Worldbuilding is half the fun of writing fantasy or running a D&D campaign.
But keeping track of every kingdom, culture, creature, character, and magical system can drive even the sanest person mad.
That’s where worldbuilding software comes in.
Whether you need an all-in-one workspace, a place to store maps, or a tool to keep track of your world’s lore, there’s a fantasy worldbuilding tool for you.
This guide breaks down the best worldbuilding software for fantasy writers and dungeon masters (DMs), including some of my personal favorites and why they work so well.
What makes great worldbuilding software?
Not all software for worldbuilding is created equal.
Here’s what I look for in a solid tool:
- Ease of use – You don’t want to spend more time learning the tool than actually building your world. A clean, easy-to-use interface is key.
- Organization tools – The ability to categorize lore, characters, locations, and magic systems in a clear, structured way is a must.
- Customizability – Every writer and DM works differently. The best worldbuilding tools let you tweak layouts, categories, and notes to fit your style.
- Collaboration features – If you’re co-writing or running a D&D campaign, being able to share and edit with others is a big plus.
- Cross-platform accessibility – The best worldbuilding software should work across devices so you can brainstorm on your laptop, tablet, or phone.
With that in mind, let’s get into the best fantasy writer worldbuilding tools you should consider.
7 best worldbuilding software tools for fantasy writers and DMs
Note: Some tools on this list are free, some are paid, and some (like Notion) are free platforms that offer paid templates to save you setup time.
1. Quill&Steel OS (free trial, then paid)
Full disclosure: Quill&Steel OS is my own worldbuilding software. I built it after years of worldbuilding in tools like Notion because I wanted something with the flexibility and organization I liked, but with more advanced features.
It's designed specifically for fantasy writers, with complete worldbuilding, story planning, and novel writing features, from wiki articles to family trees to timelines to a full manuscript editor.
Why I recommend it:
- Built specifically for fantasy worldbuilding – The structure is already there, so you don't have to build your own system from scratch.
- Everything connects – Link characters, locations, cultures, religions, magic systems, plot, draft, and other parts of your world as you build.
- Built-in maps and visual tools – Create maps, family trees, timelines, calendars, and relationship webs without needing separate apps.
- Worldbuilding + writing in one place – If you're writing a novel, you can take your world all the way from early brainstorming to your manuscript.
- Multi-platform: Works on desktop, mobile and tablet.
- Free to try – There's a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.
"This app is really cleanly made and the design is so cute! It's also incredibly well-designed and thorough when it comes to entering info about your fantasy world. Incredibly useful and fun tool for both fantasy authors and DMs." — Angela K.
2. World Anvil (free & paid)
For writers and DMs who love wiki-style worldbuilding, World Anvil is a powerhouse. It’s like having a dedicated world encyclopedia where you can link everything together + build maps.
Why I recommend it:
- Deep linking – Connect characters, locations, and history seamlessly.
- Multiple templates – Keeps things structured and easy to track.
- Built-in map support – Upload and annotate maps of your world.
- Designed for both novels and RPGs – Whether you’re crafting a campaign or a novel, it works.
3. Fantasia Archive (free)
If you want a free worldbuilding tool that doesn’t skimp on features, Fantasia Archive is a good pick. It’s a complete worldbuilding software with sections for lore, locations, characters, and more.
Why I recommend it:
- Free – No paywalls, just an open-worldbuilding playground.
- Lightweight and easy to use – No steep learning curve.
- Offline functionality – Great if you don’t always have internet access.
4. Scrivener (paid)
If you’re a fantasy writer looking for a tool that keeps worldbuilding and writing in one place, Scrivener is a great choice.
Why I recommend it:
- Great for long-form writing – Perfect for novels, with a built-in research binder.
- Outline and notecard views – Helps keep track of complex worlds.
- Side-by-side document support – Compare your world notes while writing.
5. Google Docs & Sheets (free)
Not fancy, but still one of the easiest tools for worldbuilding, Google Docs & Sheets work great if you want a simple, shareable system for all your notes.
Why I recommend it:
- Free and easy to use – No software to install and it’s accessible from anywhere, on any device.
