Scrivener
Ulysses
Scrivener
Ulysses
Scrivener
Ulysses
Scrivener
No signals
Ulysses
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
Users: 1 user (all Apple devices)
Storage: Unlimited (iCloud)
Limits: Apple devices only, No web version
Users: 1 user (all Apple devices)
Storage: Unlimited (iCloud)
Limits: Apple devices only, No web version
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Must maintain educational status
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Bundled with other apps you may not need
| Feature | Scrivener | Ulysses |
|---|---|---|
| Organization | ||
| Binder organization system Hierarchical document structure | ||
| Corkboard view Index card visualization | ||
| Outliner view Spreadsheet-style overview | ||
| Research folder Store PDFs, images, web pages | ||
| Library organization Groups, filters, keywords | ||
| Character/Setting templates Built-in templates | ||
| Custom metadata User-defined fields | ||
| Collections Virtual groupings | ||
| Usability | ||
| Distraction-free writing Core strength | ||
| Markdown support Excellent implementation | ||
| Platform | ||
| Mac/iPad/iPhone apps Native Apple apps | ||
| Windows app Not available, no plans | ||
| Web version Desktop only | ||
| Android app iOS only for mobile | ||
| Export | ||
| Compile/Export Powerful but complex to learn | ||
| Screenplay formatting Industry-standard scripts | ||
| Reliability | ||
| iCloud sync Across Apple devices | ||
| Version history Available | ||
| Publishing | ||
| Direct publishing WordPress, Medium, Ghost | ||
| ePub export Excellent quality | ||
| PDF/DOCX export Multiple format support | ||
| Backup | ||
| Snapshots (version history) Manual version snapshots | ||
| Editing | ||
| Split editor View two documents simultaneously | ||
| Table support Buggy implementation | ||
| Writing | ||
| Writing statistics Word counts, targets, progress | ||
| Full-screen composition mode Distraction-free writing | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Writing goals Word count targets | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Setapp included Part of Setapp bundle | ||
| One-time purchase Subscription only | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Real-time collaboration Not supported | ||
| Collaboration Not available | ||
| Sync | ||
| Cloud sync Local only, Dropbox workaround | ||
