Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Scrivener VS TextMaker

Compare Scrivener VS TextMaker and see what are their differences

Scrivener logo Scrivener

Scrivener is a content-generation tool for composing and structuring documents.

TextMaker logo TextMaker

About TextMaker, the word processor in SoftMaker Office for Windows
  • Scrivener Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-16

FROM LITERATURE & LATTE WEBSITE: Scrivener is the go-to app for writers of all kinds, used every day by best-selling novelists, screenwriters, non-fiction writers, students, academics, lawyers, journalists, translators and more. Tailor-made for long writing projects, Scrivener banishes page fright by allowing you to compose your text in any order, in sections as large or small as you like. Got a great idea but don't know where it fits? Write when inspiration strikes and find its place later. Grow your manuscript organically, idea by idea. In Scrivener, everything you write is integrated into an easy-to-use project outline. So working with an overview of your manuscript is only ever a click away, and turning Chapter Four into Chapter One is as simple as drag and drop. Need to refer to research? In Scrivener, your background material is always at hand, and you can open it right next to your work. Write a description based on a photograph. Transcribe an interview. Take notes about a PDF file or web page. Or check for consistency by referencing an earlier chapter alongside the one in progress. Once you're ready to share your work with the world, compile everything into a single document for printing, self-publishing, or exporting to popular formats such as Word, PDF, Final Draft or plain text. You can even share using different formatting, so that you can write in your favorite font and still satisfy those submission guidelines.

  • TextMaker Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-02

Scrivener features and specs

  • Comprehensive Organizational Tools
    Scrivener offers a robust suite of tools like the corkboard, outliner, and binder, allowing for seamless organization and structuring of complex documents, making it easier to manage large projects.
  • Distraction-Free Writing Mode
    Scrivener provides a distraction-free writing mode that helps users focus solely on their writing by hiding all other elements on the screen.
  • Research Integration
    Users can import and manage research materials directly within the application, including PDFs, images, and web pages, which helps in keeping all relevant data in one place.
  • Customizable Workspaces
    Scrivener allows for extensive customization of the workspace, enabling users to set up their writing environment according to their preferences and needs.
  • Versatile Export Options
    Offers a range of export options to various formats such as PDF, Word, ePub, and more, facilitating easy sharing and publishing.
  • Snapshot Feature
    The snapshot feature allows users to save versions of their work before making major changes, providing a safety net to revert back if needed.

Possible disadvantages of Scrivener

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive features and functionalities, new users may find Scrivener overwhelming and may require a significant amount of time to fully master the software.
  • Cost
    Scrivener is a paid software with a one-time purchase cost, which might be a deterrent for those who are looking for free writing tools.
  • Limited Collaboration Features
    Scrivener lacks robust real-time collaboration tools, making it less ideal for projects requiring simultaneous multi-user editing.
  • Compatibility Issues
    While Scrivener is available for both macOS and Windows, some users have reported compatibility issues and feature discrepancies between the two versions.
  • Mobile App Limitations
    The mobile version of Scrivener, though useful, is not as feature-rich as the desktop version, which might limit productivity on the go.
  • Complex Export Process
    Some users find the export process to be complicated and not as straightforward as they would like, requiring additional time to configure settings appropriately.

TextMaker features and specs

  • Compatibility
    TextMaker offers excellent compatibility with Microsoft Word formats (DOCX, DOC), making it easy to open and edit Word documents without losing formatting.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    TextMaker is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, providing users with the flexibility to work across different operating systems.
  • Rich Feature Set
    TextMaker includes a comprehensive set of features such as advanced formatting tools, mail merge, and support for complex tables and graphics, catering to both basic and advanced documentation needs.
  • Export Options
    The software allows exporting to a wide range of formats, including PDF, EPUB, and HTML, enhancing document sharing and publishing capabilities.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    TextMaker is designed with an intuitive interface, making it easy for new users to navigate and access various features efficiently.

