Which writing software is best for long projects?

When you're working on long writing projects—be it a novel, research paper, or dissertation—choosing the right writing software can make a huge difference in your productivity and organization. Two of the most popular tools for writers tackling large projects are Scrivener and Ulysses. Both offer special features designed to help writers organize their work and stay focused. But which is best for your needs? Let's break down the key features, strengths, and potential drawbacks of each tool.



Scrivener Overview

Scrivener, developed by Literature and Latte, is often the software of choice for novelists, researchers, and screenwriters. Known for its robust organizational tools, Scrivener allows writers to manage their projects in smaller chunks. This makes it easier to break down a large work into manageable sections. Some of Scrivener's key features include:

  • Pinboard and outline views: These tools make it easy to plan and rearrange sections of your writing and provide a bird's eye view of the entire project.
  • Project folder: Scrivener's folder feature is like a table of contents for your project, helping you organize chapters, scenes, research materials, and notes in one place.
  • Customizable writing area: Scrivener lets you set up your workspace to suit your writing style. You can view multiple documents at once or focus on just one part of your work.
  • Research integration: You can import PDFs, images, and even web pages into Scrivener, so you can easily reference your research without leaving the app.


However, Scrivener's powerful features come with a learning curve. New users can be overwhelmed by the enormous range of tools and options, as many of them are buried in menus and take time to learn.

Overview of Ulysses


Ulysses, on the other hand, is known for its minimalist and distraction-free design. Developed by The Soulmen, Ulysses is preferred by writers who want a clean, simple workspace without sacrificing organizational power. Ulysses offers:

  • Distraction-free writing environment: Ulysses' interface is clean and simple, aiming to help you write without visual clutter.
  • Unified library: All your projects and notes are stored in one place and accessible from any device via iCloud sync, which is especially helpful if you write on multiple devices.
  • Goals and dates: Ulysses offers features for setting word count goals, deadlines, and progress tracking, which is useful for keeping long projects on track.
  • Export options: Ulysses has powerful export features that allow you to quickly convert your texts into formats such as PDF, ePub or plain text.


While Ulysses is ideal for writers who want a simple, distraction-free workspace, it lacks some of Scrivener's more advanced features, such as detailed outlining tools or the integration of complex research.

Scrivner Pinboard + Folder
Photo credit: Scrivner


When it comes to organizing long writing projects, Scrivener can't be beat. The board, outline, and folder features let you break your work down into small chunks, making it easier to navigate a large project. For example, if you're writing a novel, you can organize your chapters and scenes in the folder, drag and drop them to reorder, and use the board to see a visual outline of your work.

Scrivener also gives you the ability to share your screen so you can view your research notes as you write. This feature is especially useful for academic or nonfiction writers who need to reference sources as they work.


While much simpler, Ulysses does offer organizational features, albeit less detailed than Scrivener's. Ulysses lets you organize your writing using “sheets” and “groups,” which function like folders and subfolders, but you won't find the same level of organization as Scrivener. Ulysses is best for writers who prefer a simpler structure or who don't need to constantly rearrange sections of their work.

Writing Experience: The Simplicity of Ulysses Wins

Ulysses iPad Split View
Photo credit: Ulysses


If you're looking for a streamlined, distraction-free environment, Ulysses may be a better option. Its minimalist interface puts all the focus on your writing. There are no complicated menus or buttons, and its Markdown-based system is perfect for those who want to format text quickly and easily without the need for extensive formatting options.

While powerful, Scrivener is a bit more cluttered. The interface is full of options, panels, and settings, which can be distracting if you're someone who prefers a clean writing space. While Scrivener does offer a full-screen mode that can eliminate distractions, it still doesn't match the simplicity of Ulysses.

Cross-device synchronization and accessibility

Ulysses on iPhone, MacBook and iPad
Photo credit: Ulysses


One of Ulysses' key strengths is its seamless cross-device syncing via iCloud. Whether you're writing on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, your work is always in sync. This makes it perfect for writers who need to frequently switch between devices. However, it's only available for use within the Apple ecosystem, not for PC or Android platforms.

Scrivener, on the other hand, doesn't offer the same level of cloud integration. While Scrivener has apps for Mac, Windows, and iOS, syncing between devices requires a third-party service like Dropbox, which can be a bit cumbersome compared to Ulysses' built-in iCloud syncing.


Which one is right for you?

Ultimately, the choice between Scrivener and Ulysses depends on your writing style and project requirements. If you're working on a long, complex project that requires extensive outlining, detailed organization, and integration of research, Scrivener is the better choice. It offers all the tools you need to manage large writing tasks, but comes with a steeper learning curve.

However, if you value a simple, distraction-free writing environment that easily syncs with your Apple devices, Ulysses may be the right choice. It's easy to use, and its clean interface makes it ideal for writers who want to focus on their words without being bogged down by too many features.


Both tools have their strengths, so which one is best for you depends on how you prefer to work. Whether you choose the power of Scrivener or the simplicity of Ulysses, you'll be well equipped for any long writing project.

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