> /v1/alternatives/scrivener
Open source alternatives to Scrivener[007]
Scrivener is a long-form writing studio for novels, scripts and theses, with a binder, corkboard outlining and draft compiling. Below are 7 self-hostable open source alternatives, ranked by GitHub popularity.
Joplin
The privacy-focused note taking app with sync capabilities for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
★ STARS
54.7k
⑂ FORKS
6.1k
Logseq
A privacy-first, open-source platform for knowledge management and collaboration.
★ STARS
42.7k
⑂ FORKS
2.6k
Notesnook
A fully open source & end-to-end encrypted note taking alternative to Evernote.
★ STARS
14.0k
⑂ FORKS
945
standard-notes
Think fearlessly with end-to-end encrypted notes and files. For issues, visit or
★ STARS
6.4k
⑂ FORKS
532
Darkwrite
Notes as it should have been. Built for people who just want to write, without nonsense.
★ STARS
278
⑂ FORKS
10
OpenNotas
A Simple, Lightweight, Cross-Platform Personal Note-Taking Application.
★ STARS
172
⑂ FORKS
19
Justnote
A simple, fast, privacy-focused note-taking app that you can use easily, take notes rapidly, and, importantly, truly own your account and data.
★ STARS
66
⑂ FORKS
5
// EDITOR'S TAKE
None of these compile a manuscript the way Scrivener does, so pick by how you draft: Logseq suits research-heavy projects where outlines and linked notes matter more than page layout, while Joplin gives you notebook hierarchies, Markdown and sync that hold up over a book-length project. Notesnook is only worth it if encryption outranks organisation for you.
// FREQUENTLY ASKED
What is the best open source Scrivener alternative?
Joplin is the most popular open source Scrivener alternative by GitHub stars (54,715 stars). The other 6 options are ranked above.
Are these Scrivener alternatives self-hostable?
Yes — every project listed here is open source and runs on your own infrastructure. Click into a project to see its license, stars, language, and current health status.
Are they free?
All projects shown are free and open source. Check each project's license page for the terms — most are MIT, Apache 2.0, or AGPL.
// PART OF THESE COLLECTIONS