Possible disadvantages of TextMaker

  • Limited Cloud Integration
    Compared to some competitors, TextMaker has limited cloud storage integration options, which may hinder seamless collaboration for teams relying heavily on cloud services.
  • Subscription Model
    TextMaker is part of the SoftMaker Office suite, which typically requires a license purchase or subscription, potentially making it less appealing for users looking for a completely free solution.
  • Resource Usage
    Some users report that TextMaker can be resource-intensive, leading to slower performance on less powerful hardware, especially with large documents.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, some advanced features may require a learning curve for users unfamiliar with comprehensive word processors.
  • Less Known
    TextMaker, being part of the SoftMaker suite, is not as widely recognized as competitors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, potentially affecting adoption in environments valuing mainstream solutions.

Analysis of Scrivener

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Scrivener is considered a good choice for writers seeking a robust, all-in-one writing software. Its extensive feature set and ability to adapt to different writing workflows make it a worthwhile investment, especially for those handling complex or long-form writing projects.

Why this product is good

  • Scrivener is highly regarded for its comprehensive set of features that cater to writers, including novelists, screenwriters, and academics. It offers an intuitive and flexible interface that allows users to organize their research, notes, and drafts efficiently. The software supports various formats and boasts powerful tools like outlining, corkboard, and split-screen view, which help streamline the writing process. Additionally, Scrivener's ability to compile documents for different outputs—such as eBooks, manuscripts, or screenplays—adds significant value for writers with diverse publishing needs.

Recommended for

  • Novelists
  • Screenwriters
  • Academics
  • Nonfiction writers
  • Freelance writers
  • Writers handling complex projects

Scrivener videos

Scrivener vs Word: Review of What Scrivener Can Do For You

More videos:

  • Review - Ultimate Scrivener 3 Review
  • Review - Why I Think Scrivener is For Everyone (and why I like it so much)

TextMaker videos

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Scrivener and TextMaker)
Writing Tools
86 86%
14% 14
Text Editors
100 100%
0% 0
Word
0 0%
100% 100
Markdown Editor
100 100%
0% 0

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Scrivener and TextMaker

Scrivener Reviews

11 Best Scrivener Alternatives
The app’s interface looks similar to Scrivener, but you get a different experience based on your level and interests. Scrivener’s learning curve is designed for intermediate or higher levels of writers, but Ulysses makes it easier by offering tutorials along with its features.
7 Best Scrivener Alternatives
This writing tool is a Scrivener alternative that is similar to a Scrivener. The appearance of the user interface is identical to Scrivener but a little bit more modern.
5 Free Scrivener Alternatives to Manage Writing Projects
Ask most experts what the best novel writing software is, and they’ll usually tell you Scrivener. It’s also a popular tool for organizing research for most writing projects, although it’s not free. While they’re not always as robust, free Scrivener alternatives help you accomplish similar results without any fees. For students, full-time writers, and even freelancers, these...
9 Scrivener Alternative Tools: Overview, Pros, And Cons
No direct import from Scrivener: Ulysses doesn’t handle Scrivener files, at least not directly. You have to export your content as MultiMarkdown files in Scrivener first, click Save, and drag the .mmd file into Ulysses’ library.
17 Top Evernote Alternatives for Note-Taking for 2019
If your notes have anything to do with any type of writing: outlines, notes on drafts, brain dumps on story ideas, blog posts, scripts, essays, anything like that—you should migrate all of it to Scrivener.

TextMaker Reviews

We have no reviews of TextMaker yet.
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Scrivener and TextMaker, you can also consider the following products

Manuskript - Open-source tool for writers.

The Most Dangerous Writing App - If you stop typing, all progress is lost.

iA Writer - Minimal Design, Maximum Focus

4thewords - Write more, have fun. We’re a writing software that blends productivity and game mechanics so you can defeat writer's block and build a consistent writing habit! (We’re like a gym, built by writers, for writers)

yWriter - Free writing software designed by the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series. yWriter6 helps you write a book by organising chapters, scenes, characters and locations in an easy-to-use interface.

Write or Die - Write or Die is an application for Windows, Mac and Linux which aims to eliminate writer's...