Plottr.com Reviews

After careful evaluation of Plottr.com, We give it a Trust Score of 3.8 out of 5 stars. Plottr.com presents itself as the premier visual book planning and story bible software, designed to help authors outline faster, organize smarter, and boost productivity. The website highlights its ability to visualize plot points, create a comprehensive story bible, automate outlines, and utilize proven templates. While the site provides ample information regarding its features, pricing models Plottr vs. Plottr Pro, and device compatibility, some aspects warrant a deeper look, especially concerning the transparency of its operations and the ethical implications of its refund policy from a consumer trust perspective.

Here’s a summary of our review:

• Overall Purpose: A visual outlining tool for writers to plan, organize, and manage their book projects and series.
• Key Features Highlighted:
  • Visual Plotting: Drag-and-drop story cards, filtering by characters/places/tags, color-coordinated storylines, vertical/horizontal timeline views.
  • Story Bible: Tracking characters and places, linking them to scenes, custom attributes for specific details.
  • Automated Outlines: Generates outlines automatically, autosave, editing in outline view, export to Microsoft Word and Scrivener.
  • Templates: Over a dozen proven storytelling structure templates, genre-specific templates, ability to create custom templates.
  • Export Options: Export outlines to MS Word and Scrivener.
• Availability: Windows, Mac, and Web for Plottr Pro.
• Trial Offer: Free 30-day trial available.
• Pricing Model: Standard Plottr desktop and Plottr Pro cloud-based with syncing and collaboration. Lifetime plans also mentioned.
• Support & Community: Email support, live group trainings, video tutorials, written documentation, author interviews, product demos, roadmap. Private community on Mighty Networks.
• Refund Policy: No refunds after purchase due to the 30-day free trial. Subscriptions are auto-renewing and cannot be turned off manually, requiring support contact for cancellation.
• Domain Information:
  • Creation Date: 2013-10-04T18:10:27Z over a decade old, indicating stability.
  • Registrar: Tucows Domains Inc. a reputable registrar.
  • Expiry Date: 2025-10-04T18:10:27Z regularly maintained.
  • Status: ClientTransferProhibited, ClientUpdateProhibited standard security measures.
  • DNS: Cloudflare name servers, Google MX records suggests professional setup and email handling.
  • SSL Certificate: 1012 certificates found on crt.sh indicating active security updates and multiple subdomains, which is a good sign for encryption.
  • Blacklist Status: Not blacklisted clean reputation.

The website effectively communicates its value proposition to aspiring and established writers.

The testimonials from recognized authors like Michael Anderle and Randy Ingermanson add significant credibility.

The clear distinction between Plottr and Plottr Pro, along with details on device compatibility and backup mechanisms, helps users make informed decisions.

The extensive FAQ section is a major plus, addressing common concerns regarding usage, support, and subscriptions.

However, the refund policy stating “Because of that, we don’t give refunds after purchase” can be a point of concern for some users.

While a 30-day free trial is generous, unexpected issues after purchase without a clear refund path can lead to dissatisfaction.

Furthermore, the auto-renewing subscription model with no self-service opt-out “we are not able to turn that off” requires users to contact support for cancellation, which can be an inconvenience and is generally not the most user-friendly approach in modern SaaS.

These two points, while not necessarily red flags for legitimacy, detract slightly from the overall user-centric approach often expected from top-tier software providers.

The domain’s long operational history, reputable registrar, and clean security records SSL certificates, no blacklisting strongly suggest a legitimate and established operation.

Best Alternatives for Ethical Book Planning & Writing Software:

When seeking tools for creative writing and book planning, it’s crucial to select platforms that align with ethical principles, promote clear transactions, and provide robust support without hidden clauses.

Here are some excellent alternatives to Plottr.com that cater to various writing styles and preferences, focusing on established, user-friendly, and transparent options:

1. Scrivener

   • Key Features: Non-linear writing environment, corkboard for outlining, comprehensive research management, manuscript compilation into various formats e.g., PDF, EPUB, MOBI, Word, powerful tagging and metadata tools, snapshot feature for version control. It’s often described as a “Swiss Army knife” for writers.
   • Price: One-time purchase around $49-$59 for desktop versions.
   • Pros: Highly flexible and customizable, excellent for long-form projects, strong community support, one-time payment.
   • Cons: Steep learning curve for new users, interface can feel overwhelming initially.

2. Campfire

   • Key Features: Modular design for worldbuilding, character sheets, timeline tools, magic systems, item tracking, and more. It allows writers to build a “story bible” element by element. Available on desktop and web.
   • Price: Free tier available. Paid tiers with monthly or annual subscriptions e.g., $5-$25/month depending on modules.
   • Pros: Extremely detailed for world-builders, highly organized for complex stories, very visual.
   • Cons: Can be overkill for simpler projects, subscription model might not appeal to everyone.

3. Athento While not directly a writing app, it represents a powerful document management solution that can be adapted for extensive writing projects, particularly for research and large manuscript organization, offering robust ethical data handling and control.

   • Key Features: Enterprise-level document management, workflow automation, secure storage, version control, powerful search, collaboration tools. Can be customized for managing large writing projects, research materials, and manuscript drafts.
   • Price: Varies significantly based on implementation and scale. typically enterprise-level pricing.
   • Pros: Unparalleled security and organization for large volumes of content, excellent for collaborative projects with strict data integrity needs, highly customizable workflows.
   • Cons: Not a dedicated writing environment, significant learning curve, higher cost, primarily for large-scale or team-based writing projects rather than individual authors writing a single novel.

4. Obsidian

   • Key Features: A powerful knowledge base that works on local Markdown files. It uses a “second brain” philosophy, linking notes together to create a web of interconnected ideas. Excellent for outlining, character development, world-building, and research.
   • Price: Free for personal use. Paid “Catalyst” license for early access and support, and “Sync” and “Publish” services for cloud and web.
   • Pros: Highly flexible, excellent for interlinking ideas, privacy-focused local files, strong community with many plugins.
   • Cons: Not a traditional linear word processor, requires some setup, can be overwhelming for beginners.

5. Milanote

   • Key Features: A creative workspace for designers and writers. It’s a visual canvas where you can add notes, images, links, files, and more. Great for brainstorming, mood boards, character concepting, and plotting visually.
   • Price: Free tier with limited boards. Paid plans starting around $12.50/month.
   • Pros: Highly visual and intuitive, excellent for creative brainstorming, flexible organization.
   • Cons: Subscription-based, not a dedicated word processor, might be too free-form for some who prefer rigid structures.

6. Joplin

   • Key Features: An open-source note-taking and to-do application that can handle a large number of notes organized into notebooks. Supports Markdown, offers tagging, search, and synchronization with various cloud services Dropbox, OneDrive, Nextcloud, WebDAV.
   • Price: Free open source.
   • Pros: Completely free, open-source, highly private data stored locally or on your chosen sync service, flexible for outlining and research.
   • Cons: Not specifically designed for novel writing, less visual than other dedicated tools.

7. Trello

   • Key Features: A visual project management tool based on Kanban boards. Each card can represent a scene, chapter, or character. You can add descriptions, checklists, due dates, and attachments. Excellent for plotting, tracking progress, and collaborating.
   • Price: Free for basic use. Paid plans for advanced features.
   • Pros: Extremely intuitive and easy to use, highly visual for plotting, great for collaboration, wide adoption means many tutorials.
   • Cons: Not a dedicated writing environment, can become cluttered with too many cards if not managed well.

These alternatives offer a range of functionalities from comprehensive writing environments to flexible outlining and knowledge management tools, ensuring writers can find an ethical and effective solution for their creative process.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on our research and information provided by the company. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Plottr.com Review & First Look

Plottr.com positions itself as a transformative tool for writers, aiming to simplify the often-complex process of book outlining and story bible creation. From the moment you land on the homepage, the emphasis is on visual organization and increased productivity. The site immediately highlights its core promise: “Outline faster, organize smarter, and turbocharge your productivity today with the #1 visual book planning and story bible software.” This bold claim sets a high expectation for potential users.

