Best Scrivener Alternatives will be described in this article. If Scrivener is not in your price range, or if you want to try a distinct program, give these alternatives a shot. Readers like you help support MUO. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an companion commission. Read More. Ask any novelist to name a piece of dedicated writing software; odds are Scrivener is the first thing that will come to them. Created in 2007, it quickly (and quite deservedly) became a must-have for novelists looking to organize their projects. It is, of class, not the only option. Especially for novelists on a budget who are reticent to pay for Scrivener’s features. Here are three lesser-known alternatives to Scrivener that will get your writing organized.
Top 3 Best Scrivener Alternatives Worth Considering
In this article, you can know about Scrivener Alternatives here are the details below;
1. Manuskript
Manuskript is a dedicated novel writing software that in many ways takes similar design cues as Scrivener. They share similar layouts and have several features in common. As a result, it’s the alternative that will feel the most familiar to anyone who is coming from Scrivener.
It has the typical outlining tools, some helpful features for fleshing out characters and subplots, and world-building features that it shares with other similar apps. It also has a distraction-free mode and a revisions feature that will keep your work backed up in case the worst happens.
Pros
- Multiple organization options. Writers can categorize by labels, status, and points of view, for example.
- An impressive amount of customization for virtually all aspects of the software’s look and feel.
- Open source and free to use.
Cons
- There can be a vertical learning curve for writers who come from traditional word processors and may be unfamiliar with dedicated writing applications.
- The revisions feature has been the source of some reported issues, so caution is advised.
- Download: Manuskript for Windows, macOS, and Linux (Free)
2. Wavemaker Cards
Wavemaker Cards is a relatively new player in the game, and does things a little differently. The app is more minimalist than both Manuskript and Scrivener. It focuses instead on a more free-form approach; using tools like mind maps and database cards that can be categorized with searchable tags created by the writer.
The result is a program that gives the writer as much or as little structure as they want. The planning features are not dedicated to plot or character, for example, but are there to be used however the writer wishes to, or not at all.
Pros
- Web-based. No installation and therefore available on any device.
- Minimalist. It reaches out of the way and leaves the more advanced planning as options rather than necessities.
- Active and responsive developer.
Cons
- Can have glitches. Active development can be a blessing or a curse as far as bugs are concerned. Save often.
- Some redundant features, such as a grid planner and planning board that effectively perform the same function.
- The mind map tool is fairly bare-bones in comparison to other dedicated mind map applications.
3. Story Architect
Story Architect is dedicated to more structured writing such as screenplays, comic books, and stage plays. As a result, its features for novelists are more basic than the other apps on this list. For now, as of Story Architect’s latest 0.4.4 release, the free version is limited to a basic outline, a title page, a synopsis, and some basic statistics about the work in progress. The paid version, meanwhile, adds a corkboard function for more organization options. Regardless, for a writer who works in multiple formats and would prefer a single application for all, Story Architect is actively developed and worth considering.
Pros
- All-in-one app. Can handle various styles of writing, such as screenplays, stage plays, and radio dramas.
- Modern and clean design. Story Architect does its best to stay out of the writers’ way while working.
- Collaboration features available in the paid version for writers who are part of writing communities and are looking to team up with others.
Cons
- Fairly feature-poor for dedicated novelists.
- Subscription-based, with a number of its most promising features behind a paywall.
- Fewer customization options than the others on this list.
- Download: Story Architect for Windows, macOS, and Linux (Free, subscription available)
Which Alternative to Scrivener Is Right for Me?
Scrivener remains the granddaddy of writing apps for most novelists. That’s not likely to change. But depending on a number of factors like usage, budget, and choice of operating system, it may be worth looking into alternatives that do things a little bit differently.