# yWriter: Novel Writing — Powerful novel-writing app

> Novel writing software organizing projects by chapters and scenes. (iPhone/iPad app by Elizabeth Haynes.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ywriter-novel-writing/id1262381187 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Elizabeth Haynes](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676730228)
- Category: Productivity
- Price: $14.99
- Rating: 3.10/5 from 25 App Store ratings · 39 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 138 MB
- Released: 2017-10-30
- Data updated: 2026-08-25
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ywriter-novel-writing/id1262381187/reviews.md

## What is yWriter?

Write and edit your novel on the go with yWriter. Unlike a word processor, yWriter displays your novel in chapters and scenes, making it much easier to keep track of everything.

Share the same project files between yWriter for various platforms such as Desktop and Mobile.

Get yWriter for other platforms here: http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter7.html

## Key features

- Chapter and scene organization
- Novel writing and editing
- Cross-platform project sharing
- Progress tracking
- Mobile writing

## Chart rankings

- #196 in Top Paid · Productivity (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 39)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ywriter-novel-writing/id1262381187/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Like the program, but an app...!

*2025-02-23, version 23.27.22*

Great little app that has helped me maintain continued access to YWriter during a break between desktop devices. There aren't many program developers who keep an app up to date, so I greatly appreciate the option here. This might even end up being my preferred YWriter! Love your work!

### 5/5 — Finally made an app

*2024-09-10, version 23.27.22*

I learned about the snowflake method and found the PC software years ago. I use other apps/software but this method works for my ADHD. So I’m glad its finally in the App Store. Its simple, organized and can export into any format to be published. It’s a perfect simple app for writing, if you use this method.

### 1/5 — $14.99 for what is basically a blank word processor program I really want a refund

*2024-06-19, version 23.27.22*

I thought this program was going to have some features to help me write my novel. It's only feature I'd that it orders the chapters and scenes in the right order for you.  Other programs do that for free. And it's suspicious to me that the only reviews available are for at least three or more years ago --what's that about in short, don't waste your money! And some of the reviews it says the cost is $4.99, but it's $14.99.

### 5/5 — It’s back!!

*2024-03-03, version 23.27.22*

Excellent story app..

### 5/5 — Great update

*2023-07-28*

I've been using ywriter to write two novels (on desktop), and it works great -- Scrivener can probably do more, but ywriter does what I need, and it has a reasonable learning curve.
The mobile version is a great addition. It doesn't do everything the desktop version does, but it does enough, allowing editing etc on the go. Thanks for the development effort!

### 1/5 — I want my $4.99 back

*2021-10-23, version 1.3*

Downloaded this today based on an article recommendation.  Even if it was free, I wouldn’t use it.

### 2/5 — Desktop version for me

*2021-05-31, version 1.3*

I only use the desktop version for my book and I figured the phone version would aid me in momentary inspiration, however this phone version is horrid. I pass on using it.

### 1/5 — Improponibile

*2021-03-26*

Non si capisce niente

### 4/5 — Can be tricky.

*2021-03-03, version 1.3*

You have to create a new project and port in the info if your file is from 5 or less to get a 7 file to use with this app and it’s not as easy as a save file as. Also Dropbox doesn’t like to delete the lock file well which causes problems with going from app to computer. OneDrive compatibility would be nice as an option.

### 1/5 — Not very intuitive

*2020-12-18, version 1.3*

I had used the desktop version for years and loved it, it was easy to use, intuitive and worked like a dream....this version for iPad I can’t even figure out how to beginning writing anything other than a description. The joy of yWriter desktop version was the ease of use. I wrote a whole book using the desktop version. This iPad version....I am gonna have to stick with using Pages because I just cannot figure yWriter out.

## Frequently asked questions about yWriter

### What does yWriter do?

yWriter is a powerful application designed specifically for writing and editing novels. It organizes your work into chapters and scenes, making it easier to manage and navigate your project compared to a standard word processor.

### What are the key features of yWriter?

Key features include the ability to write and edit your novel, organize it by chapters and scenes for better tracking, and share project files across different platforms like desktop and mobile. This structure helps authors keep their entire novel project organized.

### Is yWriter free to use?

Yes, yWriter is a free application. There are no costs associated with downloading or using its features for novel writing and organization.

### What platforms is yWriter available on?

yWriter is available on various platforms, including desktop and mobile. You can share the same project files between these different versions, allowing you to write and edit your novel wherever you are.

### How does yWriter help with novel writing?

yWriter helps by providing a structured environment for novel writing. By breaking down your novel into chapters and individual scenes, it simplifies the process of tracking your progress, editing specific sections, and managing the overall narrative flow.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 23.27.22 — 2024-02-25

Update app certificate

### 23.27.21 — 2023-10-30

Bug fix: Fixes an incompatibility issue with latest iOS version

### 23.27.05 — 2023-07-25

New file system - open yWriter projects from any storage provider.



Added languages: German, Spanish, French, Italian & Portuguese.

Improved tutorial layout.

### 2.0 — 2023-07-21

New file system - open yWriter projects from any storage provider.

Added languages: German, Spanish, French, Italian & Portuguese.


Many other improvements.

### 1.3 — 2019-09-14

Works with the new yw7 project format
Includes 'save as...' so you can transfer projects between local and cloud storage

## Apps similar to yWriter

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Ulysses: Writing App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ulysses-writing-app/id1225570693) | 4.6 (2,091) | Free | Productivity |
| [Werdsmith: Writing App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/werdsmith-writing-app/id489746330) | 4.7 (7,962) | Free | Productivity |
| [Writing Space: Books & Scripts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/writing-space-books-and-scripts/id1532954998) | 4.5 (1,489) | Free | Productivity |
| [Book Writer - Novel Writing](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/book-writer-novel-writing/id1489462831) | 3.9 (78) | Free | Productivity |
| [Story Planner for Writers](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/story-planner-for-writers/id860024390) | 4.7 (1,175) | $8.99 | Productivity |
| [Writer Gadget](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/writer-gadget/id1621085053) | 4.1 (25) | Free | Productivity |

## Related topics

[novel writing tools](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/novel-writing-tools)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-25.*