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OnlyOffice vs Scrivener

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

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OnlyOffice
OnlyOfficeSecure online office suite fully compatible with MS Office formats
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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

OnlyOffice provides a full-featured office suite for creating, editing, and collaborating on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It offers both cloud‑based and self‑hosted deployments, allowing teams to keep data on‑premise or in the cloud. The platform integrates tightly with popular file storage services and includes real‑time co‑authoring, version control, and granular permission settings, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes that need a secure, standards‑compliant productivity solution.

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
Freemium
Paid (One-time)
Category
Word Processors
Word Processors
Best for
Enterprises and collaborative teams
Novelists, screenwriters, and non-fiction authors writing long-form manuscripts
Specifications
open source
Yes
—
api available
Yes
—
support options
Email, Ticket System, Community Forum
—
key integrations
Nextcloud, ownCloud, SharePoint, Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack
—
deployment
—
Desktop App
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • High fidelity with Microsoft Office formats
  • Both cloud and self‑hosted options
  • Robust permission and security controls
  • Extensive API for custom integrations
  • 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
  • User interface can feel less polished than some commercial rivals
  • Advanced features may require paid enterprise license
  • Mobile app functionality is limited compared to desktop
  • 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

OnlyOffice is a collaborative office suite with self‑hosted and cloud options, while Scrivener is a one‑time‑purchase desktop app focused on long‑form writing.

Key differences

  • •OnlyOffice offers real‑time multi‑user editing and granular permission controls; Scrivener does not.
  • •Scrivener provides specialized writing tools (corkboard, outliner, research pane) for book projects; OnlyOffice lacks these.
  • •OnlyOffice can be self‑hosted or integrated with storage services; Scrivener is a desktop‑only product.
  • •Pricing model differs: OnlyOffice freemium with optional paid enterprise features, Scrivener a single purchase.
DimensionWinner

Pricing & value

OnlyOffice has a freemium tier; Scrivener requires a one‑time purchase for all features.

OnlyOffice

Ease of use / learning curve

Scrivener’s interface is purpose‑built for writers but has a steeper learning curve; OnlyOffice is a conventional office UI.

Scrivener

Features & depth

OnlyOffice includes real‑time collaboration, PDF editing, and extensive API; Scrivener focuses on writing tools only.

OnlyOffice

Integrations & ecosystem

OnlyOffice integrates with Nextcloud, ownCloud, SharePoint, Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack; Scrivener has no listed integrations.

OnlyOffice

Collaboration

OnlyOffice supports simultaneous editing and role‑based permissions; Scrivener is single‑user only.

OnlyOffice

Scalability

OnlyOffice can be self‑hosted for large enterprises; Scrivener is limited to desktop installations.

OnlyOffice

Security & privacy

OnlyOffice offers encryption and granular access controls; Scrivener provides no security features in the facts.

OnlyOffice

Choose OnlyOffice if…

Enterprises or teams needing collaborative document editing and self‑hosted control.

Choose Scrivener if…

Individual authors or small writing teams focused on long‑form manuscript creation.

Common questions

Can OnlyOffice be used without an internet connection?

OnlyOffice offers self‑hosted deployment, which can run on local servers for offline use.

Does Scrivener support real‑time collaboration?

No, Scrivener is a desktop‑only app with no collaborative editing features mentioned.

What export formats does each product support?

OnlyOffice exports to MS Office formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX) and PDF; Scrivener exports to Word, PDF, ePub, and Final Draft.