
Dabble - Detailed Review
Writing Tools

Dabble - Product Overview
Dabble, available at (https://www.dabblewriter.com), is a writing tool specifically crafted for authors and writers. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Dabble is a software tool that helps writers plot, plan, and write their novels or stories efficiently. It is designed to simplify the writing process, allowing authors to focus on their craft without unnecessary distractions.
Target Audience
Dabble is targeted at writers of all levels, particularly those working on novels or long-form stories. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced authors. The demographic analysis shows that the largest age group of users is 35-44 years old, with a slight majority being female.
Key Features
- Plotting and Planning: Dabble offers comprehensive plotting tools that enable writers to structure their stories with precision. This includes outlining major plot points, mapping out character arcs, and organizing interweaving plot lines using the ‘Plot Grid’.
- Drag and Drop Organization: Writers can effortlessly rearrange scenes, chapters, or plot points within their projects using a drag and drop feature, making it easy to refine their narratives.
- Character Development: The tool provides dedicated features for fleshing out characters, including creating detailed profiles with traits, motivations, relationships, and growth arcs.
- Revision and Editing: Dabble allows writers to track changes and revisions, enabling them to view a comprehensive history of edits, compare alterations, and revert to specific iterations if needed.
- Collaboration: It offers cloud-based infrastructure for multiple users to collaborate on projects seamlessly, with real-time synchronization across devices and transparent version control.
- Writing Interface: The tool features a typewriter scrolling interface with auto-fade, creating an aesthetic and distraction-free writing environment. It also includes goal setting and progress trackers to help users stay on track.
- Syncing and Backup: Automatic syncing ensures that users always have a backup of their work, providing peace of mind and security.
Overall, Dabble is a versatile and intuitive writing tool that helps authors streamline their writing process, from plotting and character development to editing and collaboration.

Dabble - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Dabble is crafted with a strong emphasis on simplicity, ease of use, and a clean design, making it an appealing option for writers of all levels.Simple and Clean Interface
Dabble boasts a user-friendly interface that is easy to grasp, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The layout is straightforward and uncluttered, allowing writers to focus on their work without unnecessary distractions. The interface is often described as “simple” and “beautiful,” reflecting Dabble’s philosophy of keeping things easy and elegant.Organization and Plotting
Dabble provides a handy overview of your story on the left side of the screen, automatically breaking down chapters and updating a Plot section for quick reference. This includes the use of “cards” to write out and track various plot points, similar to other novel writing software like Scrivener but with a more streamlined approach.Story Notes and Research
The platform includes a Story Notes section where you can store information on characters, world-building, and other notes or research links. This section supports images, bullet points, headers, and formatting, making it easy to keep all your story elements organized.Writing Features
Dabble offers several features to enhance productivity and focus. These include auto-focus mode, typewriter scrolling, and auto-formatting, which help keep the writer in the zone. The software also supports daily and project goals, including integration with NaNoWriMo word count tracking.Cloud and Accessibility
Dabble is cloud-based, allowing access from various devices including PC, Mac, Chromebook, Linux, and mobile devices (tablets and phones on iOS and Android). This ensures that your work is always synced and backed up, providing redundant backups for security.Editing and Publishing
The editing tools in Dabble are intuitive and include features like spelling, grammar, and style checking, as well as markup options such as comments, text highlights, and sticky notes. For publishing, Dabble allows you to export your manuscript to Word, share your work on the web, and include book cover and chapter images.User Experience
Users have consistently praised Dabble for its ease of use and minimal learning curve. Many writers who have used more complex tools like Scrivener appreciate Dabble’s simplicity and the fact that it provides all the necessary features without the clutter. The user experience is enhanced by the clean interface, automatic syncing, and the ability to easily access and organize story elements from different devices.Conclusion
Overall, Dabble’s user interface is designed to be intuitive, clean, and distraction-free, making it an excellent choice for writers who want a straightforward and efficient writing tool.
