Scrivener icon

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.

Commercial

Scrivener Alternatives

Below you'll find the best alternatives to Scrivener. We've analyzed these options based on features, user ratings, and compatibility to help you find the right solution. Each alternative offers unique advantages that might better suit your specific needs and budget.

LyX

LyX

Open Source Education & Reference Document Processing

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.

Unique 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.

Compared to Scrivener

Produces high-quality, professional-looking documents using the LaTeX engine. compared to Scrivener
Requires adaptation to the WYSIWYM paradigm, which differs from traditional word processors. unlike Scrivener
yWriter

yWriter

Free News & Books Desktop Application

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.

Unique Features

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

Compared to Scrivener

Specifically designed for novel writing workflow compared to Scrivener
Outdated user interface design unlike Scrivener
bibisco

bibisco

Open Source News & Books Desktop application

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.

Unique Features

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

Compared to Scrivener

Excellent tools for character and plot development. compared to Scrivener
User interface feels somewhat dated. unlike Scrivener
Gingko

Gingko

Freemium Business & Commerce Web Application

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.

Unique Features

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

Compared to Scrivener

Unique visual hierarchical structure for intuitive organization. compared to Scrivener
Requires adaptation for users used to traditional linear documents. unlike Scrivener
UV Outliner

UV Outliner

Free Office & Productivity Desktop Application

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.

Unique Features

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

Compared to Scrivener

Powerful hierarchical organization with infinite depth. compared to Scrivener
Software is discontinued, meaning no future updates or support. unlike Scrivener
Ulysses

Ulysses

Commercial Development Writing App

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.

Unique Features

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

Compared to Scrivener

Excellent distraction-free writing environment. compared to Scrivener
Subscription-based pricing model. unlike Scrivener
Manuskript

Manuskript

Open Source Business & Commerce Desktop Application

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.

Unique Features

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

Compared to Scrivener

Comprehensive outlining and organizational tools. compared to Scrivener
User interface is less modern than some alternatives. unlike Scrivener
SuperNotecard

SuperNotecard

Commercial Education & Reference Desktop Application

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.

Unique Features

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

Compared to Scrivener

Comprehensive suite of writing tools in one application. compared to Scrivener
Steeper learning curve compared to simpler note-taking apps. unlike Scrivener
Final Draft

Final Draft

Commercial News & Books Desktop

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.

Unique Features

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

Compared to Scrivener

Industry-standard formatting ensures professional scripts. compared to Scrivener
High initial cost. unlike Scrivener
Quoll Writer

Quoll Writer

Open Source News & Books Writing Software

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.

Unique Features

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

Compared to Scrivener

Excellent distraction-free writing environment. compared to Scrivener
User interface is functional but could be more modern. unlike Scrivener
Writer's Cafè

Writer's Cafè

Commercial News & Books Writing Software

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.

Unique Features

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

Compared to Scrivener

Comprehensive set of tools specifically for fiction writing. compared to Scrivener
User interface may feel dated. unlike Scrivener
Liquid Story Binder XE

Liquid Story Binder XE

Commercial Development Word Processor

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.

Unique 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.

Compared to Scrivener

Excellent for organizing complex, long-form writing projects. compared to Scrivener
User interface feels somewhat dated. unlike Scrivener
Plume Creator

Plume Creator

Open Source News & Books Writing Software

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.

Unique Features

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

Compared to Scrivener

Excellent project organization for novels. compared to Scrivener
User interface could be more modern. unlike Scrivener

Compare Side-by-Side

Want to see how Scrivener stacks up against alternatives? Select any option below for a detailed side-by-side comparison.

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare