iA Writer
Scrivener
iA Writer
Scrivener
No signals
iA Writer
Scrivener
iA Writer
No signals
Scrivener
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited (your cloud storage)
Limits: Mac only, must buy other platforms separately
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited (your cloud storage)
Limits: iOS only
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited (your cloud storage)
Limits: Windows only, no iCloud (use Dropbox/Google Drive)
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited (your cloud storage)
Limits: Android only, no iCloud (use Dropbox/Google Drive)
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Must maintain subscription for access
Users: 1 user
Limits: Trial counts usage days not calendar days, expires after 30 days of use
Users: 1 user
Limits: Single platform only, no cross-platform license
Users: 1 user
Limits: iOS not included
Users: 1 user
Limits: Requires desktop version for full workflow, sync can be finicky
Users: 1 user
Limits: Must prove student/academic status
Users: 1 user
Limits: Requires existing license
| Feature | iA Writer | Scrivener |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | ||
| Focus Mode Signature feature | ||
| WYSIWYG Markdown Shows raw syntax | ||
| Organization | ||
| Binder organization system Hierarchical document structure | ||
| Corkboard view Index card visualization | ||
| Outliner view Spreadsheet-style overview | ||
| Research folder Store PDFs, images, web pages | ||
| Character/Setting templates Built-in templates | ||
| Library organization Flat file structure only | ||
| Custom metadata User-defined fields | ||
| Smart folders Not available | ||
| Collections Virtual groupings | ||
| Document merging Not available | ||
| Research management Not available | ||
| Portability | ||
| Plain text Markdown No proprietary format | ||
| Platform | ||
| Cross-platform Mac, iOS, Windows, Android | ||
| Web version Desktop only | ||
| Android app iOS only for mobile | ||
| Reliability | ||
| iCloud sync Apple devices | ||
| Dropbox sync All platforms | ||
| Google Drive sync Windows/Android | ||
| Export | ||
| Compile/Export Powerful but complex to learn | ||
| Word export DOCX support | ||
| Screenplay formatting Industry-standard scripts | ||
| PDF export Available | ||
| Backup | ||
| Snapshots (version history) Manual version snapshots | ||
| Writing | ||
| Style checker Realtime filler detection | ||
| Syntax highlighting Parts of speech coloring | ||
| Writing statistics Word counts, targets, progress | ||
| Full-screen composition mode Distraction-free writing | ||
| Editing | ||
| Split editor View two documents simultaneously | ||
| Table support Buggy implementation | ||
| Pricing | ||
| One-time purchase Per platform | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Real-time collaboration Not supported | ||
| Collaboration Not available | ||
| Sync | ||
| Cloud sync Local only, Dropbox workaround | ||