Dabble - Key Features and Functionality
Dabble: A Comprehensive Writing Tool
Dabble is a comprehensive writing tool that offers a wide range of features to support writers at every stage of the writing process. Here are the main features and how they work:
Organization and Plotting
- Plot Grids: Dabble features a plot grid that allows you to visualize your story’s structure. You can arrange plot points, add labels, and make notes on each point. This grid is highly versatile and can be used to track timelines, locations, or points of view, making it an excellent tool for manuscript organization.
- Story Notes: The Story Notes section enables you to outline your story, build character profiles, and engage in world-building. You can include images in your notes, use bullet points, headers, and formatting to keep your ideas organized.
Writing Features
- Drag-and-Drop Story Elements: Dabble allows you to organize your story elements using a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to rearrange scenes and chapters.
- Productivity and Focus Tools: Features like auto-focus mode, typewriter scrolling, and auto-formatting help you stay focused and maintain a consistent writing flow. You can also set daily and project goals, and even sync your word count with NaNoWriMo.
- Manuscript View and Templates: Dabble provides a clear manuscript view and various templates to help you structure your work. You can include prologues, novel subtitles, and images within your manuscript.
Editing Features
- Spelling, Grammar, and Style Check: Dabble includes tools for checking spelling, grammar, and style, ensuring your writing is polished and error-free. The style editor allows you to customize your writing style according to APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian, or IEEE guidelines.
- Find & Replace, Split & Join Chapters: You can perform project-wide find and replace operations and split or join chapters and scenes as needed. Additional editing features include markup tools like comments, text highlighting, strikethrough, and sticky notes.
AI-Integrated Features
- Sentence Rephraser: This feature rephrases sentences using synonyms, idioms, and phrases to help improve the clarity and variety of your writing.
- Tone Checker: Dabble’s tone checker recognizes the emotional tone of your written content, helping you maintain the right tone throughout your manuscript.
- Autocorrect and Grammar Check: The autocorrect feature automatically fixes misspelled words, and the grammar check identifies and corrects grammatical errors.
Cloud and Collaboration Features
- Cloud Sync: Dabble offers cloud storage with redundant backups and auto-sync, allowing you to access your work from any device, including PC, Mac, Chromebook, Linux, and mobile devices (iOS and Android).
- Co-authoring: This feature enables multiple authors to work on the same project simultaneously, facilitating collaboration.
Publishing and Sharing
- Export Options: You can export your manuscript, plot, and notes to various formats, including Word. Dabble also allows you to share your work on the web and track your goals progress.
- Book Cover and Chapter Images: You can add book covers and chapter images to your manuscript, enhancing its visual appeal.
Additional Tools
- Thesaurus and Word/Page Counts: Dabble includes a thesaurus to help with word choice and provides word and page counts to keep you informed about your manuscript’s length.
- Read to Me: This feature allows you to listen to your text, which can be helpful for proofreading and getting a different perspective on your writing.
These features collectively make Dabble a powerful and user-friendly tool for writers, helping them to organize, write, edit, and publish their work efficiently.

