Chronicler is a free, offline worldbuilding tool for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It stores all data locally as plain-text Markdown files, giving writers, novelists, and tabletop RPG game masters full ownership of their worlds. It features wiki-style linking, infoboxes, templates, and a live split-screen editor. No subscriptions, no cloud servers, and no data lock-in. It's the anti-SaaS alternative to tools like World Anvil and Notion.
Chronicler at a Glance
| Price | Free (core features). Optional one-time Pro upgrade. |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Internet Required | No. 100% offline |
| Data Storage | Your local hard drive (no cloud servers) |
| File Format | Plain-text Markdown (.md) |
| Obsidian Compatible | Yes, open Obsidian vaults directly |
| Importers | Word (.docx), Google Docs, MediaWiki / Fandom (.xml) |
| Built With | Rust + Tauri (lightweight) |
| License | Source-available (PolyForm Shield) |
| Developer | Michael Kirkland (solo indie developer) |
Who is Chronicler for?
Chronicler is designed for anyone who builds fictional worlds and wants a private, organized space to do it:
- Tabletop RPG game masters running D&D, Pathfinder, or other TTRPG campaigns who need quick access to NPCs, locations, and lore during sessions, even without internet.
- Novelists and fiction writers building a "world bible" to track characters, magic systems, timelines, and plot details across a series.
- Hobby worldbuilders who create worlds for the joy of it and want a tool that respects their privacy without charging a monthly fee.
Core Features
- Wiki-style
[[wikilinks]]: connect any page to any other page with automatic backlink tracking. - Infoboxes: wiki-style sidebars generated from YAML metadata for characters, locations, factions, and more.
- Live split-screen editor: write Markdown on the left, see a formatted preview on the right, updated in real time.
- Templates: create reusable page structures for consistent note-taking across your world.
- Page inserts: embed the content of one page into another for reusable components like navboxes or stat blocks.
- Tags and organization: categorize pages with flexible tags and nested folders.
- Spoiler blocks: hide secrets from players with
Discord-style
||spoilers||. - Image galleries and carousels: embed and organize art and reference images within your pages.
- Custom themes: personalize colors, fonts, and layout to match your world's aesthetic.
- Vault diagnostics: find and fix broken links, orphaned pages, and other issues automatically.
- Importers: bring in content from Word, Google Docs, or MediaWiki/Fandom sites.
How is Chronicler different?
Most worldbuilding tools are cloud-based SaaS platforms that charge monthly subscriptions and store your data on their servers. Chronicler does the opposite:
- Offline-first: Chronicler runs entirely on your computer. No internet connection is ever needed.
- You own your files: Your world is stored as standard Markdown files in a folder on your hard drive, not in a proprietary database you can't access.
- No subscriptions: The core app is free forever. No monthly fees, no article limits, no paywalls on basic features.
- Private by default: Your data never leaves your device. There are no analytics, no telemetry, and no cloud syncing.
How does Chronicler compare to alternatives?
See how Chronicler stacks up against other popular worldbuilding tools:
- Chronicler vs World Anvil: free and offline vs. cloud-based subscription
- Chronicler vs Obsidian: purpose-built worldbuilding vs. general-purpose notes
- Chronicler vs Notion: dedicated wiki vs. productivity platform
- Chronicler vs Campfire: unified wiki vs. pay-per-module system
- Chronicler vs LegendKeeper: local-first privacy vs. cloud-based atlas
- Chronicler vs Fantasia Archive: simplicity and flexibility vs. rigid structure
Ready to build your world?
Download Chronicler for free and start writing today.
Download for FreeAvailable for Windows, macOS, and Linux