Popular Writing App 'Scrivener' Now Available for iOS - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Popular Writing App 'Scrivener' Now Available for iOS

by

Popular writing environment Scrivener made its long-awaited debut on iOS this morning.

For those unfamiliar with the Mac application, Scrivener is a scalable long-form writing platform and author project management system featuring multiple editing and organization tools.

Note cards, character sketches, place descriptions, and research notes are just some of the options available to writers, with import options for media, web pages, PDFs, and more also forming part of the package.

Scrivener for iOS
As a standalone writing environment, the new Scrivener iOS app functions in much the same way, offering rich text editing with support for comments, footnotes, keywords, and so on.

Many of the features from the desktop version have also made the port, such as the Binder, Outliner, Corkboard, and Inspector, although certain features that require more screen space — the Corkboard, for instance — are iPad-only.

The app syncs with Scrivener for macOS (Scrivener v2.8) and Scrivener for Windows using Dropbox, or users can copy projects between devices via iTunes. As mentioned however, the iOS app also works as a standalone tool, featuring multiple manuscript compilation and print formats as well as project export options, such as ebook, ePub, and PDF.

Scrivener 2.8 for Mac is a free update for all registered users of Scrivener 2, and along with iOS support, it also includes a number of bug fixes and minor tweaks.

Scrivener for iOS was first announced back in 2011, with an early launch goal originally estimated to be "some time in 2012." When that date slipped, lead developer Keith Blount kept fans updated on the troubled development of the app, with the iOS team running into coding issues and other setbacks over the years.

Scrivener for iOS costs $19.99 and is compatible with any device running iOS 9.0 or later. [Direct Link]

Tag: Scrivener

Top Rated Comments

Wildkraut Avatar
Wildkraut
133 months ago
Doesn't look like an Evernote alternative.
This tool is not for normal notes taking, it is for serious "book,script,story,etc." writers.

The more professional alternative to Scrivener is Finaldraft.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Daws001 Avatar
Daws001
133 months ago
So happy this finally hit iOS.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iLondoner Avatar
iLondoner
133 months ago
Fabulous app on the Mac, will definitely be buying on iOS, giving the ability to edit and compose on the road.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Digital Skunk Avatar
Digital Skunk
132 months ago
Writing on iOS, at least for me, seems like it is too difficult given the smaller screen and keyboard. Granted I have an iPad Mini and could use the BT keyboard, but then, why wouldn't I use the MBP instead? But I can still see this as being useful for others.

When I wrote my book recently, I started off using StoryMill by Mariner Software, but then finished it off in Microsoft Word. I recall looking at Scrivener at one point a while ago and perhaps I should give it another look (the Mac version) for the second book I'm working on.
You should, but it all depends on how much research, notes, and other things you may have to bring along with you. I've found that writing non-fiction, short form (such as a story for a newspaper) doesn't work as well with the bulk of Scrivener. My wife is writing her dissertation in it, and so far I've written about 7 novels with it.

One of the biggest advantages I've had with writing with Scrivener for iOS on an iPad mini is the ability to just pull up a version of a novel or another novel fast and check documents notes and reference material, then hop back over to the one I'm working on. Even with the small screen and no keyboard I've been able to get work done, albeit with the a HUGE amount of typos due to iOS's lack of an international dictionary.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
maxsix Avatar
maxsix
132 months ago
The missing iCloud sync support it's what keeps me from buying it yet.
It's a great app, too good to let the iCloud situation stop one from using it. Dropbox is more reliable anyway.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Digital Skunk Avatar
Digital Skunk
133 months ago
this was the only app keeping me on the full fledged Mac. I can truly use an iPad Pro as my only machine while on the move now. And it so wonderful to see that the app functions well on an iPhone 6+ and iPad Mini as well.

Can't wait to try it out on a 12.9" iPad Pro.

I've been waiting YEARS for this.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iOS 27 Next to iPhone

Here's When iOS 27 Rolls Out Today in Every Time Zone [Update: It's Out]

Sunday September 13, 2026 3:00 am PDT by
Update 10:04 a.m.: iOS 27 is rolling out now, though it may take a bit for all users to see it, so keep checking! Apple is about to release iOS 27, which will finally deliver more advanced Siri AI capabilities as well as a variety of other refinements, improvements, and new features to iPhones. It's Apple's biggest software update of the year, and Apple announced at Wednesday's iPhone event...
Read Full Article • 151 comments
iOS 27 Icon iPhone

iOS 27 Available Now With These 8 New Features

Monday September 14, 2026 9:00 am PDT by
Update — 10 a.m. Pacific Time: Apple has released iOS 27. During its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo event last week, Apple announced that iOS 27 will be released widely on Monday, September 14. iOS 27 should be available around 10 a.m. Pacific Time / 1 p.m. Eastern Time today via the Settings app, under General → Software Update. Below, we have highlighted eight new features and...
Read Full Article • 111 comments
Apple iCloud Plus expansion hero

iCloud+ Now Includes Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Curated Apple Music Stations in Over 100 Countries

Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:43 am PDT by
Apple today announced a new subscription initiative that turns paid iCloud+ subscriptions into a broader services bundle in more than 100 countries. In select countries, Apple says every paid iCloud+ plan, including the cheapest 50GB tier, now includes Apple TV and Apple Arcade "at no additional cost," while family sharing extends the storage, TV and Arcade access to up to five people....
Read Full Article • 104 comments