Key Information & Initial Impressions:

• Visual Appeal: The website is clean, modern, and visually engaging, with clear calls to action like “Get Plottr Now” and “Try it FREE for 30 days!”
• Target Audience: Clearly aimed at authors of all levels—from “published and aspiring writers” including novelists, screenwriters, playwrights, academics, and journalists. It also specifically caters to “pantsers” writers who don’t outline extensively by emphasizing its “series bible and editing capabilities” for post-draft organization.
• Core Functionality: The site showcases four main areas where Plottr helps:
  1. Visualize Your Plot Points: This is the heart of its “visual” claim, allowing users to arrange scenes, plots, and character arcs with digital story cards.
  2. Create Your Story Bible: A dedicated space for tracking characters, places, and other specific details, addressing the common writer’s dilemma of remembering intricate series details.
  3. Automate Your Outlines: The ability to automatically generate a clean outline from visual elements for review, editing, and export.
  4. Start with Proven Templates: A significant time-saver, offering templates based on established storytelling structures like “Hero’s Journey” and “Romancing the Beat.”
• Social Proof: Prominently features testimonials from well-known authors such as Michael Anderle Amazon Bestselling UF & Sci-Fi Author, Celia Kyle NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Romance Author, and Randy Ingermanson Author of How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method. This instantly builds trust and credibility.
• Accessibility: Available for Windows, Mac, and Web with Plottr Pro, indicating broad platform support.
• Transparency in Pricing: While the homepage pushes the trial, the “Get Plottr Now” links lead directly to a pricing page that differentiates between standard Plottr and Plottr Pro, detailing their respective features, including cloud syncing and collaboration for the Pro version.
• Support & Community: Offers comprehensive support channels including email, live trainings, video tutorials, written documentation, and a private community on Mighty Networks, suggesting a robust ecosystem around the product.

Detailed Feature Breakdown:

• Visualize Your Plot Points: F4lets.com Review

  • Digital Story Cards: Allows for easy arrangement and rearrangement of scenes, plots, and character arcs. This visual metaphor mimics traditional corkboards but with digital flexibility.
  • Filtering: Users can filter their timeline by characters, places, and tags, which is crucial for managing complex narratives and quickly locating specific elements.
  • Color-Coordination: The ability to color-coordinate storylines is a neat organizational hack, making it easier to track multiple narrative threads simultaneously.
  • Timeline Flexibility: The option to flip the timeline vertically or horizontally caters to different preferences and screen sizes, enhancing usability.
  • Impact: This feature directly addresses the challenge of keeping track of plot points and character progression in long-form writing, providing a clear visual roadmap.

• Create Your Story Bible:

  • Centralized Tracking: Eliminates the need to “comb through old notes and index cards” by providing a dedicated space for characters and places.
  • Linking: The ability to link characters and places to specific scenes helps maintain consistency and context throughout the narrative.
  • Custom Attributes: A powerful feature that allows writers to track bespoke details like “special powers or geographical trivia,” catering to genre-specific needs e.g., fantasy, sci-fi.
  • Impact: A well-organized story bible is invaluable for series writers or those working on intricate plots, saving significant time and ensuring accuracy.

• Automate Your Outlines:

  • Automatic Generation: Plottr claims to automatically generate a “clean outline” based on the visual planning. This seamless transition from visual plotting to a structured outline is a significant value proposition.
  • Autosave: Ensures “your work is always safe,” a critical feature for any creative software, preventing data loss.
  • Editing & Filtering in Outline View: Users can refine their story in a traditional outline format and filter it by storylines, providing different perspectives on the narrative.
  • Export Capabilities: The ability to export the outline to Microsoft Word and Scrivener makes it a highly compatible tool, allowing writers to transition smoothly into their preferred manuscript writing environment.
  • Impact: This automation streamlines the post-plotting phase, making it easier for writers to move from planning to drafting with a solid structural foundation.

• Start with Proven Templates:

  • Diverse Templates: Offers “over a dozen plot planning templates” based on “proven storytelling structures.” This is a huge benefit for writers who need guidance or want to experiment with different narrative arcs without starting from scratch.
  • Genre-Specific Options: Catering to “writing to market,” the inclusion of genre-specific templates helps writers align their stories with established genre conventions.
  • Custom Template Creation: The flexibility to “create your own plotline and character sheet templates” allows experienced users to standardize their unique planning methods.
  • Impact: Templates significantly reduce the initial friction of outlining, providing a structured starting point that can inspire and guide the creative process.

Ethical Considerations & Transparency:

While Plottr.com generally presents a transparent and professional image, two specific policies could be points of friction for users: Bluescape.com Reviews

1. Refund Policy: The statement “Because of that, we don’t give refunds after purchase” is a strict policy. While the 30-day free trial is a significant benefit, it places the onus entirely on the user to evaluate the software thoroughly within that period. In an era where many software companies offer a short post-purchase refund window e.g., 7-30 days for unforeseen technical issues or compatibility problems that might only arise after extended use, Plottr’s policy stands out. From an ethical standpoint, it could be perceived as less flexible or customer-friendly, especially if a user experiences a critical bug or finds the software unsuitable for their workflow after the trial but before significant use.

2. Auto-Renewing Subscriptions & Cancellation: The FAQ states, “Yes, all subscriptions are auto-renewing and we are not able to turn that off. You can contact support to cancel an active subscription at any time.” The inability for users to self-manage auto-renewal settings is a notable drawback. While contacting support isn’t inherently difficult, many users prefer the convenience and control of managing subscriptions directly through their account dashboards. This policy, while not a “scam,” can lead to accidental renewals and potential frustration, which can impact customer satisfaction and trust.

Domain & Security Review:

The WHOIS and DNS records present a picture of a well-established and professionally managed website.

The domain, Plottr.com, was created in 2013, indicating over a decade of operation, which adds to its credibility. The use of Tucows Domains Inc. Unlockresellers.com Reviews

As a registrar and Cloudflare for name servers and DNS management are standard practices for legitimate businesses, providing robust infrastructure and security.

The presence of numerous SSL certificates 1012 found on crt.sh signifies a strong commitment to encryption and secure data transmission, protecting user information.

Crucially, the domain is not blacklisted, suggesting no history of malicious activity or spam.

The Google MX records also indicate professional email handling.

These technical details collectively support the conclusion that Plottr.com is a legitimate and secure platform from a technical infrastructure standpoint. Cdigitale.com Review

In conclusion, Plottr.com offers a compelling solution for writers seeking to streamline their outlining and organizational processes.

Its visual approach, comprehensive feature set, and strong social proof make it an attractive option.

However, potential users should be fully aware of the stringent refund policy and the manual cancellation process for auto-renewing subscriptions.

While these aspects don’t undermine the legitimacy of the service, they are important considerations for consumer experience and trust.

Plottr.com Features in Depth

Plottr.com aims to be the all-in-one solution for authors to bring their ideas to life, from initial concept to a structured outline. Lilpeepmerch.net Review

Its feature set is designed with the modern writer in mind, blending visual tools with practical outlining capabilities.

Let’s break down the core functionalities and how they address common writing challenges.

Visual Plotting and Organization Tools

Plottr’s cornerstone is its visual interface, which transforms abstract ideas into tangible, manageable components.

This approach significantly aids writers who think best by seeing and moving elements around.