Dabble - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Dabble is praised for its simplicity and ease of use, making it an excellent option for writers who prefer a straightforward interface without the steep learning curve associated with more complex tools like Scrivener.Organization and Plotting
Dabble excels in organizing your manuscript, automatically breaking down chapters and updating a Plot section for quick reference. It also allows you to use “cards” to track plot points, characters, and world-building notes, all of which are easily accessible and visually organized.Goal Setting and Focus Mode
The tool includes a built-in goal-setting feature that helps you stay on track with your writing, allowing you to set daily word count goals and customize them according to your needs. The Focus Mode is another standout feature, which automatically hides toolbars to minimize distractions and help you concentrate on your writing.Editing Features
Dabble offers a range of editing tools, including sticky notes, comments, advanced grammar and style checks, and integration with ProWritingAid and Grammarly. The “Read to Me” feature is particularly useful for evaluating the flow of your story and catching errors.Accuracy
In terms of accuracy, Dabble’s built-in tools help ensure that your manuscript is polished and error-free.Grammar, Spelling, and Style Checks
Dabble includes advanced checks powered by ProWritingAid, which help in refining your manuscript for grammar, spelling, and style issues.Auto-Save and Backups
The tool ensures that your work is regularly backed up, both online and offline, preventing any loss of data. This feature is crucial for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of your manuscript.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, Dabble has some limitations:Pricing Model
Dabble operates on a subscription model, which may be less cost-effective for some users compared to one-time purchase options available with other tools like Atticus.Import Options
As of now, Dabble lacks the ability to import files directly from MS Word or Google Docs, although you can copy and paste your manuscript into the tool. This can sometimes lead to formatting issues if the original document is not correctly formatted.Book Formatting
Dabble does not offer features for formatting and exporting print-ready PDFs or EPUBs. Users need to use additional tools or services for this purpose, which can be inconvenient.No Free Plan
Unlike some other writing tools, Dabble does not offer a free plan, only a 14-day free trial. This might limit its appeal for users who prefer to try out the full features of a tool without committing to a subscription.Limited Compatibility
Dabble is not compatible with all operating systems and requires at least Windows 7 or Mac X, which could be a limitation for users with older systems. In summary, Dabble performs well in terms of organization, goal setting, and editing features, making it a solid choice for writers who value simplicity and ease of use. However, it has some limitations, particularly in pricing, import options, and book formatting, which users should consider before making a decision.
Dabble - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Plans
Dabble offers three main subscription plans: Basic, Standard, and Premium.Basic Plan
- Cost: $7 per month (or $96 annually, which works out to $8 per month)
- Features:
- Unlimited manuscripts
- Cloud backup and sync
- Access on any device
- Goals and stats
- Manuscript organization
- Spell check and text highlighting
- Dark mode
- Email support
Standard Plan
- Cost: $15 per month (or $144 annually, which works out to $12 per month)
- Features:
- Everything included in the Basic plan
- Plot Grid
- Story notes
- Focus mode
- Sticky notes
- Comments
Premium Plan
- Cost: $23 per month (or $192 annually, which can be inferred as $16 per month)
- Features:
- Everything included in the Standard plan
- Advanced grammar and style checks powered by ProWritingAid
- Co-authoring
- Priority support via chat
- Word tools like in-context Thesaurus and Read-to-me
- Wordsmith Workshops
Free Trial
Dabble offers a 14-day free trial of the Premium plan, which does not require a credit card.Additional Options
- Lifetime Plans: Available for those who prefer a one-time payment instead of a subscription.
- Student Discounts: Special pricing for students.
- Coupon Codes: Users can apply coupon codes to discount their existing subscription or when resubscribing or changing plans.
No Free Plan
Dabble does not offer a free plan; however, the 14-day free trial provides full access to all features. This structure ensures that users can choose a plan that best fits their writing needs and budget.
Dabble - Integration and Compatibility
Integration and Compatibility of Dabble
Platform Compatibility
Dabble is highly versatile and compatible across multiple platforms. It operates as a web, desktop, and mobile app, supporting iOS, Android, and Windows operating systems. This allows writers to use Dabble on any device, whether they have an internet connection or not.Cross-Device Synchronization
One of the standout features of Dabble is its auto-sync and autosave capabilities. This ensures that your work is synchronized across all devices and apps, allowing you to pick up exactly where you left off, regardless of the device you are using.Collaboration Tools
Dabble integrates well with collaborative workflows. It offers real-time collaboration features, enabling multiple users to work on a project simultaneously. With cloud-based infrastructure, Dabble allows shared access to project files and ensures version control and document history transparency. Users can assign distinct permissions such as read-only or editing privileges based on collaborators’ roles or project requirements.Integration with Other Writing Tools
Dabble integrates with several external tools to enhance the writing experience. For example, it works seamlessly with Grammarly and ProWritingAid, providing built-in grammar, spelling, and style checking. This integration helps writers refine their work more efficiently.Import and Export Options
Dabble offers flexible import and export options. While importing is primarily done through copy-and-paste, you can export your projects in various formats, including Word documents, Google Drive files, text files, and even shareable online links. This makes it easy to transfer your work between different platforms and tools.Offline Accessibility
Unlike some other writing software, Dabble allows you to work offline. This feature is particularly useful for writers who may not always have access to a reliable internet connection, making it a versatile tool for various writing environments.Summary
In summary, Dabble is highly compatible across different platforms and devices, offers seamless collaboration tools, integrates well with other writing tools, and provides flexible import and export options, making it a comprehensive solution for writers.
