* Using scrivener for a book* Scrivener isn't perfect.* Scrivener has a number of fail-safes.* A 4 from me is like a 5 from other people. I want to leave room for improvement.I use two machines to edit. I had a blow up where sync stopped working. Scrivener had been really good at warning when files were out of sync, but then failed to warn me. Somehow a file from two months prior, overwrote a file from today. I lost a lot of work. As I started to piece through the mess, it became pretty clear that iCloud was part of the issue. I wrote a scathing review at first, but as I keep looking around, I find ways that Scrivener backed up recent revisions and ways to get back most of the work I thought I had lost.From a UX standpoint:* As a user, I would like to be clued into my backup location when Scivener detects problems like recovered files and broken/missing search indexes so I'm not left freaking out when something goes wrong* As a user, I want sync to be bulletproof, so I don't freak out when data is lost-Part of the problem could be overreliance on the tool to protect our precious work.

I've been using Scrivener for several years for class papers, research papers, diaries, and creative writing. I upgraded from Scrivener 2 to 3 after installing Mojave. So far I've noticed the UI is much refined, the program is more responsive (no rainbow wheeling), and compilation and file conversion (especially .doc/.docx) much improved. The program's versatility is what I find really incredible—it's great for the smallest to largest projects. For a small project like a single poem or short story, use 'composition mode', which is basically a distraction-free mode like you get with IA or Ulysses. If you want, keep all your short pieces stored in a single library. I've archived all my diaries this way. If you're writing a class paper, you can write in split-pane with your outline right next to your prose. And if you're writing a research paper, import any number of PDF's, images, etc. and quickly switch between them and your prose or, again, use split-pane. Footnotes and comments are intuitive and export seamlessly to other formats. Separate your writing into different documents for each section or chapter if you like, then export them all together into one document, with custom formatting options. I can't even touch all the features in a review, nor do I use them all. The features are there if I ever do need them, but they don't get in the way when I don't.

I’ve been using Scrivener now for a long time. Started using it on my iPhone/iPad, and then I bought a Mac (finally) and purchased V3. I’ve been using this now on my Mac for over a year and I have zero issues with any of my many projects syncing between devices. They give instructions on their website how best to set up the save option so nothing can become corrupt. I currently have fifteen projects in varying stages and zero issues with any of them. Keith is very responsive as well. I’ve written to him about a glitch, he responded very quickly, and in the next version release, it was corrected. This is an invaluable tool for me and I’ve used SO many other writing programs that I can say, for me, this is hands down THE best product I have ever used. Dropbox sync works great. Syncing between my phone and pad work great. I know they are working on dark mode, it is in BETA release right now and will be implemented in 3.1 (it’s on their website). Honestly, I don’t know what woud have become of my writing had I not found this product when I did. Can’t wait to see what future releases have in store!

I love this app, and I use it daily for my different projects and series that I work on. I mean the potential with this thing is limitless really. You can crete endless scens under one possible chapter, and put little synopsis on the side if you want to come back to it later just so you dont lose the idea you had for that particular spot. You can create whole studys for your characters under each project so you can really keep track of your individuals and the things that make each one seperate. I suppose what it boils down to is that I have a tool for every idea and have a space to put it at that will not get lost. I have a way to organize said ideas so that I can lay them out in what order i want everything to flow, they can be easily manipulated and moved around if this changes later down the line. And its conducive to my creative flow to have everything so readily laid out before me in this way. So like I said I love this app and all its endless and amny features.

I have been using Scrivener for a couple years now, and love the way I can organize things within the app. I like to use one file for each set of related stories, and it easily lets me both write my novels and look up any notes. Importing my version 2 file into version 3 was easy, and I haven't seen any problems using it on my mac.I love the bookmark features in version 3, but wish there was a setting to always “open in other editor” from the drop down menu. It would make things faster for those of us with poorer eyesight as the window provided is just too small to read most things. Great idea, but I need to either keep resizing the right panel or use the drop down menu instead of just clicking on it. Still a great improvement over version 2. As someone who manages many files within Scrivener, this makes finding the file I want much easier. This feature was my reason for updating as Scrivener 2 was working just fine for me.

I stopped using this program when they upgraded to the new version. I didn't have a problem with buying a separate version for iOS or buying it again when it was upgraded to adapt to the new mac OS. My main problem was I couldn't open my files without updating the software after I'd updated the OS. My secondary issue was the push from the developers to bypass the App store and buy from them directly (citations would work, I wouldn't have to pay again if I bought through their website). I don't appreciate this treatment or lack of adaptability to basic technology or the platform they've chosen to sell their software through. I discontinued use of the program after becoming aware of the suggestions from the developers and updating more files that came with alerts that things were missing (I don't know what's missing and they're so old... who knows). Anyone who works with creatives should know not to treat their work so recklessly. If you can't adapt to the App store, please don't sell your software here, and definitely don't have bad reviews removed when they're 100% truthful.