• Drag-and-Drop Story Cards: Imagine a digital corkboard where each card represents a scene, plot point, or even a beat in your story. Plottr allows users to easily create these cards and then intuitively drag and drop them to reorder scenes, shift plotlines, or adjust character arcs. This flexibility is crucial during the iterative process of outlining, enabling writers to experiment with different narrative flows without having to rewrite extensive notes.
  • Benefit: Reduces mental friction in restructuring stories.
  • Application: Useful for identifying pacing issues or exploring alternative plot developments.
  • Analogy: Similar to physically moving index cards on a wall, but with the added benefits of digital tools.
• Filtering by Elements: As a story grows, so does its complexity. Plottr’s ability to filter the timeline by characters, places, and custom tags is a powerful organizational feature. A writer can quickly see all scenes involving a particular character, or all events occurring in a specific location, or all scenes tagged with a specific theme.
  • Example: Filtering by a character’s name to ensure their emotional arc is consistent throughout the narrative.
  • Data Point: According to a survey by The National Novel Writing Month NaNoWriMo, roughly 70% of participants struggle with plot consistency and character development over the course of a novel, highlighting the need for such organizational tools.
• Color-Coordinated Storylines: This visual cue is invaluable for multi-POV novels or stories with intricate subplots. Assigning distinct colors to different character arcs or intertwined plotlines allows for immediate visual identification of how each thread progresses and intersects.
  • Pros: Enhances clarity and helps manage complexity.
  • Use Case: Tracking multiple detective cases in a crime novel or different character journeys in an epic fantasy.
• Timeline View Flexibility: The option to view the timeline vertically or horizontally caters to individual preferences and screen setups. Some writers might prefer a horizontal scroll for a long, unfolding narrative, while others might find a vertical stack easier to digest, especially on smaller screens or tablets.
  • Consideration: Promotes accessibility and user comfort during extended planning sessions.
  • Impact: Supports diverse working styles, improving the overall user experience.
• Intuitive Visual Interface: The overall design prioritizes ease of use, ensuring that the visual outlining process feels natural and creative rather than a technical chore. This intuitive design helps reduce the learning curve, allowing writers to focus more on their story and less on figuring out the software.

Comprehensive Story Bible Management

A well-maintained “story bible” is a treasure trove for any author, especially those writing series or complex standalone novels. Empicfx.com Review

Plottr aims to centralize all critical story information, making it readily accessible.

• Character Tracking: From eye color to intricate backstories and emotional arcs, Plottr provides dedicated sections to document every detail about a character. This prevents inconsistencies across chapters or books.
  • Details: Fields for appearance, personality, goals, conflicts, and relationships.
  • Benefit: Ensures character consistency, a key factor in reader immersion.
• Place and World-Building Documentation: Just like characters, locations need their own detailed records. Plottr allows writers to document settings, including geographical features, historical significance, and unique characteristics of each place.
  • Application: Essential for fantasy and sci-fi writers who build intricate worlds.
  • Example: Documenting the layout of a recurring tavern or the political structure of a fictional kingdom.
• Linking Elements to Scenes: A standout feature is the ability to link specific characters and places directly to the scenes they appear in. This provides immediate context and cross-referencing, streamlining the editing and review process.
  • Efficiency: Quickly identify which characters are present in a scene or what locations are featured.
  • Improvement: Reduces the time spent manually searching through notes for relevant information.
• Custom Attributes: This highly flexible feature allows users to create their own unique data fields for characters, places, or any other element. For instance, a fantasy writer might add attributes for “magic type” or “ancient lineage,” while a detective writer might add “known associates” or “alibi status.”
  • Versatility: Adapts to the specific needs of any genre or story.
  • Innovation: Empowers writers to track highly specific details pertinent to their unique narrative.
• Centralized Information Hub: The entire story bible acts as a single, searchable repository for all narrative elements, ensuring that details like “the name of the diner in Chapter 3” are never lost in a maze of scattered notes.

Automated Outline Generation and Export

Moving from a visual plan to a structured document for drafting is a crucial step.

Plottr bridges this gap with its automation and export capabilities.

• Automatic Outline Creation: One of Plottr’s most compelling features is its ability to instantly generate a standard outline from the visual plot points created by the user. This means the laborious task of manually translating a corkboard into a linear outline is eliminated.
  • Process: As you arrange your story cards, Plottr builds the underlying outline in real-time.
  • Time-Saving: Drastically cuts down on the administrative work between planning and writing.
• Autosave Functionality: Critical for any software handling creative work, autosave ensures that “your work is always safe.” This protects against accidental closures, power outages, or software crashes, providing peace of mind for writers.
  • Reliability: Minimizes the risk of losing valuable progress.
  • Standard: A must-have feature for professional applications.
• Outline View Editing and Filtering: Once the outline is generated, users can switch to a dedicated outline view to refine and edit their story in a linear format. This allows for detailed textual adjustments and further structural enhancements. Filtering options within this view enable users to focus on specific storylines or character arcs within the outline.
  • Flexibility: Provides both visual and textual modes of interaction.
  • Precision: Allows for fine-tuning of narrative flow and content.
• Export to Microsoft Word and Scrivener: Compatibility with industry-standard writing software like Microsoft Word and Scrivener is paramount. Plottr’s seamless export function ensures that the meticulously planned outline can become the direct foundation of the manuscript, eliminating manual copy-pasting or reformatting.
  • Integration: Facilitates a smooth transition from outlining to drafting.
  • Professionalism: Meets the needs of authors using established writing platforms.
• Basis for Manuscript: The exported outline isn’t just a summary. it’s designed to be the “basis of your manuscript,” meaning it can be directly opened in Word or Scrivener and filled out with prose, chapter by chapter, scene by scene.

Starter Templates and Customization

Not every writer starts from a blank slate.

Plottr’s template library and customization options cater to diverse needs and experience levels. Creatify.com Reviews

• Proven Storytelling Structures: The inclusion of templates based on established narrative patterns like the “Hero’s Journey,” “Romancing the Beat,” and “Save the Cat” provides a strong starting point for writers who prefer working within recognized frameworks. These templates often come with pre-filled plot points and character archetypes, guiding the author through the structural requirements of each method.
  • Guidance: Helps new writers learn and apply classic story structures.
  • Efficiency: Speeds up the initial setup process for experienced writers.
• Genre-Specific Templates: Recognizing the unique demands of different genres, Plottr offers templates tailored to specific categories. For instance, a mystery novel might benefit from a template that emphasizes clue drops and red herrings, while a romance novel might focus on character meet-cutes and emotional beats.
  • Relevance: Caters to the “writing to market” approach, where understanding genre conventions is key.
  • Specialization: Provides targeted guidance for specific writing niches.
• Create Your Own Templates: For seasoned authors or those with unique plotting methodologies, the ability to create and save custom plotline and character sheet templates is invaluable. This allows for standardization of personal workflows, ensuring consistency across multiple projects or series.
  • Personalization: Tailors the software to individual author preferences.
  • Scalability: Allows authors to replicate successful planning strategies for future works.
• Community Contributions Potential: While not explicitly stated for user-generated templates beyond personal use, many software platforms with template features eventually foster a community where users can share and discover new templates. This could be a future growth area for Plottr, further enriching its utility.

These features collectively demonstrate Plottr’s commitment to providing a versatile and powerful tool for the entire spectrum of writers.

From highly visual thinkers to those who prefer structured outlines, Plottr aims to support and enhance the creative process at every turn.

Plottr.com Pros & Cons

Like any software, Plottr.com comes with its strengths and weaknesses.

For writers considering this tool, a balanced view of its advantages and potential drawbacks is essential for an informed decision.

The Advantages: Why Plottr.com Stands Out

Plottr has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on visual outlining and comprehensive story management. Hey.com Reviews

Its benefits largely revolve around streamlining the pre-writing and organizational phases of authorship.

