# Scrivener

> Writing software for long manuscripts, research management, and flexible structuring. (iPhone/iPad app by Literature & Latte.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scrivener/id972387337 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Literature & Latte](https://appshunter.io/developer/418889514)
- Category: Productivity, Books
- Price: $23.99
- Rating: 4.20/5 from 2,595 App Store ratings · 574 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 27 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France), German (Germany), Italian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese (Simplified, China), European Spanish, Swedish
- Released: 2016-07-20
- Data updated: 2026-08-28
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scrivener/id972387337/reviews.md

## What is Scrivener?

“The biggest software advance for writers since the word processor.” —Michael Marshall Smith, bestselling author

Typewriter. Ring-binder. Scrapbook. Scrivener combines all the writing tools you need to craft your first draft, from nascent notion to final full stop.

Tailor-made for creating long manuscripts, Scrivener banishes page fright by allowing you to compose your text in any order, in sections as large or small as you like. Got a great idea but don’t know where it fits? Write when inspiration strikes and find its place later. Grow your manuscript organically, idea by idea.

Whether you plan or plunge, Scrivener works your way: meticulously outline every last detail first, or hammer out a complete draft and restructure later. Or do a bit of both. All text sections in Scrivener are fully integrated with its outlining tools, so working with an overview of your manuscript is only ever a tap away, and turning Chapter Four into Chapter One is as simple as drag and drop.

Need to refer to research? In Scrivener, your background material is always at hand. Write a description based on a photograph. Reference a video or PDF. Check for consistency with an earlier chapter. On the iPad, open two documents side-by-side; on the iPhone, flip between research and writing with just two taps.

Once you’re ready to share your work with the world, simply compile everything into a single document for printing, or export to popular formats such as Word, PDF, Final Draft or plain text. You can even share using different formatting, so that you can write in your favorite font and still keep your editor happy.


FEATURES

Get Started
• Interactive tutorial project
• Keep each manuscript and supporting materials in a self-contained project
• Import Word, RTF, Final Draft and plain text files
• Easily split imported text into separate sections

Get Writing
• Write your manuscript in sections of any size
• View all sections as a single text using the “Draft Navigator” (iPad only)
• Quickly navigate sections using the “binder” sidebar
• Format with fonts and presets
• Comments, footnotes, links and highlights
• Simple bullets and lists
• Insert images
• Pinch-zoom to resize text
• Full-screen mode (iPad only)
• Typewriter scrolling mode keeps typed text center-screen (iPad only)
• Write a screenplay using scriptwriting mode
• Live word and character counts
• Set word and character count targets
• Find and replace
• Customizable keyboard row provides quick-access buttons for formatting, navigation and punctuation
• Comprehensive keyboard shortcuts for external keyboard users
• Dark mode

Find Your Structure
• Write in any order and reorganize later
• Write a synopsis for any text section and see it in the outline
• Expand, collapse and drill down into sections of your project
• Rearrange sections as index cards on the corkboard (iPad only)
• Project-wide search
• Track ideas using labels and status
• Apply custom icons to your sections

Refer to Research
• Import research material such as image, PDF and media files
• View research files or other sections right alongside your writing (iPad only)
• Every section has its own notes area for jotting down ideas
• Supports multitasking split screen mode (supported devices only)

Share Your Work
• Compile to a single document for sharing or printing
• Use different formatting in your exported or printed document
• Export to Word, RTF, Final Draft, PDF or plain text
• Convert rich text to Markdown for sharing with Markdown apps
• Create and email zipped backups of your projects

Work Anywhere
• Use Dropbox to sync between devices and with the macOS and Windows versions of Scrivener*
• Copy projects between devices via iTunes

* Requires a Dropbox account (not compatible with iCloud).

SUPPORT
You can contact us at ios.support@literatureandlatte.com, visit our forums at http://www.literatureandlatte.com/forum, or find us @scrivenerapp on Twitter.

## Key features

- Manuscript composition in sections
- Research material integration
- Flexible outlining and reorganization
- Export to multiple formats
- Interactive tutorial
- Project-wide search

## Chart rankings

- #13 in Top Paid · Productivity (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 574)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scrivener/id972387337/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Syncing is still a pain

*2026-08-21, version 1.2.4*

I truly wish there was more options for syncing beyond Dropbox. Like for iCloud.

