9 Scrivener Alternative Tools: Overview, Pros, And Cons

Are you overwhelmed by Scrivener?

You’re not alone.

Here’s a user commenting about the writing app’s steep learning curve.

Source: Reddit [Caption: All writers want to write, not get bogged down by technicalities!]

Today, I’m going to introduce you to nine Scrivener alternative tools and what we like (and don’t like) about them.

Whether you want to plot a bestselling novel, pen a TV script, write effective emails, or import from Scrivener, this post will narrow down your choices.

Let’s get started right away.

An overview of Scrivener

Source: Scrivener

Scrivener is a popular writing app. Users love its fuss-free organization (e.g., it’s easy to rearrange scenes and manage different notes). These Scrivener reviews summed up why it’s such a top-rated tool:

Source: Reddit

However, Scrivener has its fair share of limitations. The most common one? The learning curve.

Scrivener operates on a “learn as you go” mode. While the writing process is straightforward, you will need more time to master the extra features (e.g., copyholder, snapshot).

Pricing: 30-day free trial available. Paid plans begin at $19.99 (iOS) and $49 for macOS and Windows.

Let’s see how these Scrivener alternative tools stack up against each other.

1. SmartEdit

Source: SmartEdit

Formerly known as Atomic Scribbler, this Scrivener alternative offers two main products: SmartEdit for Microsoft Word users and SmartEdit Writer for planning and writing.

Pricing: Free. Paid plans start at $77.

What we like about it:

• Correction checker: Professional editors will love this. SmartEdit Word scans your content and highlights mistakes (e.g., repeated phrases, lengthy sentences), saving you loads of time in copyediting. There’s an upgraded version (SmartEdit Pro) that offers extra editing features (e.g., edit monitored words for a specific genre).
• Note handling: SmartEdit Writer allows you to attach or add notes to folders, scenes, or even other notes. SmartEdit shows all connected notes right away. This is an excellent feature if you want to plot or plan your novel. Note that this is a stand-alone program and does not require Word.

What we don’t like about it:

• Windows only: SmartEdit’s a Windows software. It has no plans to offer a Mac version.

2. Linguix

Linguix’s an AI-powered writing assistant that offers more than grammar and vocabulary suggestions; it also helps you improve your productivity and write with confidence. If you want to scan your content for common writing mistakes, check it out.

Pricing: 14-day free trial. Paid plans start at $8/month when billed annually. Grab the Linguix lifetime deal on AppSumo today for $59.

What we like about it:

• Customizable company style guide: Inconsistent communication across different channels creates confusion and a disconnected customer experience. With Linguix’s style guide, you can ensure all employees are using the correct product and feature names and communicating clearly.
• Privacy settings: Linguix offers a “Secret Mode” when editing confidential content (e.g., contract, nondisclosure agreement). This is an attractive feature if you’re concerned about platforms storing your sensitive data.

What we don’t like about it: 

• Grammar checker: Linguix missed a few errors. For example, for the sentence: “It takes some time to familiarize with the video editor,” Linguix didn’t offer any recommendations. Grammarly, on the other hand, caught the pronoun problem and added “yourself” after familiarize.

3. Ulysses

Source: Ulysses

Ulysses is made for bloggers. With WordPress and Medium support, you can publish your content to your CMS with a few taps. You can even add the categories and featured image within the platform.

Pricing: 14-day free trial. Paid plans start at $4.17/month when billed annually.

What we like about it:

• User interface: Out of all the Scrivener alternative tools here, Ulysses is the sleekest of them all. Its interface is consistent across all Apple platforms.
• Export options: Ulysses enables you to publish on WordPress and Medium right away. You can also export your content formatted and styled as a Markdown file, PDF, or ebook.

What we don’t like about it:

• Organization: Ulysses’ mediocre search makes it difficult to locate files. Users with hundreds of thousands of words across different writing projects might find it a hassle.

• Mac only: Only Mac, iPad, and iPhone users can access Ulysses.
• No direct import from Scrivener: Ulysses doesn’t handle Scrivener files, at least not directly. You have to export your content as MultiMarkdown files in Scrivener first, click Save, and drag the .mmd file into Ulysses’ library.

4. Airstory

Airstory is the brainchild of Joanna Wiebe, the OG of conversion copywriting and founder of Copyhackers. Known for its web clipper, this alternative to Scrivener is best for writing research-backed content.

Pricing: Free to access for existing users. For new users, a seven-day free trial is available. Paid plans start at $25/month.

What we like about it:

• Web clipper: Hands down, this is Airstory’s best feature. Grab content from the web and save it as a note in the library. Airstory automatically captures the source information. To add the saved note to your post, click and drag it to the editor.

What we don’t like about it:

• Comment: Airstory allows you to comment on text, but not images.

5. ApolloPad

ApolloPad is the underdog of writing software. Its text editor is simple and does the job. If you want to write your novel with minimal distractions, give this Scrivener alternative a try.