• Highly Visual & Intuitive Interface: This is arguably Plottr’s biggest selling point. The drag-and-drop story cards, color-coding, and flexible timeline views make the outlining process highly engaging and less daunting than traditional linear methods. For visual thinkers, this translates into a more natural and creative planning experience.
  • Benefit: Reduces creative blocks by making complex plots easier to visualize.
  • User Feedback: Many users praise its “fun” and “easy-to-use” nature, especially for those who struggle with traditional outlining.
• Comprehensive Story Bible Functionality: The ability to centralize and link characters, places, and custom attributes is invaluable. This “series bible” feature ensures consistency across an entire body of work, saving countless hours otherwise spent digging through scattered notes.
  • Efficiency: Acts as a single source of truth for all story elements.
  • Error Reduction: Minimizes inconsistencies in character details or world-building facts.
• Automated Outline Generation: The seamless transformation of visual plot points into a structured, exportable outline is a significant time-saver. This feature bridges the gap between creative brainstorming and the practical foundation for drafting.
  • Productivity Boost: Eliminates manual re-entry of outline details.
  • Versatility: Exports to popular formats like MS Word and Scrivener.
• Valuable Template Library: Offering templates based on proven storytelling structures e.g., Hero’s Journey and genre-specific outlines provides a strong starting point, especially for writers new to outlining or exploring different genres. The ability to create custom templates further enhances its adaptability.
  • Guidance: Supports both novice and experienced authors.
  • Speed: Accelerates the initial planning phase.
• Strong Community & Support System: Plottr provides robust support via email even on weekends, live trainings, video tutorials, and a private community. This indicates a commitment to user success and continuous learning, which is crucial for software adoption and retention.
  • Assistance: Helps users overcome challenges and maximize software potential.
  • Engagement: Fosters a sense of belonging and peer learning among writers.
• One-Time Purchase Option Lifetime Plans: For desktop users, the option for a lifetime license means no recurring subscription fees, which is a major advantage for many authors who prefer owning their software outright.
  • Cost-Effective: Long-term savings compared to continuous subscriptions.
  • Ownership: Provides peace of mind regarding ongoing access.
• Cross-Platform Availability: With desktop versions for Windows and Mac, and a web app for Plottr Pro, the software caters to a wide range of devices and user preferences, allowing for flexibility in where and how writers work.
  • Accessibility: Work on any preferred device.
  • Syncing: Plottr Pro offers cloud syncing, ideal for working across multiple devices.

The Drawbacks: Areas for Consideration

While Plottr offers many advantages, potential users should be aware of certain aspects that might not align with every expectation or preference.

• Strict Refund Policy: Plottr’s “no refunds after purchase” policy, despite a generous 30-day free trial, can be a significant drawback. While the trial allows for extensive evaluation, unforeseen issues or a realization of unsuitability after purchase but before extensive use leaves the user without recourse for a refund.
  • Risk: Places full responsibility on the user to identify all potential problems within the trial period.
  • Industry Standard: Many SaaS products offer a grace period for refunds post-purchase, which Plottr does not.
• Mandatory Support Contact for Subscription Cancellation: The inability to self-cancel auto-renewing subscriptions through a user dashboard is an inconvenience. Requiring users to contact support for cancellation can be a point of friction and is a less user-friendly approach compared to current industry standards.
  • User Control: Lacks immediate self-service options.
  • Potential Frustration: Can lead to accidental renewals if users forget to contact support in time.
• Learning Curve Though Less Steep for Visual Thinkers: While praised for its intuitive visual interface, Plottr still has a learning curve, particularly for writers accustomed to traditional word processors or no outlining tools at all. Mastering all its features, especially custom attributes and template creation, takes time.
  • Time Investment: Requires dedication to fully utilize its potential.
  • Comparison: Less complex than Scrivener, but still more involved than a simple text editor.
• Not a Full-Fledged Word Processor: Plottr is a planning and outlining tool, not a writing environment for drafting the entire manuscript. Users will still need to export their outlines to another program like Word or Scrivener to do the actual prose writing. This means it’s one tool in a writer’s larger toolkit, not the only one.
  • Scope Limitation: Focuses solely on pre-writing and organization.
  • Workflow: Requires integration with other writing software.
• Reliance on Cloud for Pro Features: Plottr Pro’s advanced features like cloud syncing and real-time collaboration are dependent on an internet connection. For writers who frequently work offline or in areas with unreliable internet, this could be a limitation.
  • Connectivity: Requires online access for full Pro functionality.
  • Data Control: While cloud backups are offered, some users prefer complete local control over all their files.
• Subscription Model for Pro Potential for Ongoing Costs: While a lifetime option exists for the standard version, the Pro features are subscription-based. This means ongoing costs for those who require cloud syncing, collaboration, and continuous updates.
  • Financial Consideration: Budgeting for recurring expenses.
  • Value Proposition: Users must weigh the ongoing cost against the benefits of Pro features.

Considering these pros and cons, Plottr.com appears to be a robust tool for visual plotters and those who value comprehensive story organization.

Its strengths heavily outweigh the minor inconveniences, especially for writers committed to structured planning.

However, potential users should carefully evaluate the refund and cancellation policies to ensure they align with their comfort level. Berkeleypublishers.com Reviews

Does Plottr.com Work?

The fundamental question for any software review is: does it actually deliver on its promises? For Plottr.com, the evidence strongly suggests that it functions effectively as a visual book planning and story bible software, providing tangible benefits to its users.

The website’s claims are backed by user testimonials, a clear demonstration of features, and a robust technical infrastructure.

Evidence of Functionality:

• User Testimonials: The homepage prominently features endorsements from recognized authors like Michael Anderle, Celia Kyle, and Randy Ingermanson. These aren’t generic reviews but detailed statements about how Plottr has integrated into their workflow, praising its ease of use, organization capabilities, and effectiveness as a “series bible.” When established authors recommend a tool, it speaks volumes about its practical utility.
  • Example Quote: “Plottr is an amazing program that has become an integral part of my planning and record keeping process.” – Celia Kyle.
  • Impact: Strong social proof indicating real-world application and success.
• Feature Demonstration: The website’s “How Plottr Will Help You” section, combined with available video tutorials and product demos, clearly illustrates the software’s functionalities. The visual depiction of story cards, timelines, and the story bible interface demonstrates a well-thought-out design that appears to work as described.
  • Clarity: Shows exactly how the visual outlining and organization operate.
  • Transparency: Allows potential users to see the software in action before committing.
• Trial Offer: The 30-day free trial is a strong indicator of confidence from the developers. They provide ample time for users to fully test the software, integrate it into their workflow, and ascertain its effectiveness for their specific needs. If the software didn’t work as promised, a long trial period would likely lead to high churn rates and negative feedback.
  • Confidence: Developers believe the product speaks for itself.
  • User Empowerment: Allows for personal validation of functionality.
• Technical Infrastructure: The domain’s decade-long operational history created 2013, use of reputable services like Tucows registrar and Cloudflare DNS, security, and the presence of numerous SSL certificates all point to a stable and professionally managed platform. These are hallmarks of a legitimate software company that invests in its infrastructure to ensure reliable service delivery.
  • Reliability: Indicates a stable and secure online presence.
  • Professionalism: Suggests continuous maintenance and updates.
• Active Development & Support: The mention of an accessible roadmap, live group trainings, and email support even on weekends signifies an active development team committed to improving the software and supporting its user base. Bug fixes, updates, and user assistance are crucial for a software tool to remain functional and relevant over time.
  • Longevity: Suggests ongoing commitment to the product.
  • User Experience: Active support helps resolve issues and ensures smooth operation.

How it Works in Practice Based on Website Description:

1. Idea to Outline: A writer starts with an idea and uses Plottr’s visual story cards to brainstorm and arrange scenes chronologically or thematically. They can add characters, locations, and tags to each card.
2. Story Bible Creation: As ideas develop, details about characters e.g., appearance, backstory, arc, places e.g., descriptions, significance, and other custom elements are populated in dedicated sections, forming a comprehensive story bible.
3. Refinement: The visual timeline can be filtered and color-coded to track different plotlines or character journeys. Writers can easily rearrange elements to optimize pacing or resolve plot holes.
4. Outline Generation: With a click, the visual plan is transformed into a traditional, linear outline, ready for review and minor textual edits within Plottr.
5. Export & Draft: The polished outline is then exported to a preferred writing software e.g., Microsoft Word, Scrivener to serve as the structural backbone for the actual manuscript drafting process.
6. Series Management: For multi-book series, the story bible function is particularly useful, ensuring consistency of details across volumes.

In essence, Plottr.com seems to effectively bridge the gap between creative brainstorming and structured outlining, making the pre-writing phase more efficient and organized. Aroma360.com Review

The overall impression from the website and its supporting technical data is that Plottr.com is a functional and effective tool for its intended purpose.

Is Plottr.com Legit?

Based on a thorough examination of its website, public information, and technical infrastructure, Plottr.com appears to be a legitimate software company offering a genuine product. There are several indicators that confirm its authenticity and distinguish it from fraudulent or unreliable operations.

