Scrivener

Unpopular opinion but I find it overhyped. The learning curve is brutal for what is essentially a fancy word processor. YMMV though.

Disagree with the top comment. The compile feature is a nightmare if you're not tech-savvy. Spent two hours just to get a basic PDF. Not worth the hassle imo.

Honestly, it’s great for plotting and organizing. I use the corkboard for my chapters and it’s a game changer. Just wish the sync between Mac and iOS was smoother.

u/fantasy_writer_99 nailed it. The iOS app is clunky but for $24 it’s a steal for drafting on the go. The desktop version is where the magic happens.

It’s okay. The distraction-free mode is nice but not revolutionary. I’ve had a few syncing bugs with Dropbox that made me paranoid. Proceed with caution.

This. Also, the split-screen feature for research notes is a lifesaver. I keep my worldbuilding doc on one side and my manuscript on the other.

u/IndieAuthorMike is right—compile is worth the price of entry alone. Plus, the ability to set word count targets per session? Chef’s kiss. 5/5.

Absolutely worth it. The compile feature alone saved me hours when formatting for KDP and IngramSpark. Steep learning curve but once it clicks, you'll never go back.

The snapshots feature is underrated. Being able to save versions of a scene before rewriting is a godsend. Also, the name generator is a fun bonus.

$60 for a word processor? No thanks. Free options like yWriter do the same thing. Ridiculous pricing for something that looks like it’s from 2005.

Hot take: if you’re a pantser, this might feel like overkill. I prefer Google Docs for its simplicity. But for plotters, this is probably the best tool out there.

Honestly, it’s a time sink. I spent more time organizing my files than actually writing. If you’re someone who likes to just dump words, stick with something simpler.

Been using it for 5 years. The templates for screenplays and novels are solid. And the customer support actually responds—unlike some other tools I’ve tried.

Got it on sale for $40 and no regrets. It’s saved my ass on multiple NaNoWriMos. Just pair it with a good backup system—lost a chapter once and nearly had a heart attack.

Tbh I almost gave up after the first week. But there’s a ton of YouTube tutorials that help. Now I can’t imagine writing without it. ETA: the auto-save is a lifesaver.