Scrivener review: what it is, pricing and who it's for
Writing app for long projects like novels, scripts and theses, sold as a one-time licence.
In short: Writing app for long projects like novels, scripts and theses, sold as a one-time licence. Starting price: €69.99 one-time (standard licence, EU store price). Free plan / trial: 30-day free trial. Best for: Novelists, screenwriters, students and non-fiction authors.
What is Scrivener?
Scrivener is a writing program from Literature & Latte built for long documents. Instead of one big file, you split your project into small sections that you can rearrange in a binder, on a virtual corkboard or in an outline.
Research files, notes and drafts sit in the same project. When the draft is done, the compile feature turns it into a Word file, PDF, ePub/Kindle book or Final Draft script. It is a one-time purchase per platform, not a subscription.
Key features
- Binder that holds chapters, scenes, research and notes in one project.
- Scrivenings mode to edit separate sections as one continuous document.
- Corkboard and outliner views for drag-and-drop restructuring.
- Snapshots to save and compare earlier versions of a section.
- Word count targets and progress tracking.
- Compile to Word, RTF, PDF, Final Draft and ePub/Kindle.
- View up to four documents side by side on desktop.
- Automatic saving and backups, plus templates and full-screen writing.
Plans and pricing
| Plan | Price / limit | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard licence (macOS or Windows) | €69.99 one-time | Full Scrivener 3 for one platform |
| Educational licence (macOS or Windows) | €59.49 one-time | Same app; students and academics with institutional affiliation only |
| iOS & iPadOS | US$23.99 one-time | Scrivener for iPhone and iPad, sold separately |
| macOS & Windows bundle | See official site | Separate licence for each platform at a discounted price |
Licences are per platform and the store shows prices in local currency (EUR shown from Europe on 2026-11-14); a Mac and Windows bundle is offered at a discount.
Pros and cons
Pros
- One-time purchase, no subscription.
- Generous 30-day free trial.
- Strong tools for organizing very long projects.
- Flexible export to manuscripts, ebooks and scripts.
Cons
- Each platform needs its own licence, so Mac, Windows and iOS cost extra.
- The interface has a learning curve for new users.
- No built-in real-time collaboration.
- Major version upgrades may need a paid upgrade.
Who it's for
Scrivener fits writers working on books, theses or scripts who need to manage many sections and research. If you mainly write short pieces or need live co-editing with others, a simpler word processor or cloud editor may suit you better.
Frequently asked questions
What is Scrivener?
Scrivener is a writing program from Literature & Latte built for long documents. Instead of one big file, you split your project into small sections that you can rearrange in a binder, on a virtual corkboard or in an outline.
How much does Scrivener cost?
Scrivener starts at €69.99 one-time (standard licence, EU store price). Licences are per platform and the store shows prices in local currency (EUR shown from Europe on 2026-11-14); a Mac and Windows bundle is offered at a discount.
Does Scrivener have a free plan or free trial?
30-day free trial.
Who is Scrivener best for?
Scrivener fits writers working on books, theses or scripts who need to manage many sections and research. If you mainly write short pieces or need live co-editing with others, a simpler word processor or cloud editor may suit you better.
What are the downsides of Scrivener?
Main drawbacks: Each platform needs its own licence, so Mac, Windows and iOS cost extra. The interface has a learning curve for new users. No built-in real-time collaboration. Major version upgrades may need a paid upgrade.
What are some alternatives to Scrivener?
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This summary is based on Scrivener's official website, pricing page and public documentation as of November 14, 2026. Prices and features change, so confirm the details on the official site. Some links on this site may be affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.