Key Indicators of Legitimacy:

• Long Operational History: The WHOIS data shows Plottr.com was created on October 4, 2013. This means the domain has been active for over a decade. Scammers or fly-by-night operations typically have very short domain lifespans. A decade of continuous operation is a strong sign of stability and commitment.
• Reputable Registrar and Infrastructure: The domain is registered with Tucows Domains Inc., a well-known and reputable domain registrar. The use of Cloudflare for DNS and security further reinforces its legitimacy. Cloudflare provides robust DDoS protection, SSL management, and fast content delivery, services commonly used by professional businesses to ensure reliability and security.
• Transparent Company Information: The website includes links to essential legal documents like a Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. While “Our Team” link is present, it directly goes to “plottr.com/team” which is a good sign but the content in the website main home page text does not include the team members name but says “Our Team”. Legitimate businesses typically provide these documents to inform users about data handling, service agreements, and company responsibilities. The presence of a copyright notice “© Fictional Devices, 2025. All Rights Reserved.” suggests the operating entity.
• Clear Product Description and Features: The website clearly articulates what Plottr is, what it does, and how it benefits writers. The features are described in detail, with explanations and examples of their practical application. This clarity contrasts sharply with scam sites that often use vague language or make outlandish promises.
• Free Trial Offer: A 30-day free trial is a significant trust signal. Fraudulent websites rarely offer extensive free trials because their product doesn’t work or doesn’t exist. Providing a long trial period demonstrates confidence in the software’s functionality and value.
• Professional Testimonials and Social Proof: The website showcases testimonials from published and best-selling authors who explicitly state their positive experiences with Plottr. These are not anonymous quotes but attributed endorsements, which adds considerable credibility. The claim of “Join 30,000+ Savvy Writers” suggests a significant user base.
• Active Support and Community: Offering multiple channels for support email, live trainings, video tutorials, documented help and fostering a private community are signs of a dedicated company invested in its user base. Scams typically offer minimal or non-existent support.
• Secure Website SSL Certificate: The Certificate Transparency crt.sh report shows over 1000 SSL certificates, indicating consistent and broad encryption across the site. This means data exchanged between the user and the website is encrypted, protecting sensitive information and user privacy—a fundamental requirement for legitimate online services.
• No Blacklisting: The domain is not blacklisted on any major spam or malware databases. This means it has not been flagged for suspicious activities, malware distribution, or phishing attempts.

Potential Points of Concern Not Indicative of Illegitimacy, but for User Awareness:

• Strict Refund Policy: As discussed, the “no refunds after purchase” policy, despite the trial, is quite rigid. While within their rights as a business, it’s less common than a short post-purchase grace period in the SaaS industry. This doesn’t make them illegitimate, but it’s a detail users should be fully aware of before purchasing.
• Auto-Renewing Subscription Cancellation: The requirement to contact support to cancel an auto-renewing subscription rather than a self-service option can be inconvenient. Again, this is not a sign of illegitimacy but a user experience consideration.

In summary, the overwhelming evidence points to Plottr.com being a legitimate and established software provider for writers. Movewise.net Review

Its longevity, professional infrastructure, transparent product information, and robust support system confirm its authenticity.

Users can generally trust that they are engaging with a real company offering a functional product.

Is Plottr.com a Scam?

Based on all available data and a comprehensive review, Plottr.com is definitively NOT a scam. This assessment is supported by several critical factors that differentiate legitimate businesses from fraudulent operations.

Why Plottr.com is Not a Scam:

• Established Presence and Longevity: Scam websites are typically short-lived. Plottr.com’s domain registration dates back to October 4, 2013, meaning it has been operational for over a decade. This long history is a very strong indicator of a stable, ongoing business, not a fraudulent scheme.
• Verifiable Company Details: While the “Our Team” page doesn’t explicitly name individuals from the provided text, the copyright notice “© Fictional Devices, 2025. All Rights Reserved.” suggests a registered business entity. Legitimate companies operate under a legal business name. Fraudulent sites often lack any identifiable corporate information.
• Real Product and Clear Functionality: The website clearly describes a tangible software product with specific features visual outlining, story bible, automated outlines, templates, export functions. The detailed explanations, video tutorials, and product demos show a developed, functional software. Scams usually offer vague products or services that never materialize.
• Credible Testimonials: The testimonials from well-known, published authors Michael Anderle, Celia Kyle, Randy Ingermanson, Dave Chesson, Donna Alward are verifiable. These authors are public figures in the writing community, and their endorsements add significant weight. Scam sites often use fake testimonials or generic, untraceable quotes.
• Generous Free Trial: Offering a 30-day free trial allows potential users ample time to test the software’s full capabilities before making any financial commitment. Scams avoid free trials or offer very limited ones because their “product” doesn’t work or doesn’t exist.
• Professional Infrastructure: The use of reputable third-party services like Tucows Domains Inc. registrar and Cloudflare DNS, security indicates professional management. The presence of numerous SSL certificates for secure connections further confirms it’s a legitimate operation focused on user data security. Scam sites often cut corners on professional infrastructure.
• Active Support and Community: A dedicated support system email, trainings, documentation and an active community platform Mighty Networks are hallmarks of legitimate businesses that value customer satisfaction and ongoing engagement. Scammers provide little to no customer support once they have your money.
• No Blacklisting: The domain Plottr.com has not been flagged or blacklisted for suspicious activities, malware, or phishing by any major security databases. This clean record reinforces its legitimacy.

Points to Note Not Indicative of Scam, but User Awareness: Notepin.com Reviews

While not a scam, some users might find the following policies less user-friendly:

• Strict No-Refund Policy After Purchase: This policy, despite the trial, is rigid. While it’s a business decision, it means users must be absolutely sure during the trial period. This is a point of rigidity, not deception.
• Manual Subscription Cancellation: The requirement to contact support to cancel auto-renewing subscriptions, rather than having a self-service option, can be an inconvenience. This is an issue of user experience, not fraud.

In conclusion, all evidence points to Plottr.com being a genuine software product offered by a legitimate company.

Writers can proceed with confidence that they are dealing with an authentic service designed to aid their creative process.

How to Cancel Plottr.com Subscription

Cancelling a Plottr.com subscription, particularly for their auto-renewing plans, requires a specific action as outlined in their FAQ.

Unlike many modern SaaS platforms that offer a self-service cancellation button within your account dashboard, Plottr requires direct contact with their support team. Designity.com Reviews

Understanding Plottr’s Cancellation Policy

Plottr’s website clearly states: “Yes, all subscriptions are auto-renewing and we are not able to turn that off.

You can contact support to cancel an active subscription at any time.”

• Auto-Renewal: All subscriptions are set to automatically renew at the end of their billing cycle monthly or annually. This is a common practice for subscription services to ensure uninterrupted service.
• No Self-Service Opt-Out: The key point is that users cannot simply log into their account and toggle off auto-renewal. This feature is managed exclusively by their support team.
• Cancellation Anytime: You can initiate a cancellation request at any point during your subscription period.
• Access Until End of Period: If you cancel, you will retain access to Plottr’s features and your projects until the end of the current subscription period for which you have already paid. Plottr explicitly states: “we don’t give prorated refunds for unused time.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling Your Plottr.com Subscription

To cancel your Plottr.com subscription, you will need to reach out directly to their customer support team.

1. Identify Your Subscription Type:

   • Standard Non-Pro Plans: If you have a standard Plottr plan that is not a lifetime license, your software will continue to function after expiry, but you will stop receiving software updates and bug fixes.
   • Pro Plans: If you have a Plottr Pro plan, once your plan expires, you will no longer receive updates and bug fixes, and crucially, you will no longer be able to access your projects without renewing your plan. The website strongly recommends downloading/exporting all your projects beforehand if your Pro plan is set to expire and you don’t intend to renew.
   • Lifetime Plans: Lifetime plans never expire, and you get updates and access to your Plottr projects for life. Cancellation is not applicable here as there are no recurring payments.

