Starting a book is exciting until you have to decide what to write it in.
You open one writing app, then another, then another, and suddenly you’re comparing features you didn’t even know existed. Some promise to organize your ideas. Some focus on distraction-free writing. Others are built around plotting, formatting, or publishing.
It can be hard to know what you actually need.
If you’ve been wondering how to choose the right writing software, this guide will help you think through it. We’ll look at the things worth paying attention to, so you can find a tool that fits the way you like to write.
Understand Your Writing Needs First
Before comparing software, it helps to think about how you actually write.
It’s easy to get pulled in by features you may never use, but the right tool usually comes down to your habits and what kind of support you need while writing.
A few things to think about:
- What kind of writing do you do most?
- If you write fiction, you may want something with outlining tools, chapter organization, or a way to keep track of characters and plot threads. Tools like Scrivener or LivingWriter can help with that.
- If you write poetry, you care less about plot boards and more about having a clean space to write without distractions. Something simple like Google Docs may be better.
- Do you need advanced organization?
- If you’re working on longer or more layered projects, maybe a novel series or a research-heavy non-fiction book, it helps to have software that can hold notes, chapters, and supporting material in one place. Scrivener lets you organize chapters, notes, and even images all in one place.
- Will you be writing across different devices?
- If you move between your laptop, phone, or tablet, syncing matters. Tools like Google Docs make that easy, and Apple users may like something like Ulysses for the same reason.
- Do you collaborate with others?
- Some tools are built more for solo writing. Others make sharing drafts, comments, and live collaboration much easier. If feedback is part of your process, that’s something worth paying attention to. If you’re co-writing or working with an editor, tools like Google Docs are great for real-time collaboration.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Writing Software
Once you’ve thought about what you need as a writer, the next step is looking at what a tool can actually do for you (which can help you choose the right software).
Here are a few things to pay attention to before choosing one.
1. Platform Compatibility
- Does it run on Windows, macOS, or Linux?
- Is there a mobile version?
- Cloud-based or offline access?
If you write in different places or switch between devices often, a cross-platform tool can make life easier. Tools like Google Docs, LivingWriter, Reedsy Studio, and Atticus all work in the browser, so you can access them from almost anywhere. Ulysses also syncs well across Apple devices if you’re in that ecosystem.
If you prefer working offline or like desktop-based software, Scrivener, Bibisco and LibreOffice Writer all work well for writers who want their work stored locally and don’t want to depend on internet access.
2. Budget
One of the tips for choosing a writing software is to consider your budget. Are you willing to spend more on tools and software, or you want to keep costs low? Consider the following:
- Free vs premium versions. eg. Google docs vs LivingWriter
- One-time purchase vs subscription. eg. Scrivener, one time payment or LivingWriter, monthly subscription)?
- Does the paid version actually offer features you’ll use?
Are you going to pay for features you’ll actually use? This is an important question. Some paid tools come with lots of extras, but if you only need a simple space to write, a free tool may do everything you need.
Free software can take you a long way. Premium tools can be worth it too, but usually only if their extra features are necessary for your work.
3. Features That Matter
When comparing software, it helps to ignore the flashy extras and focus on the features that will actually support your writing.
- Outlining & Templates – Useful for structured projects like novels. Scrivener and LivingWriter excel here.
- Distraction-Free Modes – Ideal for poets and creatives who want total concentration and a minimal space to write. Apps like iA Writer and Ulysses give you a simple writing environment without notifications.
- Export Options – Can you easily convert files to PDF, ePub, or DOCX? This will be helpful when publishing.
- Collaboration & Syncing – Important for co-authors or those working with editors. Google Docs is a simple example of a tool built well for that.
4. Ease of Use
This looks at how much time you want to spend learning a tool before you can really settle into writing.
Some apps are very straightforward. Tools like Google Docs are easy to pick up and you can start writing right away. Others have more of a learning curve. Scrivener, for example, can take some time to get comfortable with because it does so much. You may end up watching tutorials before becoming familiar with it.
If you’d rather not spend time learning software, simple tools like Google Docs will be better for you. But if you want more advanced features and don’t mind the learning curve, a more advanced tool can be your choice.
5. Customization
Can you adjust fonts, switch themes, use dark mode, or adjust the writing space in a way that feels comfortable to you?
If you love personalization, these little details and features may have to be considered in your choice of writing software as they can make writing sessions feel easier and more enjoyable for you.
Writing Software Comparison at a Glance
✅ Strong ⚪ Basic / Limited ❌ Not a core feature
| Software | Best For | Cross-Platform | Collaboration | Learning Curve | Publishing Features | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Docs | General writing, collaboration | ✅ | ✅ | Easy | Basic | Free |
| Microsoft Word | Drafting, editing, submissions | ✅ | ✅ | Easy | Strong | Subscription / one-time options |
| LibreOffice Writer | Free offline writing | ✅ | ❌ | Moderate | Strong | Free |
| Scrivener | Novels, large projects | ✅ | ❌ | Steeper | Strong | One-time purchase |
| LivingWriter | Planning-heavy fiction | ✅ | ⚪ | Moderate | Good | Subscription |
| Atticus | Writing + self-publishing | ✅ | ⚪ Limited | Moderate | Excellent | One-time purchase |
| Reedsy Studio | Self-publishing authors | ✅ | ✅ | Easy | Excellent | Free / subscription |
| Dabble | Fiction writing + plotting | ✅ | ⚪ Limited | Easy | Basic | Subscription |
| iA Writer | Distraction-free writing | ✅ | ❌ | Easy | Basic | One-time purchase |
| Ulysses | Minimal writing + organization | ⚪ Apple only | ⚪ | Easy | Strong | Subscription |
| Ellipsus | Collaborative drafting | ✅ | ✅ | Easy | Limited | Free |
Tips for Choosing a Writing Software
- Try free trials first – Most premium apps offer trials. Use them to see how the tool fits your workflow.
- Don’t overvalue features – Sometimes a simple tool you enjoy using is better than one packed with features you’ll never touch. Ease of use matters more.
- Think Long-Term – Is the app regularly updated? Does it have reliable support?
- Check Device Compatibility – Don’t assume a tool works on every device. Double-check before committing, especially if you write across a laptop, tablet, and phone.
- Consider Export & Backup – Make sure your work isn’t locked into one platform. Ensure your work can be exported easily and you have backup options to protect your work.