### 3/5 — Formatting Bug on iOS App

*2026-08-21, version 1.2.4*

I’ve enjoyed using this app for organizing all of my writing and notes, but for MONTHS I’ve been unable to format anything. I can’t highlight, re-align, change the font, nothing.

Please work on a fix for this.

### 2/5 — Limited Potential

*2026-08-10, version 1.2.4*

The App has been amazing. Being able to use Scrivener on the go is incredible. Picking up where I left off on multiple devices makes writing convenient beyond measure. Everything syncs quickly, effortlessly and easily. However, there are a few inconsistencies to address. First, some fonts are not shared between mobile and desktop so when syncing, text revert to a shared fonts. 
Second, the features on iPhone/iPad are clunky and outdated. Such as changing colors, font, line spacing and layout. 
Third, The “mobile” versions are essentially watered down version of the desktop. You lose a lot of features such as viewing your corkboard, viewing multiple folders, and other key features Scrivener has to offer. 
Fourth, this has been an ongoing issue for months. I cannot even use the built in app shortcuts! It’s so frustrating I can’t use highlighting, insert, font changes, etc. I’ve reached out multiple times and avenues and been seen and ignored. 
I hope the developers are able to make the desktop and mobile versions more alike in sense of having similar functionality, we understand they may not be exactly the same but any update for desktop features would make this rating a Five Star easily. Fix the app issues. 
Thank you.

### 3/5 — Issue

*2026-08-08, version 1.2.4*

None of the tools above the keyboard open nor work

### 1/5 — Broken

*2026-08-08, version 1.2.4*

This has been my favourite add to use for writing. Sadly, I can no longer edit the font, add links, or use any of the features that are on the bar attached to the top of the keyboard if they open another window. 

Not being able to use those features anymore is really frustrating, and there isn't anything else on the market like this that isn't a subscription or $200+ CAD. 

It's been 2 years since it's had an update (at least to iOS) and it DESPERATELY needs one for bug fixes. Would be an easy 4-5 stars with the bugs gone.

### 1/5 — Rarely Updated

*2026-08-07, version 1.2.4*

Update: here we are years later and there is still no updates. So as the OS improves this become more and more buggy. Sync begins to suck and cause issues no matter how certain you are at making sure Dropbox is updated first. They are so frustrating that they care so little about the customers to keep a program without updating it. It should be updated at least once a year at a minimum. 



I wrote this years ago and the issue of losing content or errors (even when fully synced) still exists. Good software companies should update their software at least a few times a year to both squash bugs and add new features. It’s ridiculous this hasn’t been updated in years. 


The biggest issue is that the software is rarely updated, which means bugs linger indefinitely. I’ve stopped writing in it daily because sync problems between the desktop and cloud inevitably cause errors. I’ve lost entire chapters. Now, I only use it to store the most recent version of my work, since relying on it for everyday writing leads to constant conflicts I can’t afford to deal with.

Some sycophants claim the software doesn’t need frequent updates, but that’s simply not true. All software has bugs, and they need to be fixed regularly. This program hasn’t been updated in over a year, and in the past, it’s gone several years without a single update. For one of the most popular writing tools outside of traditional word processors, the lack of care from the developers is unacceptable.

### 1/5 — Is It Abandoned? YES, ABANDONED! BOOOOO!

*2026-08-06, version 1.2.4*

An App rarely out of the Top Ten in the Productivity section of the App Store is earning the developers large money. Therefore, why is none of it being reinvested in keeping the app updated, upgraded and generally looked after? Is this now a metaphorical cash-cow until the herd come home? Sad state of affairs, and the long promised iOS version of the sister app ‘Scapple’ has still not materialised either! Is there actually anyone left at this company, or is this now a run-down asset? Seriously, I’d like to know; if I’m to trust an app with 1000’s of hours of labour, I want to know it’s going to receive some care!

### 3/5 — Mac Version Rocks - iOS, not so much

*2026-08-02, version 1.2.4*

I love the OS X version of Scrivener for writing, projects etc.  But the iOS version kinda sucks.  Menus are missing/inadequate and it’s not intuitive.

### 5/5 — Great app, one bhg

*2026-08-01, version 1.2.4*

The app works great, and i love the features but one bug does show up and its when i try to color text or highlight it does not let me and just goes straight to keyboard.

