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novelWriter vs Ulysses: catalog facts
novelWriter	Ulysses
Free The open-source software is available without a license fee. Hosting, hardware and…	Paid Paid app with a free trial on all devices.
Windows, macOS, Linux	macOS, iOS
Keeps chapters, notes and cross-references in readable project files.	Distraction-free editor for long-form writing Library for organizing large writing projects
Uses lightweight markup rather than a word processor's visual layout.	Apple platforms only Paid after the trial
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: GPL-3.0	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.