Dabble - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
For any inquiries or issues, you can reach out to the Dabble team through various channels:
- Email: You can send a note to
hello@dabble.co
for general inquiries, refund requests, or reschedule needs. - Chat Feature: Dabble offers a chat feature on their website where you can connect with the support team directly.
- Social Media: You can also contact them through their social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Additional Resources
Dabble provides several resources to help you get the most out of their writing tool:
- Support & Help Section: The Dabble Support page offers advice and answers to common questions, helping you troubleshoot and use the tool effectively.
- Blog: Dabble has a blog that features articles and tips on writing, which can be a valuable resource for improving your writing skills and staying updated on new features.
- Newsletter: You can subscribe to their newsletter to receive updates, tips, and news about Dabble and writing in general.
Product Features and Guidance
Dabble is built with a user-friendly interface and includes features such as:
- Plot Grid: A tool to visualize and organize your story, including plot lines, character arcs, and timeline tracking.
- Story Notes: Areas to develop world-building, outline your story, and build detailed character profiles.
- Goal Setting: Features to set and track word count goals, with dynamic adjustments for missed days or exceeded targets.
- Manuscript Organization: Tools to organize your manuscript at the scene, chapter, and book levels, with the ability to move sections around easily.
Subscription and Access
Dabble operates on a subscription model, which allows for continuous improvements and updates. Even if you unsubscribe, you retain access to your work, although it will be in read-only mode.
These resources and support options are designed to ensure that you have a smooth and productive writing experience with Dabble.

Dabble - Pros and Cons
Advantages
User-Friendly Interface
Dabble boasts a simple, clean, and intuitive design that makes it easy for both new and experienced writers to start writing immediately. This interface is accessible even to those who are not tech-savvy.
Cloud-Based Accessibility
You can access your work from anywhere, on any device, thanks to Dabble’s cloud-based functionality. This ensures seamless synchronization across all your devices.
Plot Grid and Organization
Dabble offers a unique and user-friendly plot grid that helps writers organize their thoughts and story structure effectively. Each scene in your manuscript can be managed as a separate document, making organization effortless.
Goal Setting and Progress Tracking
Dabble includes practical goal-setting features that help you plan and track your daily or weekly writing targets, keeping you motivated and on track.
Real-Time Collaboration
The platform allows for easy sharing and collaboration, making it ideal for projects involving multiple contributors.
Editing Tools
Dabble provides a range of editing tools, including sticky notes, comments, highlights, thesaurus, spelling, grammar, and style checking. This simplifies the editing process and helps you stay focused.
Focus Mode
The focus mode in Dabble enhances concentration by minimizing distractions, and you can easily toggle it on or off as needed.
Disadvantages
Internet Dependency
Since Dabble is primarily cloud-based, it requires an internet connection to access its full functionality, which can be a limitation for those without reliable internet access.
Limited Formatting Options
Compared to other writing tools like Scrivener, Dabble offers fewer formatting tools, which can be a downside for users who need complex formatting capabilities.
Subscription Model
Dabble operates on a subscription basis, which might add up over time, unlike some other tools that offer a one-time purchase option.
Cost
While Dabble offers various pricing plans, the subscription model can be more expensive in the long run, especially if you opt for the higher-tier plans or the lifetime access option.
By weighing these pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether Dabble aligns with your writing needs and preferences.

