Uncovering the Best Plottr Alternative for Your Next Bestseller
Plottr is a fantastic visual story plotting tool, simplifying the daunting task of planning your next novel. Its drag-and-drop interface for scenes and plot lines, alongside its integrated note-taking and character/place creation features, helps writers organize, streamline, and ultimately free up more time for writing. However, for various reasons – be it pricing, specific features, or platform compatibility – many writers seek a reliable Plottr alternative. This guide explores some of the top contenders that can help you bring your literary visions to life.
Top Plottr Alternatives
If you're ready to explore new horizons in your writing workflow, these alternatives offer unique strengths to cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive suite, a distraction-free environment, or something open-source, there's an option here for you.
Scrivener
Scrivener is a powerful Plottr alternative, often described as a typewriter, ring-binder, and scrapbook all in one. Available on Freemium tiers with full versions for Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, and even via PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac) or Wine, it offers a robust environment from nascent notion to final full stop. Key features like a Corkboard, Character database, Scene Management, Distraction-free writing, and its Document compiler make it an excellent choice for complex projects, providing comprehensive tools for every stage of your writing process.
Manuskript
Manuskript stands out as a Free and Open Source Plottr alternative, perfect for writers on Mac, Windows, and Linux. This tool offers an outliner, character management, plot development, and a distraction-free editor. Its robust features like tracking of characters, locations, and plots, along with a visual timeline and Markdown support, make it a versatile choice for organizing complex narratives and keeping all your story elements neatly contained.
Ulysses
Ulysses is a Commercial text editor available for Mac, iPhone, and iPad, making it a sleek and powerful Plottr alternative for Apple users. Used by bloggers, poets, and novelists, it provides an integrated writing environment with Markdown support, distraction-free writing, and brainstorming features. Its ability to sync with iCloud and export to ePub or PDF ensures your work is always accessible and ready for publication.
bibisco
bibisco is a fantastic Freemium and Open Source Plottr alternative designed to simplify novel writing. Available as a desktop application for Linux, MacOS, and Windows, it supports 13 languages. Key features like Character development, Novel planning, Timeline, and Scene Management, combined with a distraction-free interface and export options to Word, ePub, and PDF, make it an intuitive and effective tool for writers.
yWriter
yWriter is a Freemium writing tool available across a wide range of platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS (via iPhone/iPad, Android Tablet, Wine, Mono). As a Plottr alternative, it uniquely uses 'scenes' as a unit of text and allows writers to associate text with various story elements like characters and locations. Its lightweight, portable design and Project Organization features make it a practical choice for managing your novel's structure efficiently.
UV Outliner
UV Outliner is a Free Windows-only Plottr alternative that excels as a small, powerful single-pane outliner. It's ideal for creating, organizing, and collecting information, making it perfect for writers who prioritize robust outlining. Features like Notetaking, Outliner functionalities, Task Management, and Todos provide a focused environment for structuring your thoughts and plot points efficiently.
OmniOutliner
OmniOutliner is a Commercial Plottr alternative available for Mac, iPhone, and iPad, serving as a comprehensive start-to-finish writing app. It's exceptional for collecting information, outlining big ideas, and adding structure to any writing. With features like Multi Column View, Outliner, Programmable capabilities, and Notetaking, it offers advanced tools for organizing complex narratives and ensuring detailed structural planning.
novelWriter
novelWriter is a Free and Open Source Plottr alternative specifically designed for Linux users, built with Qt. Its core features include a plain text editor with minimal Markdown formatting, plus additional features like tags and comments. The Tree structure for organizing your work and its dedicated writing tools make it a straightforward and efficient choice for crafting your novel in a clean, focused environment.
StoryShop
StoryShop is a Freemium, web-based Plottr alternative that empowers writers to dive deep into world-building. With 36 customizable world-building categories, Mapping, a Distraction-free UI, and an Outliner, it provides a comprehensive cloud-based environment for developing your story from the ground up. Features like Tagging and Team Collaboration make it an excellent option for collaborative projects or highly detailed world-building.
OmniaWrite
OmniaWrite is a Free, next-generation cross-platform plain text editor and a viable Plottr alternative. Engineered for creative writing, it's perfect for novels, lyrics, poems, and essays, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and Chrome OS. Its Distraction-free writing environment, Novel planning capabilities, and Visual Organization make it a versatile tool for any writer seeking a clean and efficient space to bring their stories to life.
Finding the right Plottr alternative depends entirely on your personal workflow, budget, and the specific features you prioritize. Whether you need robust outlining, comprehensive character management, distraction-free writing, or cross-platform compatibility, the options above offer a diverse range of solutions. Explore them to find the perfect tool that empowers your storytelling journey and helps you write your next masterpiece.