Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to PromptDC · ✍️ ai writing
PromptDC vs Writing Tools
Select text anywhere, hit a hotkey, and fix, rewrite, summarize, or obey a custom instruction without opening another tab. Here is how Writing Tools ($0/mo open source) stacks up against PromptDC ($9/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Writing Tools
$0.00/mo · GPL-3.0
PromptDC vs Writing Tools Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-14
| Dimension | PromptDC (Paid) | Writing Tools (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $9 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $108 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $108) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $540 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $540) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,080 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,080) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source GPL-3.0 |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 2.4k (active may 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from PromptDC to Writing Tools
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
It can obey a custom prompt from selected text, but it lacks PromptDC's purpose-built coding-request expansion and browser-focused presentation.
How to deploy Writing Tools
Use the portable Windows ZIP or macOS DMG; Linux currently runs from source
What it takes to run
You must supply an API key or install a local model; macOS needs Accessibility permissions, while Linux installation and Wayland support remain rough
Where your data lives
API keys and configuration stay on the device; the app does not retain writing or logs, and selected text goes only to the chosen cloud provider unless a local model is used
Why fork Writing Tools instead of vibe-coding a PromptDC clone?
A useful personal version is highly one-shot-able: an MV3 content script can capture selected text, send it to an LLM with one of two system prompts, then replace a normal editable field or copy the result. The commercial product earns its keep through Writing profiles (grammar fix, email, social post, shorten, tone), a Coding mode that auto-detects which AI tool you are prompting and tailors the rewrite, polished interaction design, and defensive handling of complex editors where naive DOM replacement can fail or corrupt text.
PromptDC vs Writing Tools FAQ
Is Writing Tools a good free alternative to PromptDC?+
Yes. Writing Tools is a verified open-source (GPL-3.0) replacement for PromptDC. Select text anywhere, hit a hotkey, and fix, rewrite, summarize, or obey a custom instruction without opening another tab.
What is the catch when switching from PromptDC to Writing Tools?+
It can obey a custom prompt from selected text, but it lacks PromptDC's purpose-built coding-request expansion and browser-focused presentation.
How much do you save switching from PromptDC to Writing Tools?+
PromptDC costs $9/mo ($108/yr) per seat, whereas Writing Tools is $0/mo. Switching saves $108/yr for a solo user, $540/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,080/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Writing Tools instead of PromptDC?+
Install: Use the portable Windows ZIP or macOS DMG; Linux currently runs from source. Setup: You must supply an API key or install a local model; macOS needs Accessibility permissions, while Linux installation and Wayland support remain rough
