Umbral InkUmbral Ink vs Scrivener
Both are powerful tools for long-form writing. Here's how they compare — so you can choose what fits your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Umbral Ink | Scrivener |
|---|---|---|
|
Multi-pane editing
Work on multiple sections at once
|
✓ | ✓ |
|
Offline-first
All features work without internet
|
✓ | ✓ |
|
Built-in grammar check
Catch errors while you write
|
✓ | — |
|
Web companion
Edit from any browser
|
With Cloud subscription | — |
|
Version history
Track changes over time
|
Git-based snapshots | Manual snapshots |
|
Cloud sync
Access projects anywhere
|
Optional (GitHub or Cloud) | Via Dropbox |
|
File portability
Export and move your work
|
Markdown-based, easy export | Proprietary format |
|
ePub export
Publish directly to ebook
|
✓ | ✓ |
|
Desktop platforms
Where you can write
|
Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac |
|
Mobile
Write on the go
|
Web (with Cloud sub) | iOS app ($30) |
|
Price
One-time purchase, no subscription
|
$39 All platforms included | $60 Per platform (Mac or Windows) |
Why Writers Choose Umbral Ink
Privacy-first
Your manuscript stays on your device. Cloud sync is optional — and when you use it, you control where your data goes.
One price, all platforms
Pay once, use everywhere. Windows, Mac, and Linux — all included. No paying again when you switch computers.
Optional cloud sync
Add cloud sync to access your projects from any browser. Or stay fully offline — your choice, not ours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Umbral Ink a good Scrivener alternative?
Yes, Umbral Ink is designed for long-form writers who want offline-first editing with multi-pane support. It offers similar organizational features to Scrivener while adding privacy-focused cloud sync, built-in grammar checking, and cross-platform licensing.
Does Umbral Ink work offline like Scrivener?
Yes, Umbral Ink is fully offline-first. All core features including grammar checking, spellcheck, and editing work without internet. Cloud sync is optional and only activates when you choose to sync.
How does Umbral Ink pricing compare to Scrivener?
Umbral Ink is $39 one-time for all desktop platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux). Scrivener charges $60 per platform — $60 for Mac, another $60 for Windows, plus $30 for iOS if you want mobile. Neither requires a subscription for core features.
Can Umbral Ink import Scrivener projects?
Umbral Ink uses markdown-based files, so you can export your Scrivener project as text or RTF and import into Umbral Ink. Direct .scrivx import is not currently supported, but the export process is straightforward.
What does Umbral Ink have that Scrivener doesn't?
Power without complexity. Multi-pane editing, grammar checking, version snapshots — without the learning curve. Plus: privacy-first design, GitHub sync, Linux support, and one price for all platforms. Scrivener is powerful but overwhelming; Umbral Ink gives you what you need to write.
Try Umbral Ink free for 30 days
No credit card. No cloud upload required. Just download and write.