The 10 Best Scrivener Alternatives For Writers (2025)

When you ask writers what their favorite manuscript and planning tool is, Scrivener is often one of the first that pops into mind. I actually first heard about Scrivener from an author that visited a class I was in when I was younger and since I started using it myself, I’ve been a big fan of the platform. Although it has a bit of a learning curve, it was great because I could just house all my plans and ideas in one single place. It’s a great organizational tool as well, but it’s not without its flaws and drawbacks. For many people, Scrivener might present a bit of an outdated interface or too many things going on at once. It’s also not a free tool, which isn’t always everyone’s cup of tea. So, whether you’re looking for a lightweight cloud-based solution or a free app to get started, or you want a platform that’s got more collaboration-based features, there are definitely some solid Scrivener alternatives that you can use as a writer. For today’s post, I’ll be going through the best Scrivener alternatives for writers in 2025. 

As an author, I’ve been searching for a while to find the best software for writing books and I look for a lot of things in each tool that I use. Beyond the features, I look for ease of access, fair and reasonable pricing, and good support. It’s important to also be aware that each tool has advantages and disadvantages. I’ve used Scrivener extensively, but I’ve also used Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and several other tools out there a lot. In fact, my debut novel, Malware, was typed originally in Google Docs, edited in Scrivener, and then laid out in Adobe InDesign. So, as you can see, being a writer means having a solid tech stack like a dev would. 

Part of the novel-writing process is understanding that when you go to publish your manuscript, you’ll need a good amount of marketing to drum up hype before and after release. If you sign up for my newsletter, I’ll send you a free copy of my ultimate writer’s marketing checklist so that you can figure out what you need to make sure you get done for your book’s release: 

If you want a structured system for writing a novel in one month (just cause NaNoWriMo is gone doesn’t mean its spirit doesn’t live on), then check out my Sprint to a Novel in 30 Days Agenda and Workbook. It’s got over 200 pages to help you learn how to plan and write your novel and stay on-target for 30 days!

The Best Scrivener Alternatives for Writers in 2025

Scrivener 

Before we get into the alternatives, it’s important to talk about Scrivener itself as a platform and why it still remains one of the best tools for writers in 2025. 

Firstly, Scrivener stores locally onto your device. This can be great if you happen to be offline and can’t access some cloud-based tools that require the internet. This can be a drawback though because you’ll need to make sure that you have plenty of backups in case your device gets ruined. However, no matter what platform you’re using, I always, always, always recommend you have plenty of backups. 

Scrivener has tools for advanced outlining and a corkboard view if you’re a more visual planner. It’s also really easy for organizing chapters, scenes, and research all in one cohesive place. Furthermore, its UI may be outdated, but it’s not overly complex to the point where it doesn’t make any sense how to use it. 

You can also export your manuscript into multiple formats and there are built-in Scrivener templates that you can use for novels, screenplays, and nonfiction projects. 

Scrivener is a tool that I think is great for writers who want maximum control and a robust set of tools and don’t find the learning curve to be a big deal. 

If you want to try Scrivener out, you can purchase it here → Buy Scrivener now

If you’re still on the fence about Scrivener, you can also check out my full, in-depth tutorial on the platform here → My Scrivener Tutorial

1. Dabble 

Dabble is another platform that’s really similar to Scrivener, but it does have a few advantages over Scrivener. Firstly, Dabble is cloud-based, meaning that you automatically can access it on any device. Scrivener is limited and you don’t have that ease of access. You basically need to write your manuscript on one device if you’re using Scrivener, which can be difficult for some people who like to go out a lot and maybe want to write during commutes or things like that. 

Dabble is a streamlined Scrivener alternative with a drag-and-drop plot grid, easy goal-tracking, and a simple UI for manuscript-writing. It’s pretty easy to get started with and it doesn’t include a lot of complicated bells and whistles. 

However, Dabble is a subscription-based platform. It includes a free trial, but it’s limited and you basically have to pay monthly to get access to it. That’s a pretty common thing you’ll see with cloud-based platforms though. 

You can check out my full review on Dabble Writer here → Dabble Review

2. Novlr 

Novlr is modern writing app that’s been designed very specifically for novelists. If you’re not a novelist, you might find that it has some tools that you don’t necessarily need, but Novlr is still a good platform for what it offers. 

