Scrivener
Scrivener is a comprehensive writing application designed for long-form projects, providing a central hub where you can outline, research, and compose complex documents like novels, scripts, and academic papers.
SoftMaker Office
SoftMaker Office is a high-performance productivity suite providing a seamless alternative to Microsoft Office with native document compatibility across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices for professional use.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Scrivener | SoftMaker Office |
|---|---|---|
| Website | literatureandlatte.com | softmaker.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $99/month | $2.5/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2007 | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Truro, United Kingdom | Nuremberg, Germany |
Overview
Scrivener
Scrivener is a specialized writing tool built specifically for long-form projects that require more than a simple word processor. You can break your manuscript into manageable sections, shuffle chapters with a drag-and-drop outliner, and keep all your research—including images, PDFs, and web pages—right next to your writing. It eliminates the need to toggle between multiple windows, allowing you to stay focused on your creative process.
You can view your project as a digital corkboard to visualize your story structure or use the 'Scrivenings' mode to read multiple sections as a single continuous text. Whether you are drafting a 100,000-word novel or a complex thesis, the software provides the structure you need to organize your thoughts without forcing a linear workflow. It is a one-stop shop for anyone who needs to manage large amounts of information while writing.
SoftMaker Office
SoftMaker Office gives you a powerful, lightning-fast alternative to mainstream office suites without the steep learning curve. You can create professional documents, complex spreadsheets, and stunning presentations using a familiar interface that feels like home. Because it uses Microsoft Office formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX natively, you can share files with colleagues and clients without worrying about formatting errors or data loss.
You can choose between a flexible subscription model or a classic one-time purchase, giving you full control over how you manage your software costs. Whether you are drafting a simple letter or managing a massive data project, the suite provides the precision tools you need to work efficiently across all your devices, including desktop and mobile platforms.
Overview
Scrivener Features
- The Corkboard Plan your project visually by pinning virtual index cards to a board, allowing you to rearrange scenes and chapters instantly.
- Integrated Research Store your background notes, images, and PDF references directly inside your project folder so they are always one click away.
- Scrivenings Mode Edit isolated scenes individually or view them as a single continuous document to check the flow of your entire manuscript.
- Outliner Tool Organize your work with a powerful multi-level outliner that lets you track word counts, metadata, and project progress at a glance.
- Split Screen View Open two documents side-by-side to reference your research or outline while you draft your current chapter in the other pane.
- Compile and Export Format your finished work automatically for submission or self-publishing, including Kindle, ePub, PDF, and standard manuscript formats.
SoftMaker Office Features
- Native File Compatibility. Open and save documents in Microsoft Office formats natively so your formatting remains identical when sharing files with others.
- TextMaker Word Processing. Design everything from simple flyers to complex academic papers with advanced desktop publishing features and built-in spell checking.
- PlanMaker Spreadsheets. Manage your data with over 430 calculation functions and create professional charts to visualize your business insights clearly.
- Presentations Creator. Build engaging slide decks with high-end animations and slide transitions that work perfectly on any computer or mobile device.
- Cross-Platform Licensing. Use your license across Windows, Mac, and Linux systems to maintain a consistent workflow regardless of your operating system.
- PDF Export and Archiving. Create high-quality PDF files directly from your documents and archive them in PDF/A format for long-term digital preservation.
Pricing Comparison
Scrivener Pricing
- Full access to all features
- One-time payment (no subscription)
- Install on multiple computers
- Free updates within version
- Available for macOS or Windows
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Discounted rate for students
- Discounted rate for academics
- Requires institutional affiliation
- Full feature parity with Standard
SoftMaker Office Pricing
- Install on up to 5 devices
- Full version of TextMaker
- Full version of PlanMaker
- Full version of Presentations
- Free technical support
- Regular software updates
- Everything in NX Home, plus:
- Zotero integration for citations
- Professional EPUB export
- Advanced research functions
- Over 2,500 high-quality fonts
- Extended PDF export options
Pros & Cons
Scrivener
Pros
- One-time purchase avoids annoying monthly subscription fees
- Unmatched organizational tools for complex long-form projects
- Trial period only counts days of actual use
- Powerful formatting options for professional manuscript submission
- Excellent split-screen functionality for referencing research
Cons
- Steep learning curve for the advanced features
- Licenses are sold separately for Windows and Mac
- Mobile app requires a separate purchase
- Syncing via Dropbox can occasionally be finicky
SoftMaker Office
Pros
- Exceptional speed and low system resource usage
- Flawless compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats
- Clean interface that is easy to navigate
- One-time purchase option avoids recurring monthly fees
Cons
- Lacks real-time cloud collaboration features
- Smaller third-party plugin ecosystem than competitors
- Mobile versions require separate app downloads