One of the main issues many writers of long texts face is the ease of navigation: assembling all their research and information in a way that's easily accessible.
What is Scrivener?
Scrivener is a word processor that was designed for Windows and Mac specifically with writers in mind. It helps fiction and nonfiction authors, screenwriters, journalists, academics, and more to organize their thoughts and research so that they can easily access it when they need it.
Scrivener makes this process much simpler by allowing users to break down their work into smaller sections that can be easily navigated. This makes it an essential tool for any writer looking to streamline their workflow.
What Are the Features of Scrivener?
Designed For Writers
Scrivener is a word processor specifically designed for writers that offers a wide range of features to make writing, organizing, and format your work.
Keep Track Of Elements With Ease
On the organizational front, Scrivener provides tools to help you keep track of your concepts, notes, research, photos, and videos. This can be particularly helpful when working on longer projects as it gives you a way to break down the work into manageable pieces.
Formatting Options
When it comes to formatting, Scrivener offers a number of options to make your work look its best. For example, you can easily format your text for different publishing requirements such as eBooks, print books, and manuscripts. And if you're working on a screenplay or stage play, Scrivener can automatically format your work to industry standards.
Word Count (Not your typical word count!)
Scrivener also has a feature that displays how often you use specific words in your writing. This can be helpful for spotting overused words and phrases, as well as for finding words that you tend to overuse. The feature can also be customized to show only the words that you want to see, making it a valuable tool for writers who want to improve their use of language.
Distraction-Free
Scrivener also offers a "distraction-free" mode that hides all the menus and toolbars so that you can focus on your writing. This can be particularly helpful when you need to get into a writing flow and don't want to be interrupted by distractions.
Templates
Scrivener comes with a number of built-in templates that can be used for different types of writing, such as novels, short stories, scripts, and more. These templates can be customized to suit your needs, or you can create your own from scratch.
Dark Mode
Scrivener also has a "dark mode" that can be activated to make the background of the program darker. This can be helpful for reducing eye strain, especially when writing for long periods of time.
Compatibility
Scrivener is compatible with a number of different file formats, including Microsoft Word, RTF, PDF, and more. This makes it easy to transfer your work between different programs, or to share it with others.
Goal Tracking
Finally, Scrivener also includes goal tracking features to help you stay on track with your writing goals. For example, you can set word count goals and get progress reports that show how close you are to hitting your target.
All in all, Scrivener is an excellent tool for writers of all levels who are looking for ways to improve their productivity and efficiency.
How to Use Scrivener?
The process of using Scrivener is pretty straightforward. In order to use the software, you need to first install it on your computer. The next step is setting up a project: this is where you can organize your research and brainstorm your ideas.
Once that's done, the next step would be to write a draft of the book in Scrivener. After you're finished with the draft, you can then compile it into a single document and export it in the format of your choice.
Scrivener helps to keep all of your ideas organized and makes the writing process more efficient. If you're struggling to get started with Scrivener, there are plenty of tutorials and how-tos available online.
Here are some of the best, easy to follow Scrivener tutorials:
Who Should Use Scrivener?
While authors are the primary target market for Scrivener, the software has a place in any workflow that revolves around extensive writing. This could be students who need to compile research notes before they start writing an essay or report, business professionals who have to pull together a large document from many different sources, or even academics who need to draft and organize a book-length work.
In each of these cases, Scrivener provides an optimized environment for getting thoughts down on (digital) paper efficiently and effectively. Honing those ideas into a polished final product may still take some time, but Scrivener can give users a leg up on the competition by making it easier to produce a strong first draft.
Pros and Cons of Using Scrivener
Pros
- It's a one-stop shop for your novel.
- It allows you to restructure, rearrange and reshape your novel more easily than standard software such as Microsoft Word.
- Editing platform is a really great feature in this app.
- Different features make this software easy to use and powerful.
- The one time fee is affordable for what you get from the software.
- Scrivener is an amazing tool for creative people who need a lot of flexibility with their work process.
- The free trial is a great way to test the program before you invest in it.
- If you're not sure if this is the right program for your needs, use the free trial.
Cons
- Limited formatting options.
- Does not include basic word processing features like spell check.
- It is not free.
- Takes time to learn how to navigate.
- No beginner's guide.
- No information on how to use the program (you have to use the Youtube tutorials)
Conclusion
Scrivener is an excellent tool for writers who are looking for ways to improve their productivity and efficiency. The software is easy to use and provides a number of features that can help you get your work done more quickly and effectively. While there are some drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons, making Scrivener a great choice for writers of all levels.
Scrivener FAQs
Is Scrivener Free?
No, Scrivener is not free. However, there is a free trial available so that you can test the program before you decide to purchase it.
Is Scrivener a One Time Purchase?
Yes, Scrivener is a one time purchase. There are no monthly or annual fees associated with using the software. It costs £47 for a standard license and £39.95 for an educational license.
Does Scrivener Sync Across Devices?
No, Scrivener does not currently sync across devices.
What File Types Does Scrivener Support?
Scrivener supports a variety of file types, including: .txt, .rtf, .doc, .docx
Does Scrivener Autosave?
Yes, Scrivener autosaves your work as you progress. This helps to ensure that you don't lose any of your work if the program crashes or if your computer loses power.
What Operating Systems Does Scrivener Support?
Scrivener supports both Windows and MacOS. They also have an iOS app that you can use on your iPhone or iPad.
Does Scrivener Have Grammar Check?
No, Scrivener does not have a built-in grammar checker. However, there are a number of third-party grammar checkers that you can use in conjunction with Scrivener.
Does Scrivener Have Spell Check?
No, Scrivener does not have a built-in spell checker. However, there are a number of third-party spell checkers that you can use in conjunction with Scrivener.
Does Scrivener Have a Dark Mode?
Yes, Scrivener has a dark mode option. This can be enabled in the preferences menu.
Does Scrivener Work on Windows 10?
Yes, Scrivener works on Windows 10. They also have an iOS app that you can use on your iPhone or iPad.
Is Scrivener Cloud Based?
No, Scrivener is not a cloud-based program. All of your work is saved locally on your computer.
What Is the Difference Between Scrivener and Microsoft Word?
The main difference between Scrivener and Microsoft Word is that Scrivener is designed specifically for writers, whereas Microsoft Word is a general-purpose word processing program. Scrivener provides a number of features that are beneficial for writers, such as the ability to restructure your work, easily rearrange sections, and keep track of your research. Word does not have these same features.
Is Scrivener Worth It?
Scrivener is a great tool for writers, but it's not for everyone. Personally, the pros outweigh the cons for me, but there are definitely some things to keep in mind before you decide to download it. Hopefully this guide has helped you make a decision!