2. Locate Contact Information for Support: Theea.life Reviews

   • The primary method for cancellation is to contact their support team. The website provides direct links for support.
   • Look for phrases like “contact us for support” or “Reach out to Support” on their homepage or FAQ section.
   • As per the provided text, the support link is: https://www.plottr.com/support.

3. Compose Your Cancellation Request Email:

   • Send an email to their support address, clearly stating your intention to cancel your subscription.
   • Include essential information:
     • Your full name as it appears on your account.
     • The email address associated with your Plottr account.
     • The type of subscription you have e.g., “Plottr Pro Monthly,” “Plottr Annual”.
     • A clear statement: “I would like to cancel my Plottr.com subscription and prevent it from auto-renewing.”
   • Example Email Subject: “Subscription Cancellation Request – “
   • Example Email Body: “Dear Plottr Support Team, I am writing to request the cancellation of my Plottr.com subscription associated with the email address . My name is , and I currently have a plan. Please ensure that my subscription does not auto-renew at the end of my current billing cycle. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, “

4. Confirm Cancellation:

   • After sending your request, keep an eye on your inbox for a confirmation email from the Plottr support team.
   • The FAQ states: “We try to answer within a day, but often it’s quicker than that!”
   • Ensure you receive explicit confirmation that your auto-renewal has been turned off and your subscription is set to expire.
   • If you don’t receive a response within a reasonable timeframe e.g., 24-48 hours, consider following up.

Important Considerations for Pro Plan Users:

If you have a Plottr Pro plan and are cancelling, it is critically important to export or download all your projects before your subscription expires. Plottr explicitly states that once your Pro plan expires, you will lose access to your projects if they are stored in the cloud and you haven’t renewed or saved them locally. This is a significant point of difference from the standard Plottr plan, where desktop access to projects though without updates remains.

By following these steps, you can effectively cancel your Plottr.com subscription and manage your access to the software according to their stated policies. Simpletire.com Reviews

How to Cancel Plottr.com Free Trial

Cancelling the Plottr.com free trial is straightforward, primarily because a “cancellation” in the traditional sense isn’t strictly necessary.

Plottr.com offers a 30-day free trial that simply expires if you do not proceed with a paid subscription.

There are no payment details required upfront for the trial itself, meaning there’s no auto-renewal to stop.

Understanding the Free Trial Mechanism

The Plottr.com website prominently advertises: “Try it FREE for 30 days!”

• No Credit Card Required for Trial: Crucially, the standard free trial as typically offered by software companies that operate ethically does not require you to input credit card details to access the trial. This is a strong positive, as it means there’s no hidden charge or forgotten auto-renewal to worry about.
• Automatic Expiration: Once your 30-day trial period concludes, your access to the trial version of Plottr will simply cease. You won’t be charged anything, and you don’t need to take any action to “cancel” to avoid charges.
• Promoting Purchase: The purpose of the trial is for you to evaluate the software and, if you find it beneficial, choose to purchase a subscription.

Steps to “Cancel” or Manage Your Plottr.com Free Trial

Since no payment information is collected for the trial, there’s no active “cancellation” process required to prevent charges.

However, there are actions you can take related to your trial experience.

1. Simply Let It Expire Most Common Action:

   • If you decide Plottr is not for you after using the free trial, simply do nothing.
   • After 30 days, your trial access will automatically end, and you will not be billed.

2. Delete Local Trial Files Optional:

   • If you downloaded the desktop version for your trial, you might have created local project files.
   • If you no longer wish to use Plottr, you can simply uninstall the application from your computer like any other software and delete any project files you created during the trial period. This is purely for local tidiness and doesn’t affect any billing or subscription status.

3. Provide Feedback Optional but Recommended:

   • While not a direct cancellation step, if you had a strong positive or negative experience, consider reaching out to Plottr’s support team https://www.plottr.com/support to provide feedback. This helps them improve their product.
   • Example Email: “Dear Plottr Support Team, I recently completed my 30-day free trial of Plottr. While I found useful, I’ve decided not to proceed with a purchase at this time because . Thank you for the trial. Sincerely, .”

Important Note on Trial vs. Subscription:

It’s crucial not to confuse the free trial with a paid subscription. If you have already subscribed to Plottr after your free trial or if you purchased it directly, then you are no longer on a “free trial.” In that case, you would need to follow the steps outlined in the “How to Cancel Plottr.com Subscription” section, which involves contacting their support team to stop auto-renewal.

In essence, the Plottr.com free trial is designed to be a risk-free evaluation period.

If it doesn’t meet your needs, you can simply let it expire without any further action or financial consequence.

Plottr.com Pricing

Plottr.com offers a tiered pricing structure designed to cater to different user needs, from individual desktop users to collaborative teams requiring cloud functionalities.

Their approach includes both standard desktop licenses and subscription-based Pro plans, along with a tempting lifetime purchase option for some tiers.

Overview of Plottr’s Pricing Model

Plottr primarily differentiates its offerings into two main categories:

1. Plottr Standard Desktop Version: This is the foundational software, downloaded and installed on your computer. It stores files locally.
2. Plottr Pro Cloud-Based & Collaboration: This version includes all standard Plottr features plus cloud syncing, web app access, and real-time collaboration.

The key distinction lies in how files are stored and accessed, and whether collaboration is needed.

Plottr Standard Desktop Pricing

For the standard desktop version of Plottr, the website explicitly mentions a lifetime plan. This is a significant advantage for users who prefer a one-time purchase model over recurring subscriptions.

• Lifetime Plottr Plans:

  • Price: While the exact price isn’t provided in the homepage text, it’s typically a one-time fee. A quick check on their pricing page would reveal the current specific price, which is often around $149-$199 for a standard lifetime license, though prices can change.
  • Benefits:
    • Never Expires: Access to the software and your projects for life.
    • Lifetime Updates & Bug Fixes: You continue to receive software updates and improvements indefinitely.
    • Unlimited Household Licenses: You can install and use Plottr on as many devices as you own within your household. This is a very generous policy.
    • Local Storage: Backups and projects are stored on your computer.
  • Ideal For: Writers who prefer to own their software, work primarily offline, and don’t require cloud syncing or collaboration features.

• Standard Non-Pro Subscription Plans If offered: While the text heavily emphasizes Lifetime plans for standard Plottr, sometimes a basic subscription might be offered for new users as a low-entry option.

  • If Subscribed: If a user is on a standard non-Pro subscription plan and it expires, they can still keep using Plottr and access their projects, but they “will not receive software updates and bug fixes.” This means the core functionality remains, but the software might become outdated over time.

Plottr Pro Pricing

Plottr Pro is designed for writers who need more flexibility, cloud access, and collaborative capabilities. This version operates on a subscription model.

• Plottr Pro Subscription Plans:
  • Price: Typically offered as monthly or annual subscriptions. Specific prices would be on their pricing page, often ranging from $15-$25/month or discounted for annual plans.
    • All Plottr Features: Includes everything in the standard Plottr version.
    • Cloud-Based Functionality: Access your projects from anywhere via a web app.
    • Automatic Syncing: Projects sync instantly across all your devices web & desktop, similar to Google Docs.
    • Cloud Backups: Your projects are automatically backed up in the cloud, with the option to save locally.
    • Real-Time Collaboration: Ideal for co-authors, editors, or coaches to work together on projects.
    • Continuous Updates & Bug Fixes: Access to the latest software versions as long as your subscription is active.
  • Ideal For: Writers who work across multiple devices, need cloud access, value automatic backups, or collaborate with others.
  • Important Note on Expiry: “Once your plan expires, you will no longer receive updates and bug fixes or be able to access your projects without renewing your plan.” This is a critical distinction from the standard Plottr plan. Pro users will lose access to their cloud-stored projects if they don’t renew.

Additional Pricing Considerations

• Free Trial: A 30-day free trial is available for both versions, allowing users to test the software before committing to a purchase or subscription.
• Unlimited Household Licenses: A significant value proposition. For any purchased Plottr plan including lifetime, you can install it on all devices within your household.
• Merch Store: The mention of a “Plottr merch store!” indicates an additional revenue stream and brand extension, though not directly related to software pricing.
• Refund Policy: As previously discussed, Plottr has a strict “no refunds after purchase” policy, citing the ample 30-day free trial as sufficient for evaluation.
• Auto-Renewing Subscriptions: All subscription plans are auto-renewing, and users must contact support to cancel, as there is no self-service option to turn off auto-renewal.

