Plot Factory vs yWriter
Plot Factory
plotfactory.comyWriter
spacejock.comSide by side
| Figure | Plot Factory | yWriter |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $9/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 11 |
| Spec score · Book Writing Software | 8.0 (#17) | 8.6 (#7) |
| Spec score · Writing Apps | 8.0 (#69) | 8.8 (#26) |
| Exports | The features page lists export formats including Word, ePub, Text, PDF, and HTML. | The Windows version exports RTF, LaTeX, EPUB and MOBI, and can export selected chapters. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | Plot Factory is an online story planner for planning, organizing, and writing stories and fictional universes. | yWriter is novel-writing software that organizes a novel into chapters and scenes and does not generate plot ideas or perform creative tasks. |
| Support | The site directs users to contact its support email for questions, feature requests, and bug reports. | Support channels include a Google Group, Facebook page, email and an Android user forum. |
Plans
Plot Factory
- Hobbyist$9 a month
- Enthusiast$14 a month
- Novelist$19 a month
- BasicFree
yWriter
- DesktopPrice not published
- AndroidPrice not published
- iOSPrice not published
- Mac betaFree
- Windows desktopFree
- yWriter7 for WindowsFree
- yWriter for MacOS betaFree
- Android app$5.49, paid once
- iPhone/iPad app$14.99, paid once
- yWriter for AndroidPrice not published
In their own words
Plot Factory
Plot Factory is a browser-based story planner for organizing and writing fiction, including connected fictional universes. Its editor arranges work into chapters and scenes, with character lists, notes, and planning tools. A universe notebook can be linked to one or more books. Writers can share a chapter or a full novel by URL, and readers do not need an account to read shared work. Listed export formats include Word, ePub, Text, PDF, and HTML. The narration generator supports English accents and female voices. The editor is available in a browser on PC, tablet, or phone and is optimized for mobile phones. The free plan allows one story and limits daily narrations, but does not restrict how many words users can write. Paid plans start at $9/mo, and a 14-day trial is listed. Plot Factory has no offline mode, and real-time collaboration is not available; the FAQ says invited collaborators need accounts and the host needs a Novelist subscription.
yWriter
yWriter is novel-writing software that organizes a manuscript into chapters and scenes; it does not generate plot ideas or perform creative tasks. Scenes can be moved between chapters by drag and drop, and unused scenes can be left out of word counts and exports without being deleted. Each scene can record a viewpoint character, goal, conflict, and outcome, and can include multiple characters. The program tracks word counts per file and for the project, and keeps a daily log of words written. Automatic backups can run at user-set intervals, and the editor can save timed scene snapshots. yWriter is available for Windows, with Linux use tested through Wine, as well as Android and iOS apps. The Windows application stores data on the user's computer and needs no internet connection for ordinary use. The site says mobile versions are intended for editing PC projects on the go using Dropbox. The Windows version is free to use and supports Windows 7 SP1 or newer; the macOS beta is temporarily free but unstable. Mobile apps are described as available for a small charge, with no amount listed.