- Great for collaboration – Perfect if you’re co-writing or worldbuilding with a D&D group.
- Spreadsheet power – Use Sheets to track characters, locations, or timelines in different tabs.
- Organized sections with sidebar tabs – Google Docs lets you create and navigate different sections using documents tabs on the left sidebar. That way you can easily switch between notes on lore, characters, locations, and magic systems without scrolling endlessly.
6. Notion (free)
If you like flexibility, customization, and an insane level of organization, Notion is an incredible choice for fantasy worldbuilding tools. You can create databases for locations, magic systems, character profiles, plot timelines, and anything else your world needs. Everything can be linked together and structured exactly how you want it.
Explore Pre-built Notion Template
Why I recommend it:
- Highly customizable – You can set up interlinked databases, checklists, writing trackers, and pages however you like.
- Perfect for organization – Keep everything structured with nested pages, tags, and linked databases. No more digging through scattered notes.
- Easy to navigate – Search and filter through your worldbuilding effortlessly.
- Great for both writers and DMs – Whether you’re tracking a novel or a dnd campaign, Notion can handle it all.
- Works across devices – Plan your world at home or on the go (desktop, tablet + mobile).
- The platform is free – Notion itself gives you unlimited pages, databases, and basic collaboration tools at no cost. However, my Worldbuilding Template is a separate paid product built for Notion — it's a pre-structured system that saves you hours of setup time. You can absolutely build your own setup for free, or grab the template if you'd rather skip straight to worldbuilding.
"It’s so helpful that I don’t have to think about how to structure my drafting and brainstorming! I can just focus on filling out the template with all of my world building and it’s so intuitive. Drafting has always been really intimidating for me but this is the absolute smoothest it has ever gone." – Kendra L. F. (Notion Worldbuilding Template & Story Planner)
7. Amsel suite (paid)
For D&D game masters looking for a dedicated tool, Amsel Suite is one of the most advanced fantasy worldbuilding tools out there.
Why I recommend it:
- Designed for RPG worldbuilding – Built for dungeon masters who need in-depth tools.
- Session tracking – Keep detailed logs of your campaigns.
- Non-linear storytelling – Lets you easily navigate and manage complex narratives.
Which fantasy worldbuilding tool should you choose?
The best worldbuilding tools depend on your needs:
- Want an all-in-one tool built for fantasy writers? → Quill&Steel OS
- Need a deep, wiki-style system? → WorldAnvil
- Prefer a free worldbuilding tool? → Fantasia Archive
- Want a drafting software that holds worldbuilding notes? → Scrivener
- Need something simple and familiar? → Google Docs & Sheets
- Don't mind DIY'ing a custom worldbuilding workspace? → Notion
- Running a D&D campaign? → Amsel Suite
There isn't one perfect worldbuilding tool that's best for everyone, just the best one for how you work.
Build your world in Quill&Steel OS
Happy worldbuilding!
Frequently asked questions about worldbuilding software tools
Can I use worldbuilding software for genres other than fantasy?
Absolutely! While most fantasy worldbuilding tools cater to magic, kingdoms, and lore, they work just as well for sci-fi, historical fiction, dystopian, or even contemporary settings. If your story has complex world elements—like politics, geography, or unique cultures—these tools help keep it all organized, no matter the genre.
Can I use multiple worldbuilding tools together?
Yep! Some writers prefer using specialized tools for different parts of the process. For example, you might use Notion for your lore, Scrivener for drafting, and separate software for maps. The downside is that your worldbuilding can end up scattered across several apps. If you'd rather keep everything connected, an all-in-one tool like Quill&Steel OS combines worldbuilding, maps, story planning, and drafting in one workspace.
Is worldbuilding software necessary, or can I just use a notebook?
It depends on your style! If you prefer handwriting and sketching ideas, a notebook can work just fine. But if your world is expansive with lots of moving parts, digital tools make it easier to track details, make edits, and link concepts together. Plus, with software like Notion, you won’t have to flip through pages trying to find that one note about your magic system from six months ago.
