Scrivener 4 is going to be the latest iteration of the popular writing software for writers. It promises to the users advanced features and improved user experience to meet writing needs. But there is a debate about whether it will be worth upgrading to Scrivener 4 or not.
Are you wondering when it will be released and what features it will offer? If yes, this article will help you by providing all the useful information and insights.
Part 1: What Is Scrivener?
Scrivener is one of the simple and effective tools for writing. It allows writers of all types to gain the best writing experience, whether they are a student or best-selling authors.
Scrivener is a software that you can download onto your mobile or desktop regardless of the type of system you are operating and explore new ways to write ideas and experiences. It offers every feature that is required to start writing and keep writing.
Features:
There are multiple features of Scrivener for MacOS, iOS, and Windows. Every single feature is designed for one end in the mind. If you are interested in reaching the end of your first draft, here is a list of some handful features of Scrivener that you can explore.
From blank page to Book –Your way
When it comes to collecting and uniting data for your writing needs, Scrivener does the perfect job. You can research and arrange the long document in a single application. There is a ring-binder that will allow you to gather all the data that is required for writing and flick between different parts of the manuscripts.
It helps in breaking the text into manageable sections and then stitch them together.
Piece it together
When you are writing on Scrivener, you can get the flexibility to instantly switch between your manuscript, one section, and the whole. It can become easier to work on a long text by breaking it into smaller parts.
With Scrivener, you can get full control of managing the data.
Familiar Text Editing
If you are familiar with the Word processor, you will feel right and agree with the Scrivener editor. You can make changes to the content as per your needs. You can add bold, italics, and other formatting to the writing material.
Outliner
The outliner allows you to work with an overview of the chapter you are writing. It puts more information at your fingertips. It arranges your draft, reviews it, and surpasses what you have written.
You can check the word count and view the metadata.
Tools for Non-Fiction
Scrivener offers support for the footnotes and the ability to refer to a library of research. This makes it an ideal tool for non-fiction writers.
You can explore the templates for writing general and non-fiction on Scrivener easily.
Write Anywhere
It is quite convenient for a writer to take the manuscript wherever they go. Scrivener is easily available for MacOS, iOS, and Windows. This means you can get spread out on a bigger screen wherever you want to.
To transfer the file, you can use Dropbox or iTunes.
Price:
For MacOS, the price of a standard license is $59.99.
For MacOS, the price of an educational license is $50.99.
These prices are the same for Windows as well.
For iOS, the price of this tool is $23.99.
If you are using multiple operating systems, such as MacOS and Windows, you can get a bundle with discounts worth $95.98.
Functions:
There are three main elements or functions of Scrivener known as:
Binder
Editor
Inspector
Pros:
Here is a list of benefits that you can avail by using Scrivener.
Keeps everything in one place
Save webpages in the Binder
Can you visualize your outline
Set writing goals and track progress
Cons:
There is a long journey of learning
Manually enabling spelling and grammar check
It freezes and takes time for backup
It is not convenient to switch drafts between Mac and PC.
Part 2: When Will Scrivener 4 be released?
Google has offered research related to this concern, and based on the information, there is no clear Scrivener 4 release date. But there is one person from the staff who has declared the date by posting it on the unofficial Scrivener subreddit.
But there is something that will excite me about the new version, and that is they are going to cover almost everything in Scrivener 4.
The update says that they will not charge anyone an entire $50 for the brand-new version. The existing customers will get straight discounts on the upgrade.
If you are wondering when Scrivener 4 will come out? There is a probability that they will release scrivener 4 next month. But there is still a lot of work in the development.
Part3: Expectations for Scrivener 4
Writing can be daunting, and using a smart and useful tool can make the process easy for the writers. Making the process easy and simple will be a good update. When using the former versions, the process of writing is not as complex as it is becoming.
In most cases, there is absolutely no need to have one single file in each folder. It cannot be the ultimate solution. When you write a short chapter, there will be no such need for the scenes as you can work with a flat list of text items in the draft.
In Scrivener, when you set up your own Binder with the right layouts to meet your writing needs, you will know how this works. In Scrivener Update 2023, there will be a chance that everything will be set up for your writing. It can make it a mystery. This can lead you to fix your software into contortion to please the assumptions.
Here is a list of expectations for Scrivener or suggestions to the developer to ensure the best writing experience.
An easy cloud sync between PC and Mac, phone, or tablet can turn out as the game changer for the writers as they will be able to write the document anywhere they want to.
For non-fiction writers, PDF annotation will be quite helpful.
Syntax colorization for Markdown text.
Git or GitHub integration.
Networking sync so the writers won’t have to go back and forth.
Better representation of metadata.
Improvements to compile mode.
Best Free Alternative to Scrivener - WPS Office
WPS is an all-in-one business suite to meet professional and personal needs regarding document management. Compared to the Scrivener, you don’t have to pay to get the templates and writing features. This will allow the writers to gain access to the features that will aid in the writing process.
Other than writing and formation of documentation, you can explore cloud-based storage solutions and sharing options on WPS.
WPS Office emerged as a solution for cloud-based storage and demand for cost-effective options. It offers free alternatives and easy access to writing, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDFs.
If you are looking for an advanced function for editing and scanning, you can buy the subscription for $29 a year. Compared to the prices of Scrivener, it is quite cheap.
One of the best things you can explore by using WPS Office is that it is fully compatible with Windows and Mac.
Pros:
Free Download
You can visit the website of WPS Office and download it in a few clicks.
Compatibility
It is fully compatible with different operating systems like Windows, Mac, iOS, and Linux.
User-friendly
No matter how much experience you have, WPS Office is simple to use and easy to access. You can learn the features instantly.
Safe and stable
It is protected and safe to use without any data breaches.
FAQs
Q 1. Is upgrading to Scrivener 4 worth it for existing users?
The upgrade of the Scrivener all depends on the writing needs you will have. The developers are working on fixing the bugs and making it more useful for the writers.
If you are looking for improved functionality, effective collaboration, and advanced writing experience, Scrivener 4 will be the ideal software for your writing needs.
You can use the Scrivener 3 to analyze what you want. This way, you can identify whether you are ready for the Scrivener 4 download or not. Plus, you will not have to pay the full amount for the purchase.
Q 2. Can I put Scrivener on two computers?
Yes, scrivener purchase allows you to install and activate the software on multiple devices to cater to your needs. If you have bought the license, you can activate the software on two computers.
Ensure that the license is owned by the same person who is using the devices. Usually, if you have two different types of screens, you need to buy different licenses for using Scrivener free.
Why WPS Is a Better Option for Writing
With the passage of time and upgradation in technology, you will explore advanced features in the software to gain the best experience for writing. However, not every writer is interested in waiting for the advanced functionality.
Instead of waiting for the Scrivener 4, you can take advantage of what is free to use and easy to access, like WPS Office, for the formation and sharing of your document.
WPS Office is one of the advanced business suites that allows you to create, edit, and share your document to multiple devices. It has 1.2 billion active users to cater to personal and professional needs. It will offer you a smooth writing experience with advanced features if you can’t wait for Scrivener 4.
