Scrivener organizes a book, thesis, or screenplay as a binder of scenes and chapters rather than one endless document, so you can draft out of order and still see the structure. Research notes, images, and earlier drafts live in the same project, and the compile step assembles a manuscript or ebook from whichever pieces you select. It suits novelists and academics working on something too long for a word processor.
Who it is for
Novelists and doctoral students juggling a manuscript too large for a single document.
Key features
- Binder outline for scenes and chapters
- Corkboard and index card view
- Compile to Word, PDF, and EPUB
- Snapshots of earlier draft versions
- Research folder for notes and images
Where it falls short
The compile settings are a maze of checkboxes, there is no real-time collaboration, and the iOS app costs extra on top of the desktop license.
Pricing
One-time license around $60 per platform; the iOS app is a separate purchase and major upgrades have historically been paid.
Prices move; the tier structure is the part that stays true. Check current pricing on Scrivener.
Alternatives to Scrivener
Frequently asked
How much does Scrivener cost?
Scrivener is paid software. One-time license around $60 per platform; the iOS app is a separate purchase and major upgrades have historically been paid.
What is Scrivener best for?
Novelists and doctoral students juggling a manuscript too large for a single document.
What are the best alternatives to Scrivener?
The closest substitutes we list are Ulysses and Obsidian. They sit in a similar price bracket but make a different trade-off, so read the weaknesses section of each review before switching.
Which platforms does Scrivener run on?
Scrivener is available on macOS, Windows and iOS.