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Top Alternatives to Scrivener

Looking for Scrivener alternatives? We've curated 13 top alternatives that offer similar functionality. Whether you need options, free plans, or open source solutions, explore our comprehensive list to find the perfect fit for your needs.

LyX

LyX

Open Source

LyX is a powerful open-source document processor built upon the robust LaTeX typesetting system. Offering a "what you see is what you mean" (WYSIWYM) approach, it allows users to focus on the content and structure of their documents without getting bogged down in the intricacies of LaTeX syntax, making it ideal for technical and academic writing.

Key Features

  • Produces high-quality, professional-looking documents using the LaTeX engine.
  • Excellent support for creating and editing complex mathematical equations.
  • Structured approach to document creation leads to well-organized and consistent output.

vs Scrivener

Produces high-quality, professional-looking documents using the LaTeX engine. compared to Scrivener
yWriter

yWriter

Free

yWriter is a free word processor designed specifically for novelists. It breaks down your manuscript into manageable chapters and scenes, providing tools for tracking characters, locations, items, and plot points, allowing you to focus on the creative process.

Key Features

  • Specifically designed for novel writing workflow
  • Free to use
  • Excellent for organizing complex narratives (scenes, characters, locations)

vs Scrivener

Specifically designed for novel writing workflow compared to Scrivener
bibisco

bibisco

Open Source

bibisco is a comprehensive novel writing software designed to assist writers in every stage of their creative journey, from initial concept to final export. It provides tools for character development, plot structuring, scene organization, and analytical insights, all within a distraction-free environment.

Key Features

  • Excellent tools for character and plot development.
  • Portable formulation, no installation is required.
  • Structured environment for organizing novels.

vs Scrivener

Excellent tools for character and plot development. compared to Scrivener
Gingko

Gingko

Freemium

Gingko is a unique web-based writing and outlining tool that helps users visually structure their ideas in a hierarchical, tree-like structure. It combines the flexibility of note-taking with the organization of an outliner and the visual flow of cards, making it ideal for writing projects of varying complexity.

Key Features

  • Unique visual hierarchical structure for intuitive organization.
  • Excellent for brainstorming and outlining complex projects.
  • Real-time collaboration facilitates teamwork.

vs Scrivener

Unique visual hierarchical structure for intuitive organization. compared to Scrivener
UV Outliner

UV Outliner is a discontinued, single-pane outliner known for its hierarchical structure and multicolumn support. It aimed to provide a flexible platform for note-taking, task management, novel writing, and brainstorming through a clean design and various integration options.

Key Features

  • Powerful hierarchical organization with infinite depth.
  • Multicolumn support enhances data visibility and management.
  • Includes features for task management and to-dos.

vs Scrivener

Powerful hierarchical organization with infinite depth. compared to Scrivener
Ulysses

Ulysses

Commercial

Ulysses is a comprehensive writing application designed for creative writers across Mac, iPad, and iPhone. It offers a distraction-free environment, powerful organization tools, and flexible export options, making it ideal for everything from note-taking to writing novels.

Key Features

  • Excellent distraction-free writing environment.
  • Unified library simplifies project management.
  • Seamless and reliable iCloud synchronization across devices.

vs Scrivener

Excellent distraction-free writing environment. compared to Scrivener
Manuskript

Manuskript

Open Source

Manuskript is a free and open-source writing software designed specifically for authors. It provides a structured environment to plan, outline, and write novels and other complex documents, featuring tools for character tracking, plot management, and a distraction-free interface.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive outlining and organizational tools.
  • Dedicated tracking for characters, plots, and locations.
  • Distraction-free writing mode.

vs Scrivener

Comprehensive outlining and organizational tools. compared to Scrivener
SuperNotecard

SuperNotecard

Commercial

SuperNotecard is a comprehensive writing tool designed to assist writers of fiction and nonfiction. It provides a dynamic environment for organizing notes, brainstorming ideas, managing characters, and structuring narratives through familiar paradigms like notecards and outlines, aiming to enhance productivity and creativity.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive suite of writing tools in one application.
  • Flexible organization with multiple views (corkboard, outline, wiki).
  • Dedicated tools for character and scene management.

vs Scrivener

Comprehensive suite of writing tools in one application. compared to Scrivener
Final Draft

Final Draft

Commercial

Final Draft is the industry-standard screenwriting software used by professionals worldwide. It provides powerful tools for writing, formatting, and collaborating on screenplays, teleplays, and stage plays.

Key Features

  • Industry-standard formatting ensures professional scripts.
  • Powerful auto-formatting saves significant time.
  • Real-time collaboration is excellent for co-writing.

vs Scrivener

Industry-standard formatting ensures professional scripts. compared to Scrivener
Quoll Writer

Quoll Writer

Open Source

Quoll Writer is a dedicated writing application designed to provide a focused and organized environment for authors, particularly those working on long-form projects like novels. It combines distraction-free writing tools with robust project management features, allowing writers to concentrate on their narrative while keeping track of characters, plot points, and research materials.

Key Features

  • Excellent distraction-free writing environment.
  • Robust project management tools for novels (characters, scenes, timeline).
  • Effective cross-linking of project elements.

vs Scrivener

Excellent distraction-free writing environment. compared to Scrivener
Writer's Cafè

Writer's Cafè

Commercial

Writer's Café is a comprehensive suite designed for fiction writers, offering tools to plan, write, and organize novels and screenplays from conception to completion, catering to both beginners and seasoned authors.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive set of tools specifically for fiction writing.
  • Strong planning and outlining capabilities.
  • Centralized project organization.

vs Scrivener

Comprehensive set of tools specifically for fiction writing. compared to Scrivener
Liquid Story Binder XE

Liquid Story Binder XE is a comprehensive word processor and writing environment designed specifically for authors working on long-form projects like novels. It integrates outlining, scene management, character tracking, and various planning tools to help writers organize their creative process.

Key Features

  • Excellent for organizing complex, long-form writing projects.
  • Scene-based structure and corkboard facilitate non-linear writing and plotting.
  • Integrated character and worldbuilding databases are very useful.

vs Scrivener

Excellent for organizing complex, long-form writing projects. compared to Scrivener
Plume Creator

Plume Creator

Open Source

Plume Creator is a comprehensive writing software designed for authors, fiction writers, and novelists. It offers a distraction-free writing environment combined with robust tools for outlining, note-taking, character management, and project organization to streamline the creative process.

Key Features

  • Excellent project organization for novels.
  • Robust outlining and scene management tools.
  • Dedicated character database is very useful.

vs Scrivener

Excellent project organization for novels. compared to Scrivener

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