In summary, Plottr.com provides flexible pricing, with a strong appeal for those seeking a lifetime ownership model for desktop use, and a subscription model for advanced cloud-based and collaborative features.

Users should carefully consider their workflow needs and budget when choosing between the standard and Pro versions.

Plottr.com vs. Scrivener: A Comparative Look

When discussing powerful writing tools, Plottr.com and Scrivener frequently come up, often as complementary rather than competing solutions.

While both aim to assist authors, their primary functionalities and strengths lie in different areas of the writing process.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for writers to choose the right tool for their needs.

Plottr.com: The Visual Outlining and Story Bible Specialist

Plottr’s core strength is its visual approach to outlining and its robust story bible features.

It shines in the pre-writing and organizational phases.

• Primary Focus: Visual plotting, scene arrangement, character/place tracking, automated outline generation.
• Strengths:
  • Intuitive Visual Interface: Excellent for visual thinkers, allowing for drag-and-drop rearrangement of story cards. This makes plotting feel more like a creative game than a chore.
  • Comprehensive Story Bible: Dedicated sections for characters, places, and custom attributes ensure consistency for complex narratives and series.
  • Automated Outline Export: Effortlessly converts visual plots into a standard linear outline, ready for export to other writing software.
  • Templates: Offers pre-built templates for various storytelling structures and genres, providing guidance and accelerating the planning process.
  • Cross-Platform Pro: Available on Windows, Mac, and Web Pro version, offering flexibility.
• Limitations:
  • Not a Word Processor: Plottr is explicitly an outlining and organization tool. It’s not designed for long-form prose writing. You must export your outline to another program to write your manuscript.
  • Subscription for Cloud/Collaboration: Advanced features like cloud syncing and real-time collaboration are restricted to the Plottr Pro subscription, incurring ongoing costs.
  • Strict Refund Policy: No refunds after purchase, though a 30-day free trial is available.

Scrivener: The Comprehensive Writing and Project Management Environment

Scrivener, developed by Literature & Latte, is often hailed as a complete writing studio.

It excels at managing large, complex writing projects from start to finish, integrating outlining, drafting, research, and compilation into one powerful application.

• Primary Focus: Non-linear drafting, document management, research integration, compilation, version control.
  • Flexible Non-Linear Writing: Allows writers to break down their manuscript into small, manageable chunks scenes, chapters and rearrange them easily. You can jump between sections without endless scrolling.
  • Integrated Research: Features a powerful research binder where you can store notes, images, PDFs, web pages, and even audio/video files directly within your project.
  • Powerful Compilation: Compiles your entire manuscript into various professional formats e.g., PDF, EPUB, MOBI, DOCX with extensive formatting control.
  • Snapshot Feature: Built-in version control allows you to save “snapshots” of your work at any point, making it easy to revert to previous versions without losing progress.
  • Corkboard & Outliner Views: Offers traditional corkboard and outliner views to help with structuring, but these are integrated directly into the writing environment.
  • One-Time Purchase: Generally a one-time purchase per major version for desktop licenses, making it a cost-effective long-term investment.
  • Steep Learning Curve: Scrivener’s immense flexibility comes with a learning curve. New users can feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of features.
  • Less “Visual” for Plotting: While it has corkboard and outline views, its visual plotting is not as dynamic or feature-rich as Plottr’s dedicated interface for intricate plot manipulation.
  • Synchronization Can Be Tricky: While it can sync via third-party cloud services like Dropbox, it’s not as seamless as native cloud solutions, and real-time collaboration is not a built-in feature.
  • No Web App Official: Primarily a desktop application. While mobile apps exist, the full power is on desktop.

Which One is Right for You? Or Both?

The choice between Plottr.com and Scrivener largely depends on your specific needs and workflow:

• Choose Plottr if:

  • You are a visual plotter who struggles with linear outlining.
  • You need a dedicated, robust story bible to keep track of intricate details across series.
  • You want pre-built templates to guide your plotting process.
  • You prefer to separate your planning phase entirely from your drafting phase.
  • You already have a preferred word processor like MS Word or Google Docs for actual writing and just need a better outlining tool.

• Choose Scrivener if:

  • You want an all-in-one writing environment that handles drafting, outlining, and research.
  • You write long, complex projects novels, theses, screenplays that require extensive document management.
  • You need robust version control and the ability to compile to various formats.
  • You are willing to invest time in learning a powerful, feature-rich application.

• Consider Using Both: Many successful authors find that Plottr and Scrivener are complementary tools.

  • You could use Plottr for the initial, highly visual brainstorming and detailed story bible creation. Once your outline is perfected in Plottr, you then export it to Scrivener and use it as the structural foundation within Scrivener’s robust drafting environment. This combines the best of both worlds: Plottr’s superior visual plotting with Scrivener’s comprehensive manuscript management.

Ultimately, both Plottr.com and Scrivener are legitimate and highly effective tools.

The “better” one depends on where your primary needs lie in the intricate journey of writing a book.

Plottr.com Alternatives

For writers seeking alternatives to Plottr.com, the market offers a diverse range of tools that cater to various aspects of the writing process, from outlining and world-building to comprehensive manuscript management.

The best alternative often depends on a writer’s preferred workflow, whether they are visual, linear, or need robust research integration.

Here are some of the top contenders, focusing on their unique strengths and how they compare to Plottr’s offerings.

1. Scrivener

• Type: Comprehensive writing studio.
• Key Features: Non-linear writing, integrated research binder, powerful corkboard and outliner views, snapshot version control, robust compilation to multiple formats ePub, Mobi, Word, PDF.
• How it Compares to Plottr: Scrivener is a full writing environment where you can do your drafting alongside outlining and research. Plottr is primarily an outlining and story bible tool. While Scrivener has outlining features, Plottr’s visual plotting and dedicated story bible features are more granular for pre-writing. Many writers use both, with Plottr for the initial detailed plotting and Scrivener for drafting and project management.
• Pros: Extremely powerful and flexible for long-form projects. one-time purchase model. excellent for keeping research and manuscript organized.
• Cons: Steep learning curve. less intuitive for purely visual plotting than Plottr. not designed for real-time cloud collaboration.
• Scrivener

2. Campfire

• Type: Modular world-building and story management software.
• Key Features: Highly customizable modules for characters, locations, magic systems, items, timelines, and more. Focuses on building a detailed story bible piece by piece. Available as a desktop app and web app.
• How it Compares to Plottr: Campfire is perhaps the closest competitor to Plottr in terms of detailed story bible creation and world-building, offering even more granular control and customization for specific elements like magic systems or historical events. Plottr’s strength remains in its streamlined visual timeline for plotting the sequence of events.
• Pros: Incredible depth for world-building. modular approach allows users to pick and choose tools. strong for complex fantasy/sci-fi narratives.
• Cons: Can be overwhelming for simpler stories. subscription-based pricing though a free tier is available. less focused on the immediate “scene-by-scene” visual plotting compared to Plottr.
• Campfire

3. Obsidian

• Type: Markdown-based knowledge base and note-taking application.
• Key Features: Local file storage privacy-focused, bidirectional linking creating a “web” of interconnected notes, graph view to visualize relationships, extensive plugin ecosystem for customization including Kanban boards, timelines, databases.
• How it Compares to Plottr: Obsidian is not a dedicated outlining app like Plottr, but its powerful linking capabilities make it exceptional for brainstorming, world-building, and creating complex interconnected “story bibles.” It requires more manual setup but offers unparalleled flexibility. It can function as a highly personalized Plottr with the right plugins.
• Pros: Free for personal use. highly customizable. excellent for building a “second brain” for your story. privacy-centric with local files.
• Cons: Not purpose-built for outlining requires plugins and setup. steeper learning curve than Plottr. not a traditional word processor.
• Obsidian

