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it's so outdated appearance wise and there are constantly bugs.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).
AI Recommended
I found myself between a rock and a hard place. So I asked CoPilot for help. Scrivener was one of three. OMG! Awesome! You have to tap to bring things up but it will do almost anything you ask IMHO. This is my second review in 84 years. As Claude says, that's not nothing.
I shouldn’t have to buy it twice
First things first: if you ONLY plan to write on your iPad, then this is 100% the right software for you.
I, however, discovered this software while I was away from home, without my desktop. I paid for it and found it to be an excellent writing tool. I even synced with my Dropbox in advance so I could continue seamlessly when I finally returned home to my laptop.
When that day finally came, I discovered that I would have to pay an additional $60 to install it on my computer.
I am completely blown away by this. I can imagine the opposing argument: macOS and iPadOS versions are independent products, different code base, etc.
That said, the modern digital world has created the expectation that users of digital software be able move between devices seamlessly.
When a customer purchases software, they’re primarily buying access to the product’s functionality and ecosystem, not a specific compilation of code for a particular device. In 2026, consumers have become accustomed to software licenses following their account across phones, tablets, laptops, and the web, especially within the same platform family like Apple’s ecosystem. Charging $25 for the iPad version and then requiring an additional $60 for the Mac version is not justifiable when I’m not really paying for new software; I’m just paying a second admission fee to use the same writing tool on another screen. From the user’s perspective, the core features, file format, branding, and workflow are the same product, and the expectation is that ownership should travel with the customer rather than remain tied to a specific device class. separate development costs should be reflected in the initial purchase price or a unified license model, rather than requiring loyal users to repurchase access when they want to continue using the same software on another device they already own.
I, however, discovered this software while I was away from home, without my desktop. I paid for it and found it to be an excellent writing tool. I even synced with my Dropbox in advance so I could continue seamlessly when I finally returned home to my laptop.
When that day finally came, I discovered that I would have to pay an additional $60 to install it on my computer.
I am completely blown away by this. I can imagine the opposing argument: macOS and iPadOS versions are independent products, different code base, etc.
That said, the modern digital world has created the expectation that users of digital software be able move between devices seamlessly.
When a customer purchases software, they’re primarily buying access to the product’s functionality and ecosystem, not a specific compilation of code for a particular device. In 2026, consumers have become accustomed to software licenses following their account across phones, tablets, laptops, and the web, especially within the same platform family like Apple’s ecosystem. Charging $25 for the iPad version and then requiring an additional $60 for the Mac version is not justifiable when I’m not really paying for new software; I’m just paying a second admission fee to use the same writing tool on another screen. From the user’s perspective, the core features, file format, branding, and workflow are the same product, and the expectation is that ownership should travel with the customer rather than remain tied to a specific device class. separate development costs should be reflected in the initial purchase price or a unified license model, rather than requiring loyal users to repurchase access when they want to continue using the same software on another device they already own.
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Is It Abandoned?
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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Too many issues with the Sync
Disappointed by the Sync’ing with the Desktop version. I spent too much time trying to fix it. It worked for a while… until it did not anymore ! So, not worth it on my side. Don’t mix Desktop and IPad versions.
Very accessible.
This application is my favorite word processor. It's a charm to use with voice over. It works very well. Lately, I've been having some Dropbox issues and some issues when trying to create a new chapter in my draft. Other than that, it was working pretty well up until a few months ago. However, I've written many projects with it, and it deserves my five stars.
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Total trash for iPad
Paid 20$ dollars the app is unusable on iPad I.e. , missing a ton of core features I.e templates and other useful features for making tables etc. your license doesn’t link up with pc so you’d have to buy it and you can’t easily import documents via the app it self you have to copy paste what it’ll allow you too that combined within its difficult curve of learning makes it A-Tier GARBAGE FOR IPAD SPECIFICALLY.
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No don’t download it
This app is terrible and hasn’t been updated in two years. The sync is bonkers and may have been acceptable years ago but not anymore - they do it using Dropbox and it uploads/downloads your whole project each time but you have to do it manually and it breaks if you have the app open on two devices and also relies on Dropbox being properly finished syncing first too. So you have to save your changes, then close the app, then check Dropbox and wait for it to fully sync, then open the app on another device and press the sync button, then wait for it to sync. Ludicrous. And that’s before you’ve even got to using the app itself …
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Useless, waste of money
Can’t open styles menu because it clashes with the native keyboard, opening that instead. The most awful writing app. Scrivener desktop is fantastic, but useless for me if i can’t use it with mobile too when I’m on the go. A real shame.