It’s a cloud-based service, meaning that you can use it anywhere you want. It’s also got a clean interface and it’s simple to use, with a distraction-free focus mode. Additionally, Novlr has writing streaks, analytics, and goal tracking, which is something that you might find beneficial as a writer. 

One of the nice things about Novlr is that you can sort of gamify the novel-writing process. You can set daily goals, track if you’ve accomplished them, and see what sort of streak you’ve got going on. 

Novlr does have a free plan that includes 5 projects with a 7-day version history. If you want 30-day version history and unlimited projects, you’ll have to pay $8/month. YOu do also get the ability to build and publish a no-code author website with the plus tier. There is a pro tier that lets you launch an author website on a custom domain and includes a ProWritingAid-powered proofreader. 

3. World Anvil 

World Anvil might not actually seem like it is a Scrivener alternative just by the fact that it’s a world building tool, but World Anvil actually includes a lot of robust features for writers. It’s also got a manuscript feature in it as well, meaning that you not only get to write in the platform, but you can also build your world and keep it organized. 

World Anvil has a lot of strengths in being great at organization and sparking inspiration. However, it’s definitely more of a tool made for fantasy and sci-fi over other genres. Scrivener tends to just work for authors no matter what genre. However, if you’re a fantasy author, then World Anvil is a great option as well. 

There’s also features built into World Anvil for RPGs and game writers if that’s what you lean more towards as a writer. 

You can sign up for World Anvil here → World Anvil

If you’re still on the fence, you can also read my full in-depth review on World Anvil → World Anvil Review

4. Obsidian 

Obsidian is a great platform for writers who want more flexibility and the ease of customization. It’s more of a note-taking app, but the cool thing about Obsidian is that you can basically customize the whole UI and make it look different depending on what your needs are. 

Obsidian is really popular among world builders, but I think that it’s also got benefit for writers. You’ve got a markdown-based note system and you can link notes and scenes like a wiki. It’s a really cool visual map as well!

The neat thing about Obsidian is that it also works offline with local files, so you own the work instead of having to upload it onto a cloud. However, this does share the same issue with Scrivener where you have to make sure that you’ve got backups. 

Obsidian does come with a bit of a learning curve though if you’re trying to customize it with all those fancy plugins. But it’s a great platform for writers who prefer more flexibility in their work. 

5. Google Docs

Google Docs is probably one of the most trusty tools out there for writing that definitely rivals Scrivener in how accessible it is and the fact that it’s a free tool. It’s really easy to set up because chances are, you already have a Google account and can set up your drive easily. Plus, Google Docs is like a much easier version of Microsoft Word to use. 

I personally sometimes write my drafts in Google Docs because it’s cloud-based, has automatic saving and revision history, and is accessible on every device I own. If I’m on a train ride and just want to type up some stuff in my story, I can easily pull out my phone and type away if need be. 

Google Docs is also one of the easiest tools to learn and is simple enough that anyone can just open a document and start typing. However, it does lack a lot of organizational tools that come with some of the other writing apps. On top of that, Google Docs formatting isn’t the best or the most robust. 

However, it does make collaboration extremely easy and you can share your story with your friends and have them comment and make edits and add suggestions 

6. LivingWriter 

LivingWriter is another great writing app that’s marketed as a Scrivener alternative and competitor. It’s got a lot of features that make it compelling and a pretty neat, modern UI that does make it seem more updated. 

It includes pre-built templates for story structures like the Hero’s Journey and is also a cloud-based tool that syncs across any device you use it on. You’ve got drag-and-drop features in the manuscripts, sidebar notes, and a corkboard system. Something cool about the corkboard in LivingWriter is that it’s got boards for different purposes like research and plotting. 

LivingWriter does have an optional AI assistant that can summarize, rewrite, and give advice. There’s also auto-suggestions for characters, locations, and objects as you’re writing. If you’re not a fan of using AI in your writing, just know that LivingWriter says it’s 100% optional. 

I’d say LivingWriter is more complex than Dabble but easier than Scrivener if that’s something you’re interested in. 

7. Notion

Notion is typically advertised as being a productivity tool. However, it’s also a great all-in-one workspace for writing novels. Notion is sort of like a blank app that you customize and build up and create templates for to help you out. It’s got kanban boards, pages, highly customizable databases, and plenty of ways to make it personalized. 