Dabble - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Dabble
- Plotting and Notation Tools: Dabble stands out with its comprehensive suite of plotting and notation tools, which are particularly useful for fiction writers. It helps in developing rich characters, intricate plots, and detailed setting descriptions.
- Manuscript Organization: Dabble offers robust manuscript organization features, including cloud backup and sync, access on any device, and goal tracking. These features help writers stay organized and motivated.
- Focus Tools: Dabble includes focus tools that help writers maintain their creative flow without interruptions, which is crucial for long-form writing projects.
Alternatives and Comparisons
KoalaWriter
- SEO Optimization: KoalaWriter is strong in SEO optimization, using GPT-4 and Google’s AI technologies to produce SEO-optimized content. This is particularly useful for writers focusing on blog posts, articles, and social media content. Unlike Dabble, KoalaWriter is more geared towards short-form content and SEO needs.
- Pricing: KoalaWriter’s pricing plans are more varied, ranging from $9 to $350 per month, depending on the word count and messages needed. Dabble’s pricing is simpler, with a Basic plan at $7-$9 per month.
Jasper
- Content Versatility: Jasper is versatile and can handle both short-form and long-form content, including social media posts, product descriptions, and blog posts. It supports 25 languages and has customizable content rules, which Dabble does not offer. However, Jasper’s plans are more expensive, and the output may require additional editing.
- Collaboration: Jasper offers a Google Docs-style editor with up to five user logins, which is not a highlighted feature of Dabble.
Writesonic
- Speed and Editing: Writesonic is known for its high-speed content generation and excellent editing tools. It can produce a 1,500-word blog post in seconds, which is not a feature of Dabble. However, Writesonic’s high-speed generation may sacrifice some uniqueness in the content.
- Pricing: Writesonic’s pricing is based on word count and quality tiers, starting at $10 for short-form content and $13 for long-form content. This is different from Dabble’s simpler pricing model.
Type
- AI Models and Templates: Type allows users to switch between different AI models like GPT-4 and Claude 3, offering more creative and expressive options. It also has a template library and a clean, user-friendly interface. Type is more geared towards general content creation, including emails and YouTube scripts, rather than the specialized fiction writing tools of Dabble.
- Pricing: Type offers a 14-day free trial followed by a $29 per month subscription, which is more expensive than Dabble’s Basic plan.
Summary
Dabble is uniquely suited for fiction writers who need robust plotting, notation, and manuscript organization tools. While alternatives like KoalaWriter, Jasper, Writesonic, and Type offer different strengths such as SEO optimization, content versatility, high-speed generation, and multiple AI models, they do not match Dabble’s specialized features for fiction writing. If your focus is on crafting compelling stories with detailed characters and plots, Dabble remains a top choice. However, if you need tools for other types of content or additional features like SEO optimization or high-speed generation, the other tools might be more suitable.
Dabble - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Dabble
What is Dabble and what does it offer?
Dabble is a writing tool specifically designed for novelists to help them bring their stories to life. It offers a range of features including plotting, writing, editing, and publishing capabilities. Dabble is known for its intuitive interface, cloud synchronization, and various tools to keep writers organized and focused.
What are the key features of Dabble?
Dabble includes several key features such as:
- Plotting Tools: Plot grids, plot lines, plot points, and story notes with images and formatting options.
- Writing Interface: A fluid writing environment with auto-focus mode, typewriter scrolling, auto-formatting, and chapter auto-numbering.
- Editing Features: Safety nets like duplicate projects and versioning, find and replace, spelling, grammar, and style checks, and markup tools.
- Cloud Sync: Access your work on any device with reliable cloud synchronization.
- Goal Tracking: Customizable writing goals and progress tracking.
- Co-authoring: Collaboration features for working with other writers.
What are the different pricing plans for Dabble?
Dabble offers three pricing plans:
- Basic: $7/month, includes unlimited manuscripts, cloud backup and sync, goals and stats, manuscript organization, spell check, text highlighting, dark mode, and email support.
- Standard: $15/month, includes everything in Basic plus Plot Grid, story notes, focus mode, and sticky notes.