### 5/5 — Fantastic app

*2026-07-23, version 1.2.4*

I use scrivener across my MacBook, iPhone, and iPad (syncing via Dropbox). The integration is fantastic, and the features work very well across devices. Makes writing a long piece of writing infinitely easier. Takes the frustration out of organizing and re-organizing and formatting and tracking. Great app!

## Frequently asked questions about Scrivener

### What is Scrivener?

Scrivener is a powerful writing application designed for authors and writers working on long manuscripts. It combines tools for drafting, research management, and structuring your work, allowing you to write in sections and reorganize them easily.

### What are the key features of Scrivener?

Key features include composing text in any order, integrating research materials directly within projects, flexible outlining tools, and the ability to compile and export your work to various formats like Word, PDF, and Final Draft.

### How much does Scrivener cost?

Scrivener is a paid application. The specific pricing can be found on the app store or the official website, and it is a one-time purchase.

### What devices is Scrivener compatible with?

Scrivener is available for macOS, Windows, and iOS (iPad and iPhone). The iOS version offers features like side-by-side document viewing on iPad and quick flipping between research and writing on iPhone.

### Who is Scrivener best suited for?

Scrivener is ideal for anyone working on extensive writing projects, such as novelists, screenwriters, academics, and students. Its structure and organizational tools are particularly beneficial for managing complex narratives and extensive research.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.2.4 — 2023-09-29

Scrivener 1.2.4 fixes a bug in 1.2.3 whereby creating a new card on the corkboard would cause a crash.

1.2.3 release notes:
• Updated for iOS 17.
• Fixed issue whereby you could tap outside of the new text/folder sheet to dismiss it, and thus accidentally lose a synopsis you were adding.
• Fixed bug whereby “Split” didn’t work in the text when the selection was at the end.
• Fixed bug whereby the “Style to” scriptwriting setting did not work.
• Fixed bug whereby the “Style to” scriptwriting setting could cause a crash in some circumstances.
• Fixed crash that could occur when setting certain fonts as the default, and in other circumstances related to font changes.
• Fixed bug whereby the keyboard accessory bar on the iPhone might be cut off by phone features such as the home bar.
• Fixed bug whereby the “Look Up” popover in the main text and notes would disappear immediately.
• Fixed bug whereby if you tried to search for a font, the fonts popover would disappear.
• Fixed bug whereby the share sheet would disappear when trying to share text from the main editor or notes.
• Fixed bug whereby, in full screen mode, the top of the navigation bar could collapse after multitasking, resulting in controls being too close to the top of the screen.
• Fixed bug whereby typing on an iPhone could disappear beneath the on-screen keyboard.
• Fixed bug whereby typewriter scrolling on an iPad when using the on-screen keyboard could create too much empty space and result in the typing disappearing off the top of the view.
• Fixed bug whereby the buttons in the keyboard accessory row may use light mode colours in dark mode.
• Fixed bug whereby “Allow Negatives” in session targets would always be reset to off.
• Fixed bug whereby temporarily setting the session target to 0 while changing the target could reset the current session count.
• Fixed clipping of numbers in the target settings picker.
• Fixed bug whereby, in dark mode, text in Compile’s Appearance editor would turn black and thus become unreadable on editing.
• The Appearance “i” button in Compile now works with VoiceOver, making it possible to access the Appearance editor using VoiceOver.

