Can Free Software For Novel Writing Track Word Count Goals?

2025-07-17 23:55:20 283

4 Answers

Spencer
Spencer
2025-07-18 01:51:23
I’ve tested a ton of free writing apps, and yes, most can track word count goals! 'LibreOffice' (with extensions) and 'Google Docs' (via add-ons like 'Word Count Goal') are solid choices if you want familiar interfaces. But my dark horse pick is 'WriteMonkey'—minimalist yet powerful, it flashes your progress subtly so you stay focused. For collaborative projects, 'NovelPad’s free tier' lets you set milestones and syncs across devices. The real magic? Customizable alerts—some apps ping you when you hit 50% of your goal, which feels like a mini victory.
Harper
Harper
2025-07-18 14:59:00
Tracking word counts is my lifeline during NaNoWriMo, and free tools save the day. 'Scrivener’s trial version' (technically free for 30 days) has a project target feature I adore—it turns red if you fall behind. For pure word-count focus, 'Calmly Writer' highlights your progress in real time without fuss. I once wrote a 70K draft using 'ZenWriter’, which plays ambient sounds and shows a tiny counter at the bottom. It’s the little motivational nudges that make these tools worth it.
Keira
Keira
2025-07-22 20:10:59
Absolutely! Even basic tools like 'Notepad++' with plugins or 'Obsidian’s word count plugin' can track goals. I use 'Cold Turkey Writer' when I need to lock in—it won’t let you exit until you hit your target. For cloud fans, 'Draft’ by Nate Kontny is free and auto-saves every keystroke while tracking progress. Simple, effective, and no frills.
Andrea
Andrea
2025-07-23 08:54:28
I rely heavily on free novel-writing software to keep me on track. My absolute favorite is 'yWriter'—it not only tracks word count goals but breaks your project into chapters and scenes, making it feel less overwhelming. I set daily targets, and the progress bar keeps me motivated. 'Manuskript' is another gem, especially for fantasy writers, with its built-in world-building tools alongside word count tracking.

For those who prefer simplicity, 'FocusWriter' strips away distractions while still displaying your word count prominently. It’s like a digital typewriter with goals. I’ve also dabbled in 'Wavemaker Cards', which combines word count tracking with a visual planning board—perfect for plotters. The key is consistency; these tools won’t write for you, but they’ll nudge you closer to 'The End' one word at a time.
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