Limited Potential
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Second, the features on iPhone/iPad are clunky and outdated.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.
Second, the features on iPhone/iPad are clunky and outdated.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.
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Issue
None of the tools above the keyboard open nor work
Broken
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.
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.
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Rarely Updated
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.
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.
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Is It Abandoned? YES, ABANDONED! BOOOOO!
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!
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Mac Version Rocks - iOS, not so much
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.
Great app, one bhg
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.
Fantastic app
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!
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wish they would update the app.
it's so outdated appearance wise and there are constantly bugs. the ipad version is so disappointing.
Poor Storage Solution
This app would be much better if the storage options were more selective. I can’t stand drop box especially for IOS and in 2026 we shouldn’t be forced into using a paid storage service. If you don’t mind drop box then this is probably 5 stars.
Great design but in need of an update
EDIT: After much searching, have found a partial workaround for the formatting bar issue: Go to the settings for Scrivener (through the app settings menu), then under the Editor heading, enable 3rd party keyboard support. This stops the menu from disappearing. Still issues with actual styles differentiation, but at least you can set styles that way. Increase from 2 to 3 stars
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As others have commented, Scrivener is an amazing writing tool, especially on the Mac and PC. On the iPhone side, where I’m reviewing this app from, it currently leaves a lot to be desired. Basic formatting functions are broken with iOS 26, and other functions aren’t well implemented, such as side-by-side content in landscape mode (an iPhone 14 Pro Max has plenty of space available for side by side content imo), and syncing between mobile and desktop (no iCloud in sight unfortunately). I know the devs L&L are working on a new (and apparently much delayed) product at present, and there are rumours of a foldable phone with iPad Mini-level real estate later this year, so I’m hopeful that the team will have some bug fixes and feature improvements out before the year is done. If they did this would be an easy 5 star review, but in the meantime, I can only offer 2 (edit: per above, now 3)
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As others have commented, Scrivener is an amazing writing tool, especially on the Mac and PC. On the iPhone side, where I’m reviewing this app from, it currently leaves a lot to be desired. Basic formatting functions are broken with iOS 26, and other functions aren’t well implemented, such as side-by-side content in landscape mode (an iPhone 14 Pro Max has plenty of space available for side by side content imo), and syncing between mobile and desktop (no iCloud in sight unfortunately). I know the devs L&L are working on a new (and apparently much delayed) product at present, and there are rumours of a foldable phone with iPad Mini-level real estate later this year, so I’m hopeful that the team will have some bug fixes and feature improvements out before the year is done. If they did this would be an easy 5 star review, but in the meantime, I can only offer 2 (edit: per above, now 3)
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I never write reviews but I LOVE scrivener
Exactly the title. So easy to use, so many functions for writers, love the interfacing between desktop and mobile to write on the go when inspo strikes
Felt deceived
It was not clearly stated that the iPad version was severely empty of the tooted Scrivener features like templates. If I’d know that I would not have wasted $23. Feeling very much ripped off and sold a product that did not deliver what was promised. This iPad version is barely any better than a simple note app. This is a very expensive note app.
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Trash
The MacOS app is great. This is a mess. Don’t waste your money on this junk.
Better than nothing but clumsy and Dropbox leads to data loss
It is better to have some way to view and edit in my iPad, but I wish it were easier to get around in the app. Even with a keyboard and trackpad it’s harder to get around than the Mac version. Hard to say if that’s a general iPad problem or specific to the app. I’ve also lost a couple of files in a scrivener project recently thanks to the Dropbox sync misbehaving, and wish I could just store the files in iCloud Drive. I haven’t lost data with anything that syncs via iCloud Drive so far.
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Perfect
This is the best writing app at a reasonable price I have found for iPad.
frustratingly excellent tool
I have both the ios and desktop versions but much prefer working on content using my ipad. However this creates difficulties for producing well formatted pdf documents - that is until i discovered the yaml (well hidden) appearance script. Now my ipad version is my excellent writing assistant.
Now here’s the thing ~ it allows me a single well organised container for many documents beyond poetry books and novels. I find it perfect for developing reasoned documents(policies, family legacy documents, technical documentation, user guides specifications etc).
Yes the user interface is sometimes frustrating but it is worth it to me.
Now here’s the thing ~ it allows me a single well organised container for many documents beyond poetry books and novels. I find it perfect for developing reasoned documents(policies, family legacy documents, technical documentation, user guides specifications etc).
Yes the user interface is sometimes frustrating but it is worth it to me.
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BACKGROUND OPTIONS! (Good otherwise)
Please add more than light and dark for color themes. Or just some kind of better control for them. The light theme feels like staring into the sun and the dark theme is so washed out I cant tell what Im reading half the time.
Needs table support and better style functionality for my writing
I wanted like the app but it doesn’t do tables very well and updating style presets isn’t very easy. If you don’t need that then it’s probably good for you.
But if those issues were updated it would be perfect. iCloud support would be nice too.
But if those issues were updated it would be perfect. iCloud support would be nice too.
Some bugs
Overall, enjoy this port of the software to iOS, but not all available options function fully , such as the formatting button.
Will trying selecting it to change font, styles and header types and it crashes, every single time (not the full app, just returns to the main text).
Will trying selecting it to change font, styles and header types and it crashes, every single time (not the full app, just returns to the main text).
