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Apache OpenOffice vs Scrivener

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOfficeFree, open-source office suite for Windows, macOS, and Linux
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Scrivener
ScrivenerLong-form writing software for novels and books, combining drafting, outlining, and research tools.
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Overview
Description

Apache OpenOffice provides a full-featured office suite including Writer, Calc, and Impress, compatible with Microsoft Office and OpenDocument formats. It runs natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering a cost‑free solution for students, small businesses, and open‑source enthusiasts. The suite is community‑maintained, supports a wide range of file types, and includes tools for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, and databases, all without any licensing fees.

Scrivener is writing software built specifically for long-form projects like novels, screenplays, and non-fiction books, rather than general-purpose word processing. It organizes a manuscript using a "ring-binder" metaphor with a corkboard and outliner for structuring chapters and scenes, alongside a dedicated research pane for keeping reference material next to the draft.

Pricing
Free
Paid (One-time)
Category
Word Processors
Word Processors
Best for
Students, small businesses and open-source users
Novelists, screenwriters, and non-fiction authors writing long-form manuscripts
Specifications
deployment
Desktop App
Desktop App
open source
Yes
—
api available
Yes
—
support options
Email, Community Forums
—
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Completely free with no hidden costs
  • Runs on all major desktop operating systems
  • Supports both Microsoft and OpenDocument formats
  • Extensible via community extensions
  • One-time purchase rather than a recurring subscription
  • Purpose-built structure (corkboard, outliner, research pane) suits book-length projects better than generic word processors
  • Exports to multiple formats including ePub and Final Draft for different publishing paths
  • Available on macOS, Windows, and iOS
Cons
  • No native cloud‑based collaboration like some competitors
  • Limited mobile support; primarily desktop only
  • User interface feels dated compared to newer suites
  • Steeper learning curve than a simple word processor due to its project-based structure
  • Not ideal for short documents like letters or one-off reports
  • No Android app, limiting mobile use to iOS only
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Apache OpenOffice is a free, general‑purpose office suite; Scrivener is a paid, specialized tool for long‑form writing.

Key differences

  • •Cost: OpenOffice is free, Scrivener requires a one‑time purchase.
  • •Primary purpose: OpenOffice handles word processing, spreadsheets, presentations; Scrivener focuses on manuscript drafting, outlining, research.
  • •Collaboration: OpenOffice has no native cloud collaboration; Scrivener also lacks built‑in collaboration features.
  • •Platform support: OpenOffice runs on desktop OSes only; Scrivener adds iOS but no Android.
  • •Feature depth for writing: Scrivener offers corkboard, split‑screen, research pane; OpenOffice provides standard word‑processor tools only.
DimensionWinner

Pricing & value

OpenOffice is free; Scrivener requires a one‑time paid license.

Apache OpenOffice

Ease of use / learning curve

OpenOffice’s classic UI is familiar; Scrivener’s project‑based structure has a steeper learning curve.

Apache OpenOffice

Features & depth

Scrivener includes corkboard, outlining, research pane, full‑screen mode tailored for books; OpenOffice offers standard office features.

Scrivener

Integrations & ecosystem

OpenOffice imports/exports Microsoft Office formats and supports extensions; Scrivener’s export list is limited to Word, PDF, ePub, Final Draft.

Apache OpenOffice

Collaboration

Both lack native cloud‑based collaboration; each relies on manual file sharing.

Tie

Support

OpenOffice provides email and community forums; Scrivener’s support options are not specified.

Apache OpenOffice

Security & privacy

No security or privacy details are provided for either product.

Tie

Choose Apache OpenOffice if…

Students, small businesses, or anyone needing a free, general office suite.

Choose Scrivener if…

Novelists, screenwriters, or long‑form authors who need dedicated drafting and outlining tools.

Common questions

How much does each product cost?

OpenOffice is free; Scrivener requires a one‑time purchase (price not specified).

Which tool is better for writing a novel?

Scrivener, because it offers corkboard, outlining, research pane, and export to ePub and Final Draft.

Can I collaborate in real time with teammates?

Neither product includes native cloud‑based collaboration; you must share files manually.