- Premium: $23/month, includes everything in Standard plus advanced grammar and style checks, word tools like in-context Thesaurus and Read-to-me, co-authoring, priority support via chat, and Wordsmith Workshops. There is also a 14-day free trial and options for lifetime plans and student discounts.
Can I try Dabble before committing to a subscription?
Yes, Dabble offers a 14-day free trial of its Premium plan, which allows you to explore all its features without requiring a credit card. This trial period is a great way to see if Dabble is the right tool for your writing needs.
How does Dabble help with organization and focus?
Dabble helps with organization by allowing you to drag and drop story elements, keep plot notes and manuscript together, and organize scenes and chapters seamlessly. For focus, Dabble offers an auto-focus mode that fades away everything except your text, minimizing distractions and helping you stay in your writing flow.
Does Dabble support collaboration?
Yes, Dabble supports co-authoring, which is available in the Premium plan. This feature allows multiple writers to work on the same project simultaneously, making it easier to collaborate on writing projects.
Can I export my work from Dabble?
Yes, you can export your manuscript, plot, and notes from Dabble. The platform supports exporting to Word and other formats, making it easy to share your work with agents, editors, or for publishing purposes.
Is Dabble available on multiple devices?
Yes, Dabble is available on PC, Mac, Chromebook, Linux, and mobile devices including tablets and phones with iOS and Android. This ensures you can access your work anywhere, anytime.
What kind of support does Dabble offer?
Dabble offers various levels of support depending on the subscription plan. The Premium plan includes priority support via chat, while all plans come with email support. Additionally, Dabble provides resources and community support through its social media channels and website.
Can I customize my writing goals and track progress in Dabble?
Yes, Dabble allows you to set customizable writing goals and track your progress. You can set project goals, daily goals, and even sync with NaNoWriMo word count targets to help you stay motivated and on track.

Dabble - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Dabble
Dabble is a highly intuitive and feature-rich writing tool that caters to the needs of both aspiring and seasoned authors. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and who would benefit most from using it.Key Features
- Intuitive Interface: Dabble boasts a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to get started, even for those who are new to dedicated writing software.
- Plotting and Organization: It offers comprehensive plotting and notation tools, allowing users to develop characters, story arcs, and settings with ease. The plot grid and customizable Story Notes are particularly praised by users.
- Writing and Editing: Dabble provides a seamless writing experience with features like auto-numbered scenes and chapters, focus mode, and advanced grammar, spelling, and style checks integrated with ProWritingAid.
- Goal Tracking and Productivity: Users can set daily word count goals, deadlines, and use the built-in word sprint timer to stay motivated and productive. The distraction-free mode and dark mode are additional features that enhance the writing experience.
- Cloud Sync and Accessibility: Dabble allows access on any device with reliable cloud synchronization, ensuring your work is always available.
- Collaboration: It supports real-time collaboration, although the extent of collaboration features depends on the subscription package.
Who Would Benefit Most
Dabble is ideal for:- Novelists: Whether you’re writing fantasy novels, romance, or any other genre, Dabble’s plotting tools and character development features make it a standout choice.
- Organized Writers: Those who value clear visual organization and customizable notes will find Dabble very appealing.
- Productivity-Oriented Writers: Authors who need tools to stay on track with their writing goals and deadlines will appreciate Dabble’s goal-tracking and word sprint features.
- Writers Seeking Simplicity: Unlike more complex tools like Scrivener, Dabble offers a simplistic yet powerful interface that is easy to use without unnecessary clutter.
Overall Recommendation
Dabble is a solid choice for writers looking for a balanced blend of plotting, writing, and editing tools. Here are some key points to consider:Pros
- Intuitive interface
- Clear visual organization
- Innovative plotting tools
- Advanced goal-tracking features
- Distraction-free mode and dark mode
- Cloud storage and auto-syncing
- Multiple export options
- Growing writing community and free resources
Cons
- No free plan
- No screenplay formatting
- No AI integration