4. Milanote

• Type: Visual workspace for creative projects.
• Key Features: Digital whiteboard/canvas for notes, images, links, files, and mood boards. Drag-and-drop interface. Great for visual brainstorming, character concept art, and loosely structured plot ideas.
• How it Compares to Plottr: Milanote is more of a free-form visual brainstorming tool. While you can use it to outline, it lacks Plottr’s structured story cards, automated outline generation, and dedicated story bible sections. It’s better for the very early stages of visual concepting.
• Pros: Extremely intuitive and easy to use. excellent for visual thinkers and mood boarding. flexible organization.
• Cons: Not a dedicated outlining or writing tool. less structured than Plottr for complex plot management. subscription-based pricing.
• Milanote

5. Trello

• Type: Kanban-style project management tool.
• Key Features: Boards, lists, and cards. drag-and-drop functionality. checklists, due dates, attachments within cards.
• How it Compares to Plottr: Trello can be repurposed effectively for outlining, where each card represents a scene or chapter, and lists represent acts or character arcs. It offers visual flexibility similar to Plottr’s corkboard, but it lacks Plottr’s specific story bible features, automated outline generation, and rich text editing within cards for detailed scene notes.
• Pros: Free for basic use. highly intuitive. excellent for visual flow and progress tracking. great for simple collaborative outlining.
• Cons: Not specifically designed for writers. limited rich text formatting within cards. no dedicated story bible features.
• Trello

6. FastPencil

• Type: Online book writing and publishing platform.
• Key Features: Online word processor, collaboration tools, template library, project management features, and direct publishing options to various platforms.
• How it Compares to Plottr: FastPencil is more of a full-service writing and publishing platform, including a basic word processor, which Plottr is not. While it might have some outlining capabilities, it won’t be as visually rich or dedicated to detailed story bible management as Plottr. It’s more for drafting and getting to print.
• Pros: All-in-one for writing and self-publishing. collaboration features. online access.
• Cons: Less specialized in deep outlining and story bible features compared to Plottr. potentially subscription-based for full features.
• FastPencil

7. Google Docs/Microsoft Word with Outlining Templates

• Type: Basic word processing software with manual outlining.
• Key Features: Standard word processing, revision history, basic formatting. Can be used with pre-designed templates or manual bullet points/indentation for outlining. Google Docs offers strong real-time collaboration.
• How it Compares to Plottr: These are the most basic and fundamental tools. They lack any of Plottr’s dedicated visual plotting, automated outline generation, or structured story bible features. Everything must be done manually. They are, however, excellent for the actual prose writing after outlining.
• Pros: Free Google Docs or widely available MS Word. universal compatibility. excellent for pure drafting. strong collaboration in Google Docs.
• Cons: No specialized outlining features. purely linear. no built-in story bible. requires significant manual organization for complex projects.
• Google Docs / Microsoft Word

Choosing the right tool ultimately depends on your individual needs in the writing process.

Plottr excels in a specific niche visual outlining and story bible, and alternatives either offer more comprehensive writing environments or more flexible, general-purpose organizational tools.

Plottr.com FAQ

What is Plottr.com?

Plottr.com is a visual book planning and story bible software designed to help writers outline faster, organize smarter, and increase their productivity.

It allows users to visually arrange scenes, track characters and places, generate outlines, and utilize proven storytelling templates.

Who should use Plottr.com?

Plottr is built for a wide range of writers, including novelists, screenwriters, playwrights, academics, and journalists.

It caters to both “plotters” who meticulously outline and “pantsers” who prefer to write by instinct but can use Plottr for organizing after a first draft or for creating a series bible.

What are the main features of Plottr.com?

Key features include visual plotting with drag-and-drop story cards, filtering timelines by characters/places/tags, color-coordinating storylines, creating a comprehensive story bible for characters and places with custom attributes, automating outline generation, and offering a library of proven storytelling templates.

Is there a free trial available for Plottr.com?

Yes, Plottr.com offers a free 30-day trial.

This allows potential users to test the software’s full features before committing to a purchase or subscription.

What is the difference between Plottr and Plottr Pro?

Plottr standard is a desktop application for Windows and Mac with local file storage.

Plottr Pro includes all standard features plus cloud-based functionality, automatic syncing across devices web & desktop, cloud backups, and real-time collaboration via a web app.

How does Plottr Pro handle cloud syncing and backups?

Plottr Pro syncs instantly to the cloud between devices, similar to Google Docs.

Backups are stored in the cloud, and users can also save them locally.

Backups are made twice per session per project: once when you open a project for the first time that day, and again after your last change.

Can I use Plottr.com on multiple devices?

Yes.

All versions of Plottr are granted unlimited household licenses, meaning you can use it on as many devices as you own.

For syncing across devices, standard Plottr requires a third-party storage service e.g., Dropbox, iCloud, OneDrive, while Plottr Pro offers automatic cloud syncing.

What happens if my Plottr plan expires?

For lifetime Plottr plans, they never expire, and you get updates and access to your projects for life.

For standard non-Pro subscription plans, you can continue to use Plottr and access your projects after expiry, but you will no longer receive software updates and bug fixes.

For Pro plans, once expired, you will lose access to updates, bug fixes, and crucially, your cloud-stored projects if you don’t renew.

Does Plottr.com offer refunds?

No, Plottr.com has a strict “no refunds after purchase” policy.

They state that the 30-day free trial should provide ample time to decide if the software is right for you.

If you cancel a subscription, you retain access until the end of the paid period but will not receive a prorated refund for unused time.

How do I cancel my Plottr.com subscription?

All Plottr.com subscriptions are auto-renewing, and there is no self-service option to turn this off.

To cancel an active subscription, you must contact their support team directly.

You can find their support contact information on the website.

Is Plottr.com a legitimate company?

Yes, Plottr.com appears to be a legitimate software company.

Its domain has been active for over a decade since 2013, it uses reputable registrars and infrastructure Tucows, Cloudflare, provides clear product details, offers a free trial, features verifiable author testimonials, and maintains active customer support.

Is Plottr.com a scam?

No, Plottr.com is not a scam.

It is an established business offering a real and functional software product.

The presence of a long operational history, clear product demonstrations, credible testimonials, a generous free trial, and professional technical infrastructure all confirm its legitimacy.

Can Plottr.com replace a word processor like Microsoft Word or Scrivener?

No, Plottr.com is primarily an outlining and story bible tool, not a full-fledged word processor.

While it helps organize your story, you will still need to export your outline to another program like Microsoft Word, Scrivener, or Google Docs to write the actual manuscript.

What kind of support does Plottr.com provide?

Plottr.com provides support via email, striving to respond within a day often quicker, even on weekends.

They also offer a suite of educational resources including live group trainings, video tutorials, written documentation, author interviews, and product demos.

Does Plottr.com have a community for writers?

Yes, Plottr.com hosts a private community for its users on Mighty Networks, which is separate from their Facebook group.

This community is moderated and serves as a hub for educational events, networking, and accountability groups, connecting writers with each other and with coaches.

Can I give Plottr as a gift?

Yes, the website states that you can contact their support team, and they can assist you with gifting a Plottr subscription.

How are local backups handled in standard Plottr?

For standard Plottr, backups are stored on your computer as files. It’s easy to revert to any stored backup.

Plottr makes two backups per project per session: one when you open a project for the first time that day, and another after your last change.

How does Plottr help “pantsers” writers who don’t outline?

Plottr can help pantsers by providing a robust “series bible” for organizing character and world details as they write or after a first draft.

It also offers editing capabilities in outline view to help bring coherence to a less structured narrative post-writing.

What types of templates are available in Plottr.com?

Plottr includes over a dozen plot planning templates based on proven storytelling structures e.g., Hero’s Journey, Romancing the Beat. It also offers genre-specific templates and allows users to create and save their own custom plotline and character sheet templates.

Does Plottr.com run events for writers?

Yes, Plottr.com runs various types of events, including genre-specific education, general writing craft education, plot analysis, networking, accountability groups, office hours, and writing craft book clubs.

These events are often hosted on their private community site.

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