy fantasy writers → Notion, Obsidian, or Manuskript are great for organizing vast lore.
If you're using Notion, you don’t have to start from scratch! Grab my Notion Worldbuilding Template to instantly structure your fantasy world with databases for characters, magic systems, settings, and more.
Authors focused on character-driven storytelling → Bibisco is perfect for detailed character arcs.
Self-publishing writers → Vellum and Atticus excel in formatting and publishing.
Writers who need real-time collaboration → Google Docs is the easiest option.
Writers who want a distraction-free space → Ulysses is the best minimalist choice.
2. Do you prefer visual organization or a structured outline?
If you love mind maps and connections, Obsidian’s graph view is ideal.
If you like a structured but flexible layout, Notion offers drag-and-drop databases.
If you just need a traditional chapter-by-chapter outline, Atticus provides that simplicity.
3. Will you be formatting and publishing your book?
Vellum offers the most professional formatting for eBooks and print.
Atticus combines writing and formatting in one tool.
Scrivener itself still has strong export options, but lacks ease of use.
Final thoughts on Scrivener alternatives
Finding your ideal Scrivener alternative isn’t about jumping onto whatever software is trending; it’s about choosing a tool that matches your unique writing style and workflow.
I encourage you to test out a few from this list (almost all offer free trials or free tiers) and see which clicks with your style.
Frequently asked questions about Scrivener alternatives for fantasy writers
Can I use multiple writing tools together instead of just one Scrivener alternative?
Absolutely! Many writers mix and match tools to get the best of all worlds. For example, you might use Notion for worldbuilding, Obsidian for plotting, and Google Docs for drafting and collaboration. If you're formatting for self-publishing, Vellum or Atticus can handle that part seamlessly. The key is finding a workflow that feels natural and helps you stay productive.
What’s the best Scrivener alternative for offline writing?
If you need to write without an internet connection, Obsidian, Ulysses, and Manuskript are great choices. Obsidian saves everything locally, so you can work distraction-free and sync later if needed. Ulysses also works offline across Apple devices, making it a solid pick for Mac users. Manuskript is open-source and designed for novel planning, so it’s another strong option if you want free software that doesn’t rely on cloud storage.
I’m switching from Scrivener—how do I move my work to a new tool?
Most Scrivener alternatives support .docx or .txt file imports, making the transition fairly smooth. If you’re moving to Notion, you can copy and paste sections into structured pages. Atticus and Vellum allow you to import documents and format them cleanly for publishing. If you prefer Obsidian, you can export your Scrivener project as Markdown and bring it in with minimal formatting adjustments.
