On this page
At a glance
Choose Google Docs if
- you want a simple place to start typing in your Google account
Choose InkSpine if
- you want to write on your own computer with Wi-Fi off
Feature by feature
| Feature | Google Docs | InkSpine |
|---|---|---|
| Offline writing | Built as a cloud app first — offline use has to be set up while you are online | Runs on your machine and works the same with Wi-Fi off |
| Where the file lives | Your document lives in your Google account; you can download a copy, but the working version stays on Google's servers | Your project is a folder of Markdown and JSON files on your own disk |
| Manuscript structure | A general-purpose document — no chapter files, corkboard or scene structure built for a novel | One file per chapter, plus a corkboard and plot overview |
| Characters & locations | No structured place for them — writers improvise with a separate doc or spreadsheet | Structured, linked worldbuilding beside the manuscript |
| Mobile apps | Apps for iOS and Android, as well as any web browser | Desktop only today: Windows, macOS and Linux. Mobile apps are on the roadmap. |
Simple, until the novel gets long.
Google Docs is the easiest place to start typing. A whole novel asks for more: chapter structure, worldbuilding, writing offline by default, and a finished book file you can publish (InkSpine Core). InkSpine is built for exactly those parts.
If your manuscript outgrew a single Google Doc months ago, come give it a real home.