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novelWriter vs yWriter: catalog facts
novelWriter	yWriter
Free The open-source software is available without a license fee. Hosting, hardware and…	Free Free software from Spacejock Software.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Keeps chapters, notes and cross-references in readable project files.	Free with no bundled toolbars or adware Organises chapters, scenes, characters and locations
Uses lightweight markup rather than a word processor's visual layout.	Mobile versions depend on Dropbox for sync macOS version is still being developed
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: GPL-3.0	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

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