The old Scrivener was INVALUABLE* as I was writing my dissertation. Massive piece of work that was. The new Scrivener is INVALUABLE** as I write numerous long reports (usually 30 pages +).* Sorry about the cyber-shouting**Sorry again for the cyber-shoutingHonestly I don’t know how things changed from the older version but, hey, I still love it. I just use the very basic features and even those basics offer an invaluable tool to constructing a long research reports.I have a chaotic mind that loves to multi-task and brainstorm. I love Scrivener because I can create a structure so that I may begin to insert pieces of “inspiration” into that structure. Say I create a shell with all the chapters (or just use the templates). I have ideas about wanting to discuss this or that in my report. I can just randomly insert these ideas into the structure, and, move them around later. I also love that I am able to cut chapters into smaller chunks so I may concentrate on just one section of one chapter, for example. My chaotic, busy mind sometimes needs that space to focus on one detail. I can then look at the whole project (side bar, list of documents) and make sure the whole structure of the report is robust. I can track progress, write notes, and do so much more.Can’t live without you, Scrivener1,2,3, whatever version you are!

Scrivener is simply awesome.The way it handles folders and document organization is on another level—you can structure an entire novel, research project, or screenplay with total clarity. The bookmarks alone are a game changer: having instant access to research, notes, and references while writing keeps everything flowing.The split (double) window is incredibly powerful. Being able to write in one pane while viewing notes, outlines, or another scene in the other makes the writing process faster and more immersive.Keywords are another standout feature. They let you track themes, characters, arcs, or narrative elements with precision—something I’ve never seen handled this well in any other writing app.Honestly, for screenwriting, I find Scrivener even better than Final Draft. The flexibility, the overview of the entire project, and the ability to move scenes around freely make it superior for development, structuring, and rewrites.Scrivener isn’t just a writing tool—it’s a complete thinking and organization system for writers.

I have used Scrivener for several years now. All my work is in Scrivener and I will continue to use in the future.For having to pay, basically having to buy the program again, there didn’t seem to be any feature improvements warranting the fee, I just assumed the work was in the background and I would benefit in other ways once I started using the program. Much to my disappointment, I have yet to see any of the “new”, “improved” benefits. On the contrary, I now have a very frustrating and quirky sync problem with DropBox, where the program is unable to display a file downloaded from DB until you click on the desktop (to go back to Finder) and then click back on the Scrivener icon.To be clear, all other functionality seems to work as normal, and none of my data was corrupted or damaged. It’s just frustrating to have to go through that back and forth exercise on my Mac.I have reached out to L&L support, they acknowledge the issue stating “a few of our users are expereincing…” but I suspect more than just a few. This same issue is all over their message board as well.BUT, THAT BEING SAID, Scrivener is still a great program and I will continue to use it. Once they get this quirk fixed, all will be well.

Complicated interfaces. Confusing layouts. Unintuitive. Spending more time controlling the app than writing. Help menu will not open User Manual or even show you basic functions. Tutorial overly verbose and exhausting to digest. This is a prime example of technology getting in the way instead of reducing friction. It adds friction. Sad to see they couldn’t design a better app, especially on the Mac. And PS, I found it a little distasteful the way their website urges you not to buy on the App Store, but direct from them so they can control your information and don’t have to pay a comission, and use phony excuses to dissuade without explaining the whole picture. Really disappointing. I prefer the safety and security of the App Store any day over vague threats of a full price upgrade years off in the future. Really a bit scummy. Sorry I wasted my time on this app.

I wrote my first (huge) book in Microsoft Word. By the third time it lost all my italics when I accidentally changed a paragraph style and couldn't undo it, I was ready to throw my Mac through a window. Scrivener to the rescue! I just finished my second book using Scriv exclusively, and I can't tell you what an incredible boost it has been to my productivity. I don't worry about losing formatting or content. I just write and know that I'll be able to get back exactly what I put into it. I love the way it lets me organize my manuscript. I love that it works on the iPad and iPhone through Dropbox. It's an amazing program. Now that I know about it, I can't do without it.

This app, like its predecessor, is truly the best of its kind. A Great app for those that want their notes, research, rough drafts, final drafts…in the same project all right there in front of them. The only complaint I have is that when importing Scrivner 2 projects it was a disaster. It was a disaster on my Mac, my iPad, my iPhone, and Dropbox. Once i finally sorted it all out I had lost two projects and precious time. For a group that can build this amazing app, surely you can make the whole syncing process and the import and conversion of Scrivner 2 projects a smoother process. It would also be great to sync with iCloud.