### 1.2.3 — 2023-09-20

• Updated for iOS 17.
• Fixed issue whereby you could tap outside of the new text/folder sheet to dismiss it, and thus accidentally lose a synopsis you were adding.
• Fixed bug whereby “Split” didn’t work in the text when the selection was at the end.
• Fixed bug whereby the “Style to” scriptwriting setting did not work.
• Fixed bug whereby the “Style to” scriptwriting setting could cause a crash in some circumstances.
• Fixed crash that could occur when setting certain fonts as the default, and in other circumstances related to font changes.
• Fixed bug whereby the keyboard accessory bar on the iPhone might be cut off by phone features such as the home bar.
• Fixed bug whereby the “Look Up” popover in the main text and notes would disappear immediately.
• Fixed bug whereby if you tried to search for a font, the fonts popover would disappear.
• Fixed bug whereby the share sheet would disappear when trying to share text from the main editor or notes.
• Fixed bug whereby, in full screen mode, the top of the navigation bar could collapse after multitaking, resulting in controls being too close to the top of the screen.
• Fixed bug whereby typing on an iPhone could disappear beneath the on-screen keyboard.
• Fixed bug whereby typewriter scrolling on an iPad when using the on-screen keyboard could create too much empty space and result in the typing disappearing off the top of the view.
• Fixed bug whereby the buttons in the keyboard accessory row may use light mode colours in dark mode.
• Fixed bug whereby “Allow Negatives” in session targets would always be reset to off.
• Fixed bug whereby temporarily setting the session target to 0 while changing the target could reset the current session count.
• Fixed clipping of numbers in the target settings picker.
• Fixed bug whereby, in dark mode, text in Compile’s Appearance editor would turn black and thus become unreadable on editing.
• The Appearance “i” button in Compile now works with VoiceOver, making it possible to access the Appearance editor using VoiceOver.

### 1.2.2 — 2022-06-14

ENHANCEMENTS
• App icon tweaked to match macOS app.
• Dropbox syncing speed improved.
• Scrivener now supports fonts installed on iOS from font provider apps such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Font Diner. (The font chooser UI has been updated to use Apple’s standard font picker to allow for this.)
• Search bars have been updated to use the most recent iOS UI conventions.
• PDF research files are now shown using Apple’s dedicated PDF view rather than a web view, improving the viewing experience.
• Updated outline keyboard shortcuts so that left/right arrow keys now expand folders and groups rather than drill down into them. To drill down, now use Cmd-right or hit return; to go back, hit Cmd-return.
• Improved styles so that typographic settings such as small caps, medium, semibold and other features added to styles created on macOS or Windows now work in the iOS version.

BUG FIXES
• Fixed crashes on trying to access project screen help and the Bookmarks and Recents list in some circumstances.
• Fixed bug whereby typed text would disappear beneath the visible area on some iPhones.
• Fixed bug whereby drafts navigator was blank.
• Fixed bugs with some controls appearing light in dark mode.
• Fixed issue with scriptwriting mode in non-English languages.
• Fixed several keyboard positioning issues.
• Fixed issue whereby exporting PDF files using hyphenation could result in truncated files.
• Dozens of other minor bug fixes and enhancements.

Note: Scrivener now requires iOS 11 and above.

### 1.2.1 — 2019-12-12

• Miscellaneous bug fixes.

### 1.2 — 2019-09-19

• iOS 13-compatible.
• Updated to support iOS 13’s dark mode.
• Scrivener now uses Apple’s smart quotes and dashes (as introduced in iOS 11) rather than its own smart punctuation system.
• Updated to support all modern screen sizes.
• Better support for Dynamic Type in the projects list, binder and outliner.
• Fixed bug whereby certain internal tags used in the macOS version would show up in the iOS version’s text.
• Fixed bug whereby search bar could disppear when scrolling.
• Many other miscellaneous bug fixes.

## Apps similar to Scrivener

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Werdsmith: Writing App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/werdsmith-writing-app/id489746330) | 4.7 (7,962) | Free | Productivity |
| [Paper: Writing App, Notes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paper-writing-app-notes/id1476984841) | 4.7 (1,668) | Free | Productivity |
| [Writing Space: Books & Scripts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/writing-space-books-and-scripts/id1532954998) | 4.5 (1,489) | Free | Productivity |
| [Ulysses: Writing App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ulysses-writing-app/id1225570693) | 4.6 (2,091) | Free | Productivity |
| [Story Planner for Writers](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/story-planner-for-writers/id860024390) | 4.7 (1,175) | $8.99 | Productivity |
| [Story Plotter - idea to plot -](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/story-plotter-idea-to-plot/id1491980862) | 4.4 (193) | Free | Productivity |

## Related topics

[scrivener](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/scrivener) · [writing app for scriveners](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/writing-app-for-scriveners) · [time limited writing](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/time-limited-writing) · [novel writing journal](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/novel-writing-journal) · [dabble writer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dabble-writer) · [pps writing](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pps-writing) · [scrivener companion](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/scrivener-companion) · [writing pad abc](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/writing-pad-abc) · [free writing apps script](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/free-writing-apps-script) · [ibwriting](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ibwriting)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-28.*
