Which platforms does novelWriter run on and how can I install it?

Updated

novelWriter runs on Linux, Windows, and MacOS, and it is Free and Open Source. The installation method differs by platform: Linux offers the most options (AppImage, Flatpak, package repositories, and a Cloudsmith repo), Windows uses a setup installer, and MacOS currently requires a Python environment with the novelwriter package from PyPi because DMG releases have been discontinued.

The current release is Version 2026.2 Patch 1, released on September 26, 2026. Release notes are published alongside the download.

Linux

Linux has the widest set of installation paths. Choose based on how you prefer to manage updates.

Method Command / source Notes
AppImage Download from the site Portable, no package manager needed
Flatpak Flatpak package Sandboxed distribution
Package repositories Provided by Cloudsmith Recommended over the deprecated PPA
Cloudsmith repo (Debian/Ubuntu) See commands below Adds the repo, then installs via apt
Fedora 41+ sudo dnf install novelwriter Maintained by Fedora package managers, so releases are delayed
PyPi pipx install novelwriter Cross-platform Python install
Ubuntu PPA (deprecated) ppa:vkbo/novelwriter Deprecated and will soon stop receiving updates — migrate to Cloudsmith

To add the Cloudsmith repository on Debian/Ubuntu-based systems:

curl -sLf \
  'https://dl.cloudsmith.io/public/saga-soft/stable/cfg/setup/bash.deb.sh' \
  | sudo bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install novelwriter

The Ubuntu PPA can also be used on other Debian-based distributions, but since it is deprecated, the Cloudsmith repository is the better long-term choice. Ubuntu pre-releases are available through the Pre-Release PPA by adding ppa:vkbo/novelwriter-pre.

Windows

Download the setup installer and run it. Code signing on Windows is sponsored by SignPath.io, with the certificate provided by the SignPath Foundation; the Code Signing Policy is published on the site.

MacOS

MacOS DMGs have been discontinued as of release 2026.1, and the site notes that DMG releases are being worked on. Until they return, the only current method of running novelWriter on MacOS is to set up a Python environment and install the novelwriter package. The site points to its "Installing from PyPi" instructions for the details.

Other install options

  • Python Package Index: pipx install novelwriter
  • Pre-releases and checksum files: available on the Downloads page

What to check before you install

  • Confirm you are on the latest release (2026.2 Patch 1) unless you specifically want a pre-release.
  • On Linux, prefer the Cloudsmith repository over the deprecated Ubuntu PPA so you keep receiving updates.
  • On Fedora, expect a delayed release cycle because the package is maintained by Fedora package managers.
  • On MacOS, plan for a Python-based install rather than a DMG.