Manuskript is a writing environment aimed at authors who prefer to organise and develop a project before or alongside drafting it. It is particularly suited to novels where characters, plot threads, settings and chapter structure need to be managed as part of the writing process.
The application supports both highly structured workflows and simpler projects. Writers can use its planning tools extensively or concentrate on the manuscript editor, depending on how much preparation they want around the actual prose.
Manuskript also accommodates fiction and non-fiction projects, allowing writers to choose an approach appropriate to the material rather than following a single prescribed method.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Develop a premise progressively from a sentence into a paragraph and fuller summary using the Snowflake approach.
- Create character records containing descriptions, motivations and other relevant information.
- Develop plots and connect them to the structure of the manuscript.
- Construct hierarchical outlines or use index cards to plan a story.
- Build and maintain reference information about the world and setting of a project.
- Track objects and other recurring elements within a manuscript.
- Create, edit and rearrange chapters and scenes.
- Inspect the progression of the narrative using the Story line view.
- Choose between fiction-oriented tools and simpler non-fiction writing workflows.
- Use distraction-free mode when concentrating on prose.
- Integrated spell checking and Markdown syntax highlighting.
- Word frequency analyser for reviewing vocabulary usage.
- Automatic saving using open and plain-text file formats.
- Import and export HTML, EPUB, OpenDocument and DOCX documents, with additional conversions supported through Pandoc.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: www.theologeek.ch/manuskript
Support:
Developer: Olivier Keshavjee and contributors
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
Manuskript is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Tools for Novelists | |
|---|---|
| FocusWriter | Distraction-free writing environment with goals and statistics |
| Ren'Py | Engine for creating visual novels and interactive stories |
| novelWriter | Structured plain-text editor for novels and long-form fiction |
| CherryTree | Hierarchical notes for research, characters and story planning |
| Zettlr | Markdown writing environment for long-form projects |
| oStorybook | Novel planning and writing suite with scenes and timelines |
| Twine | Visual tool for creating branching and interactive stories |
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| Quoll Writer | Novel-writing workspace with chapters, assets and goals |
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| Hammer | Offline-first story editor with scenes, notes and references |
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| Distraction-Free Tools for Writers | |
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| novelWriter | Plain text editor designed for writing novels |
| Apostrophe | Editor that stays out your way |
| Quoll Writer | Desktop writing application written in Java |
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| ghostwriter | Distraction-free writing experience offering a clean interface |
| Bibisco | Novel writing software |
| PanWriter | Distraction-free Markdown writing environment |
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| Script Writing Tools | |
|---|---|
| Trelby | Simple, powerful, full-featured program for writing movie screenplays |
| Manuskript | Use the snowflake method to grow your ideas |
| Pago | Screenwriting plugin for the Vim text editor |
| Screenwriter-mode | A plug-in for Emacs |
| Screenplain | Plain text to readable screenplay |
| KIT Scenarist | Fully-featured studio for creating movie screenplays |
| LyX | The Hollywood document class equips LyX for script writing |
| Afterwriting | Post-processing tools for Fountain screenplay |
| Story Architect | Reinventing the screenwriting software |
| lottie | Fountain screenplay editor |
| obsidian-fountain | Fountain support for Obsidian |
| Barefoot | Convert Fountain screenplay files to plain text |
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The “snowflake” method is standard (serious) writers’ method: think, plan, layout, execute. No inspiration, muse or magic. Better now than “gold standard” Scriverner, with added storyline references. Distraction free mode for just “getting done”.