Pricing: Free (public beta). Paid plans start at $5/month.

What we like about it:

• Writer-friendly tool: The lightbulb icon in the bottom toolbar shows a stock photo. If you want to get inspired through picture writing prompts, this could be helpful.

• Status: ApolloPad offers a status update (green if everything’s okay and red if the server is unavailable), giving you peace of mind as you write your novel.
• Daily word counter and timer: ApolloPad shows the number of words you write every day. This feature is helpful if you have a daily writing goal (e.g., participate in NaNoWriMo).
• Project timelines: Create timeline events with icons and color codes to ensure you’re heading in the right direction.
• Contextual notes: Need to remind yourself about a specific paragraph or line? Highlight it and add a note. ApolloPad will show it alongside your draft.
• Export options: ApolloPad allows you to export your novel in a variety of formats (e.g., PDF, HTML, ePub).

What we don’t like about it:

• Interface: It takes time to familiarize yourself with ApolloPad’s terminology. For example, the menu on the left, “Asset,” might make you draw a blank at first. Turns out it refers to things like locations and objects.

6. Manuskript

Source: Manuskript

Looking for a free and open-source tool to outline your content? Go with Manuskript. This is an exceptional, lightweight tool best used in the early writing stage.

Pricing: Free.

What we like about it:

• Snowflake method: Manuskript offers prompts that guide you to expand your idea with additional characters and plot points.

What we don’t like about it:

• Learning curve: Users report it’s difficult to enable certain features (e.g., citations manager).

7. Script Studio

It’s bland watching movies with one-dimensional characters. If you want to write well-developed characters, check out Script Studio. This Scrivener alternative offers character development tools that bring them to life.

Pricing: Free trial with limited features available. Paid plans require a one-time fee of $199.95.

What we like about it:

• Note taking: Customize your note setup using the index cards and sequencing methodology. Script Studio makes it easy and flexible to create a structured outline.
• Character development tools: Build character backstories using Script Studio’s picture gallery and interview prompts.

What we don’t like about it:

• Expensive: Writers with modest budgets might want to look elsewhere.

8. Storyist

Storyist’s a fan favorite for plotting novels and screenplays. This organizational writing software shares many similarities to Scrivener (e.g., formatting tools, option to set goals).

Pricing: Free. Purchase for $59.

What we like about it:

• Note taking: Easily jot down notes for specific sections and search for them in the project organizer.
• Story development tools: Plot and track scenes and characters on Storyist’s virtual corkboard.
• Import and export options: Storyist allows you to import and export from other writing software tools, including Scrivener, Final Draft, and plain text apps (e.g., iA Writer, Textastic).

What we don’t like about it:

• Mac only: Only macOS and iOS users can access Storyist.

9. Final Draft 11

Source: YouTube

Final Draft 11 is best for writing screenplays. So much so that 95% of film and television productions (including heavyweights like Netflix, Hulu, Sofia Coppola, and Guillermo del Toro) use it.

Pricing: Free 60-day trial. Purchase is a one-time fee of $199.99, with discounts for upgrades, teachers, and volume licenses.

What we like about it:

• Formatting: Once opened, every section of the document — from the font to margin and textual style to abbreviation — is formatted correctly. Scriptwriters will like this feature, as it removes the hassle of setting proper indents.
• Beat board: Organize scenes, sequences, and plots. It’s wildly easy to take notes during outlining. You can add color codes and names and sort them according to categories with ease.
• Mobile app: Users report that Final Draft offers the best mobile app for screenwriting. Tip: Use it to write your specs, as it only offers essential features.

What we don’t like about it:

• Expensive: Final Draft 11 is the priciest of the lot. On top of the $199.99 one-time fee, upgrading requires an additional $79.99 – $99.99.

• Learning curve: Final Draft’s gold standard features come at a price. Many users report they had to watch tutorials to make the most of it.

Which Scrivener alternative tools will you use today?

These Scrivener alternative tools have their strengths and limitations.

It’d be unfair to pick which is the best.

Ultimately, it boils down to your goal.

If you write research-heavy articles and you want a better way to source for information, try Airstory.

In terms of blogging on WordPress and Medium, you can’t go wrong with Ulysses.

And if you want to polish your writing in your business communication and be seen as a pro? Linguix is your best bet.

With its prewritten snippets and a built-in dictionary, anyone can be a great writer.

Grab the Linguix lifetime deal on AppSumo today for $59.

And if you’ve finished writing your novel? Check out Indie Publishing Fundamentals.

This online course teaches you how to self-publish your book from start to finish.

Helmed by internationally bestselling author Carissa Andrews, you’ll discover the nuts and bolts of indie publishing, from planning your writing routine to promoting your book like gangbusters.

Grab the Indie Publishing Fundamentals lifetime deal on AppSumo today for $79.