Twine is an open-source tool for nonlinear stories. A visual map keeps passages and choices visible, simple projects need no code, and variables, conditional logic, CSS and JavaScript are available when the narrative becomes more ambitious.
Building the first branch
Create a story, write one passage and add links to the next choices. Twine turns those links into connected cards on the story map, making dead ends and overly tangled sections easier to spot.
Choosing a story format
Story formats determine the available syntax, built-in behaviour and presentation. Learn the guide for the selected format before copying examples, because code written for one format may not work in another.
Publishing the result
Twine exports a playable HTML file that can be opened locally or uploaded to a website. Test the exported file, keep the editable source separately and check images or other linked assets before sharing it.
Things to know
- Browser-created work needs deliberate backups.
- Different story formats use different syntax and features.
- Complex projects still require careful structure and testing.