# Scrivener

The long-form writing tool that holds an entire book, its research and its structure in one project.

HTML: https://softbests.com/software/scrivener
Markdown: https://softbests.com/software/scrivener.md
Website: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/

- Category: [Notes & Markdown](https://softbests.com/category/notes-markdown)
- Pricing: Paid
- Platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS
- Underrated

## Best for

Novelists, academics and screenwriters whose projects outgrow a single document.

## Why it deserves attention

Scrivener is built around the Binder: every chapter, scene, note and piece of research is a separate document inside one project, so you can reorder a manuscript by dragging, plan on a corkboard of index cards, outline with synopses and metadata, and take snapshots before risky edits. Compile assembles the whole thing into DOCX, PDF, EPUB or a screenplay format with precise formatting rules, and the same project supports labels, status, targets and full-text search across everything. It is a one-time purchase on macOS and Windows, with an iOS companion. The trade-off: the interface is dense and takes real time to learn, there is no live collaboration, and syncing through mobile requires care.

## Can replace

- Microsoft Word

## Related and alternatives

- [Ulysses](https://softbests.com/software/ulysses)
- [Obsidian](https://softbests.com/software/obsidian)
- [Ulysses](https://softbests.com/software/ulysses)
- [Zettlr](https://softbests.com/software/zettlr)