Notion is great for organizing outlines, characters, and world building and it’s also great for team collaboration. It’s also got simple templates to help set up writing projects. 

Beyond that, Notion is free and easy to use once you get past the slight learning curve it comes with. I think that Notion is great because of the fact that it’s just seriously very customizable, free, and can be used anywhere. It just makes life easy, especially if you already use it for planning out things like your school work and productivity in general.  

8. yWriter

One of the first Scrivener alternatives I ever tried was yWriter and that’s because it’s basically a totally free version of Scrivener. It’s got the features that Scrivener has like chapters and scenes in chapters, a lightweight and distraction-free design, and reliable performance. Additionally, it’s seriously 100% free to use. 

yWriter was created by a programmer and a published author named Simon Hayes and he basically took all the features that he felt were important for authors to use without any of the extra fluff of other platforms. It’s a simple platform, but it’s easy because it’s simple!

yWriter is similar to Scrivener in that it’s locally stored on your device, so you don’t have a cloud-based software to use. It’s a bit less “fluid” compared to some of the other tools on this list and it’s definitely not going to be as robust as some of the other ones, but it’s still a very solid option. 

I think yWriter is a good option if you’re on a budget but you still want a more robust drafting tool. Do note though that if you want to use the Mac or mobile versions, they’re not free.  

9. Novelpad

Novelpad is pretty similar to Dabble in terms of what it offers: A simpler Scrivener experience. It’s also a good Scrivener alternative for writers and is really easy to use. It has ProWritingAid integration, a clean editor, drag and drop scene cards, and allows you to import your novel easily from Microsoft Word. There’s also character tracking and easy scene reorganization. 

It’s a cloud-based platform as well, meaning that it has synchronization across different devices and is easy to use if you’re on the go and have different devices. There are also automatic backups in case you’re afraid of your manuscript being lost. 

Novelpad does have a 14 day free trial and you get access to all the features to test on your own. There are two other plans, which are a monthly plan and an annual plan. They’re both basically the same, the only difference is just that the annual plan bills you $120 once and the monthly plan is $15/month. 

10. Ulysses

Ulysses is a Mac, iPad, and iPhone only writing software that was designed for people who use the Apple ecosystem basically. It’s designed as a tool not only for novelists but also college essays, blog posts, and basically anything else that you’re writing. 

Ulysses also includes a built-in proofreader and editing assistant that can offer up suggestions for grammar and help you improve on your writing. 

Not only that, but Ulysses has formatting tools that can turn your text into PDFs, Word Documents, ebooks, blog posts, and more. It’s great because you don’t really need to use so many other tools to get these same results. 

Ulysses is not a free tool though, as it’s $5.99/month or $39.99/year. It’s not a very expensive tool, and there is a reduced pricing for students. However, it’s very robust and if you’re an Apple user for everything, you might find the benefit in this tool. If you’re also an iPad writer, then this is a great tool for you as well. 

Which Scrivener Alternative is Right for You?

Honestly, there are so many Scrivener alternatives out there but ultimately, I don’t recommend one over the other. The reason being is that each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. It depends on what devices you use, your budget, and what your needs are. 

Some quick recommendations I have though are these:

• Stick with Scrivener if you want the most robust, feature-rich solution.
• Try World Anvil if you’re a fantasy or sci-fi author managing complex worlds.
• Use Dabble, LivingWriter, NovelPad, or Novlr if you want Scrivener’s structure in a modern cloud-based format.
• Lean on free tools like Google Docs or yWriter if budget is your top priority.
• Choose Ulysses if you’re in the Apple ecosystem and prefer an elegant, minimalist interface.

At the end of the day, the tool you choose matters less than how consistently you use it. Pick the platform that fits your process and then focus on building your writing habit.

If you are still on the planning phase of your novel writing process and you aren’t exactly sure what you even want to start writing about, grab my Sprint to a Novel in 30 Days workbook. It’ll help teach you through a mini crash-course what goes into a novel and then you’ll work through planning and outlining and then finally tracking your goals and checking in. There’s also 30 premium writing prompts included to help you stay inspired in case you’re running out of ideas! Grab your copy here → Sprint to a Novel in 30 Days

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